ACTS CHAPTER FOUR Written by Chris Herd 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, NOTE: It is great to see the giving attitudes of Christians in the First Century. The phrase Neither was there any among them that lacked... shows that no matter what needs others had, those who had were willing to help. Being a missionary myself I know the gratitude that people feel when others take care of your needs. It never is easy to ask for help, however when I have and do, it is humbling to see how brethren want to help. God bless you! 35 And laid them down at the apostles feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. NOTE: The Apostles took the leadership responsibility of distribution. What a blessing to see some order being displayed and respect here for the Lords chosen ones. I love to see those who serve being respected. God bless them who serve in a manner as good stewards and them who show respect. 36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, NOTE: Barnabas the encouraging brother. He encouraged John Mark when he and Paul had a strong dissention. Here he is encouraging by being sacrificial. Barnabas becomes better known to us through the book of Acts, chapters nine through 15, and chapter two of the book of Galatians. Barnabas was a Levite, he sold a tract of land and did as many others were doing. But heres the problem: according to the Law of God, the Levites werent supposed to own land, because the sons of Levi did not have an inheritance in the land. God had said, NUMBERS 18:24 “For the tithe of the sons of Israel, which they offer as an offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance; therefore I have said concerning them, ‘They shall have no inheritance among the sons of Israel.’” So why does this Levite have a tract of land to sell? God had told the people of Israel, DEUTERONOMY 12:19 “Be careful that you do not forsake the Levite as long as you live in your land. But by the time of the first century, they had forsaken the Levites, just as they had in the days of NEHEMIAH (13:10-13). It was every man for himself. The chief priests, elders, and scribes had cornered the market on making money from temple operations. The Levites had to fend for themselves. Thats why Barnabas was a Levite but owned a tract of land. As the text says... 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles feet. ACTS CHAPTER FIVE 1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, NOTE: The fact that chapter five begins with the word BUT, it seems that there is no break in the thought. Perhaps even a connection between the Last character spoken of Barnabas? Of course this can only be taken so far but I have often wondered if there was a jealous attitude or attention seeking attitude in Annanias and his wife Saphira? 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles feet. NOTE: The actions of this couple would appear very noble at this point in time. However there is an alterior motive exposed by the Apostle Peter. It is sad when those who are supposed to help each other get to heaven do not. This passage points out the need to love God even more than your spouse, your family or anyone and anything. 3 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? NOTE: Peter accuses Annanias of lying to the Holy Ghost (Spirit NKJV). In the very next verse he would accuse him of lying to God. God and the Holy Ghost are one just as Christ is also. Note also that Satan is in the mix. He is never far away. Peter says to Annanias basically you lied about how much the land cost you. One might consider this point and ask why? Obviously there was a desire to be seen as so much more sacrificial than he had been. When we give to God we have got to avoid this same temptation of wanting to be seen by men as great. 4 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. NOTE: At the end of the day, God knows all. Our intents and attitudes. We can fool men but never God. Annanias had made a grave mistake and it would be devastating for him and his family. While we have anything or choose to do anything, we are in control of our souls destiny. Let us CHOOSE LIFE. Annanias had the power to avoid death and so do we. What will we choose to do in every choice we make? Will we choose the pursuit of holiness and eternal happiness? Or the other choice that sometimes leads to temporary fleeting happiness but reaps dissaster and dissatisfaction? Remember that the actions you choose do not only concern you, most likely you will also cause others to sin. The opposite is true, a good example envourages others to do good. God bless you!
Posted on: Fri, 25 Jul 2014 05:08:01 +0000
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