The earliest church was made up of many pilgrims who arrived into Jerusalem for Jewish events, found Jesus, and stayed. That did make for some unique challenges. Where would they all stay? How would they be fed, clothed, and housed? Furthermore, the Jewish Priests, Sadducees and leaders wanted their voices squelched. Yet, if they returned home too soon, they would leave unprepared, since the only preachers at first were there in Jerusalem. All the new converts needed to grow in their knowledge of Christ before heading out to spread the gospel throughout the world. Satan had tried to silence them with a threat; but that only lead to praise worship and more converts. Now he would try to sow seeds of hypocrisy within their own ranks. So, what is the big deal with hypocrisy within this early church? For that we turn to Acts 5.
First, lets take a step back to the last few verses of Acts 4. As pointed out, this early church was challenged with problems housing and feeding some 20,000 people. Furthermore, the church kept expanding in size so rapidly. There were some among the church who with open hearts of love sold land that they had, gave everything to the apostles to distribute among the needy within this newly formed community of believers. One such person was Barnabas. Throughout the book of Acts, we come to learn of his heart. He loved Jesus, was so overwhelmingly filled with gratitude for his salvation that he was compelled to love and share everything for the sake of Jesus name. Always humble, he used his liberty in Christ to be a comforter and giver. As a result, everyone loved him in return for his kindness.
Where Hypocrisy Entered
Barnabas was not generous to gain the affection of the people. Nor did he do it out of duty. There was no commandment or request for him to sell land and give it to the church. He was a Levite. Therefore, his lineage was steeped in the old testament law. In fact, the Levites were forbidden to hold land according to Numbers 18:20,24. Still, he possessed land in Cyprus. Freed from the burden of the law, he freely gave up this possession to help others. This was a freedom born out of salvation. No longer chained by the guilt brought on under the law, he was free to give everything without reproach.
Ananias and Saphira saw how loved Barnabas was and they wanted to be embraced with the same love as he was. Their jealousy led them to sell a possession of theirs. However, they conspired to keep a portion while telling the people they gave it all for the poor. But note, they did not do this out of love for the people. Rather they did it to be loved of the people. Desiring to look pious, generous and holy, they did this out of love for themselves. Why else lie about it?
Ah, but did they really understand who God is? Did they recognize His omnipotence and omniscience? Did they realize the Justice and Holiness of God? Or perhaps, they overestimated God’s Grace. What ever their underlying thought process, their hypocrisy shone forth loudly. Because they lied to the Holy Spirit, they both died suddenly. Was this the God of Grace that the apostles taught of who took their lives? Yes, the same God of mercy, grace and love is also a just and righteous God.
Confronting the Truth
Peter confronts first Ananias and then later Saphira. He reminds them that no one and no law compelled them to give up their possessions. Furthermore, even if they desired to sell it to give a portion and keep a portion, there was nothing wrong with that either. However, the sin lay in the hypocrisy of pretending to give everything when not. The sin lay in their hearts and in trying to lie to the Holy Spirit. This revealed they had no reverence for God the Father, the Son, nor the Holy Spirit. Read this:
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost: Great fear came on all them that heard these things. The young men arose, wound him up, carried him out, and buried him.
It was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. Peter answered unto her, “Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much?” And she said, ‘Yea, for so much.’ Then Peter said unto her, “How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband” (Acts 5:3-9).
The Role of Fear
Note in both cases fear entered the hearts of both the Christians and all who heard about this. Satan hoped this would cause a devastating blow upon the early church. After all who would want to join them, if God would enact such judgement upon His followers? Yet, the opposite occurred, and the church grew. Today we have many churches who want to preach God grace and love, while ignoring His justice and righteousness. One cannot exist without the other. Yes, His mercy is overwhelmingly large. Still, He cannot be loving and gracious without remaining just and righteous. Sin will be punished both in the lives of His children as well as those who refuse Him. Hypocrisy is not a part of God’s nature and cannot be.
As parents and grandparents, we know children must have rules to keep them safe and to allow them to grow into responsible adults. All mercy with no responsibility leads to chaos, for by nature we are a selfish breed. There is a healthy degree of “fear” or reverence that is very important both in our relationship to our parents and to God. However, that fear transforms from merely a fear of punishment to a fear of disappointing the one we love so much. After all that He has done for me, I so want to honor God with my life. My failures disappoint Him. Rather than acting out of fear of “punishment”, I operate from a fear of not honoring Him with all that I say and all that I do. Humbly, I want others to see Him. It is because I love Him, that I then love others.
And because I love others, I want them to know Him. That does require my own transparency and vulnerability.
Concluding Thoughts
I cannot pretend that I am perfect. Hypocrisy cannot be a part of my life. Vulnerability and transparency can be frightening because we want others to think highly of us. But to truly love God means I lay aside me, that He might shine forth to the word. I thank God for His Justice and Righteous Nature. Yet, I am so overwhelmed by His love, grace, and mercy as well.
We cannot and must not water down the truth of the gospel message. Neither can we ignore the truth of God’s Just and Righteous nature. Yes, He is merciful and gracious, abounding in love; but, He will not ignore sin forever in our nation nor the hearts of those who reject Him.
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If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Previous Posts in This Study of ACTS
One United Prayer of Praise. How with Perilous Threats?
What if You Were Forbidden to Speak of Jesus
How to Really Speak the Truth Boldly
Miracle of God, His Timing, and the Faith to Stand
Do We really Have Singleness of Heart?
What is our Greatest Opportunity at Hand?
The Remarkable Communication of the Holy Spirit in Revival
Is Being Filled with the Spirit a Different Experience?
What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
How to Wait with Cautious Discernment
How to Hold Fast to the True Gospel Message
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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