The Book of Acts
Two Examples of Sharing
Text:
Acts 4:32 – Acts 5:11
Body:
I.
Gave As Anyone Had Need
(Acts
4:32-37)
Verse 32
Acts 4:32
“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one
soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was
his own, but they had all things in common.”
NKJV
Jesus had prayed that His followers would be united. (John
17:20-21) “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who
will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one as
You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in
Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”
NKJV
That prayer is answered in the early days of the church as seen
here. The Christians had unity of heart and mind – a unity that
came from deep within. They recognized that all their possessions
were ultimately God’s. (Psalm 24:1) “The earth is the Lord’s,
and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.”
NKJV
They exhibited a spirit of selflessness.
Verse 33
Acts 4:33
“And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection
of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.”
NKJV
The
apostles kept doing what was illegal, preaching the gospel!
Non-believers found this message favorable because they saw the love
and concern shown among the believers. Gospel preaching is greatly
helped by Christian living. (I Peter 2:12) “having your
conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against
you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe,
glorify God in the day of visitation.”
NKJV
There was an outpouring of grace upon them.
Verse 34
Acts 4:34
“Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were
possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of
the things that were sold.”
NKJV
“Not a needy person” – Note: Deuteronomy 15:4-5. “except when there
may be no poor among you; for the Lord will greatly bless you in the
land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess as an
inheritance – Only if you carefully obey the voice of the Lord your
God, to observe with care all these commandments which I command you
today.” NKJV
Whenever a need arose, some of the Christians would sell possessions
to meet that need. This was totally voluntary and was sparked by
their love and concern for each other. In the near future, the
Jerusalem church would suffer hardship and be dependent upon the
generosity of believers from other areas. (Romans 15:25-28)
“But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. For it
pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain
contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. It
pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the
Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty
is also to minister to them in material things. Therefore, when I
have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go
by way of you to Spain.”
NKJV
Verse 35
Acts 4:35
“and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each
as anyone had need.”
NKJV
Here is a hint of a common treasury. (I Corinthians 16:1-2) “Now
concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to
the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of
the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he
may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.”
NKJV
It was based upon need. Note: Deuteronomy 15:4. [See
Acts 4:34]
Verses 36-37
Acts 4:36-37
“And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is
translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,
having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the
apostles’ feet.”
NKJV
A
specific example is given. Barnabas was of the tribe of Levi from
Cyprus. He and Paul did missionary work there later.
(Acts 13:4) “So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down
to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus,:
NKJV
Encouragement gives comfort, exhortation. Barnabas’ gift of sharing
what he had serves as a great example.
II.
Kept Back Some of the Proceeds
(Acts 5:1-11)
Verses 1-2
Acts 5:1-2
“But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a
possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also
being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the
apostles’ feet.”
NKJV
“But” – a sharp contrast is now given. Ananias – “Jehovah has been
gracious”, soon learns about God’s justice. This is the first
recorded sin in the church. The sin was lying, saying that what
they gave was the full price of the land. Ananias was a hypocrite,
pretending to be something he wasn’t. Jesus had strong remarks for
hypocrites. (Matthew 23:25-28) “Woe to you, scribes and
Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and
dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. . .
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like
whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but
inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.. Even so
you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full
of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
NKJV
Why did they do this? It was possible they wanted the praise of men
without having to sacrifice. So they had to lie about the purchase
price.
Verses 3-4
Acts 5:3-4
“But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to
the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for
yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was
sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this
thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.’ ”
NKJV
While he was expecting praise, he received a huge shock. His sin
was exposed! God knows the hearts of men. (Acts 1:24) “And
they prayed and said, ‘You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show
which of these two You have chosen’ ”
NKJV
Ananias had allowed Satan to control his thoughts. (James 4:7)
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from
you.” NKJV
He had lied to the Holy Spirit, who is God. (II Corinthians
13:14) “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and
the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.”
NKJV
When one lies to the church, the temple of God, he lies to God.
Ananias did not have to sell the land and if he did, he did not have
to give all the money to the apostles. It was under his control.
But he “kept back” part of the money and pretended that he had given
it all. This is similar to the sin of Achan in Joshua 7.
Verses 5-6
Acts 5:5-6
“Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his
last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.
And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and
buried him.”
NKJV
Ananias died as a result of his sin, death by divine judgment.
(I Corinthians 10:6-11) God has not changed. He still hates sin as
much as He ever did. We must take sin seriously. Note: Acts 12:23
which refers to Herod. “Then immediately an angel of the Lord
struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten
by worms and died.”
NKJV
Verses 7-8
Acts 5:7-8
“Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not
knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, ‘Tell me whether
you sold the land for so much?’ She said, ‘Yes, for so much.’ ”
NKJV
More tragedy was to come. Apparently Peter had commanded those
present not to tell anyone about Ananias’ death. Sapphira told the
same lie. She revealed her hard heart. (Ephesians 4:25)
“Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth
with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.”
NKJV
Verses 9-10
Acts 5:9-10
“Then Peter said to her, ‘How is it that you have agreed together to
test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have
buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.’
Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last.
And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out,
buried her by her husband.”
NKJV
Do not be accused of putting God to the test, to see how far you can
go, to see if God will really do what He said He would do.
(Numbers 14:20-23) “22
because all these men who have seen My glory and the signs which I
did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have put Me to the test now
these ten times, and have not heeded My voice,
23
they certainly shall not see the land of which I swore to their
fathers nor shall any of those who rejected Me see it.”
NKJV
(Psalm 95:7-11) “9
When your fathers tested Me; They tried Me, though they saw My
work.” NKJV
We see in this act that God looks at motives. Why we do something
is as important as what we do. (I Samuel 16:7) “Also Shimei said
thus when he cursed: ‘Come out! Come out! You bloodthirsty man,
you rogue!” NKJV
Verse 11
Acts 5:11
“So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these
things.” NKJV
Great fear – mega fear People were terrified. We see the
importance of church discipline. It is to help keep the church
pure. God tells the church it is not an option. (Matthew
18:15-17) “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell
him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have
gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or
two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may
be established. And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the
church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to
you like a heathen and a tax collector.”
NKJV
(I Corinthian 5:1-13) “11
But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named
a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or
a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner – not even to eat with
such a person.
12
For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do
you not judge those who are inside?
13
But those who are outside God judges. Therefore put away from
yourselves the evil person.”
NKJV
It
lets the world know where we stand.
Conclusion:
The unity of God’s people is a wonderful thing. But when sin
threatens that unity, it must be dealt with. God hates and judges
sin.
(Hebrews 10:30-31) “For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I
will repay,’ says the Lord. And again, ‘The Lord will judge His
people.’ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living
God.” NKJV
Bobby Stafford
July 12, 2015 [Evening]
Acts: Lesson 16 Acts 4:32-5:11
