Ananias and Sapphira wanted to have a reputation like that of Barnabas (Acts 4:36, 37), but they did not have the same character he had. At a time when others were seeking to serve their fellow believers, Ananias and Sapphira were seeking to serve themselves. Ananias and Sapphira believed in the Lord Jesus Christ; however, they had succumbed to the temptations of greed and pride. Note that the same word 'filled' is used here in connection with Satan as used in 4:8 of the Holy Spirit. The term means to take possession of or control. God children, who have been freed from the tyranny of Satan, have the ability to choose whom they will allow to control them. When we choose to sin, we open the door to Satan. The Evil One tempted Ananias and Sapphira with wicked desires and thoughts, and they yielded their will to these temptations. The author of all lies is Satan (John 8:44). When Ananias and Sapphira deliberately lied, they took upon themselves the moral character of the one who is behind all lies, the devil himself. Ananias and Sapphira could have their proceeds or they could have kept it all; their stewardship was between them and the Lord. But the problem was that they wanted others to believe they had sacrificed everything when in fact they had given only a portion to the Lord (Acts 5:1-4).
Posted on: Fri, 09 Aug 2013 14:18:30 +0000
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