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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: MATCH (08/26/21)
The believers in the early church were brimming with the Holy Spirit and the church was growing rapidly. A deep sense of unity weaved through the community. This unity flowed like a mountain stream nourishing everything it touched. This community sold some of their property and possessions giving the proceeds to the apostles to distribute to anyone who was in need. Loyalty for the apostles and the Lord ran deep. These Christians were a depiction of selflessness, kindness, and love.

Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, were members of this community. They sold some of their property. Ananias informed his wife he was going to withhold some of the money. Sapphira remained silent. Ananias brought the money to the apostles and laid it at their feet. Peter being filled with the Holy Spirit knew something was wrong. Then Peter said, “Ananias how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received from the land?”Acts 5:3 NIV. Ananias had choices. He did not have to sell the property. It was his property to do with what he wanted. All the proceeds from the sale belonged to him.

Peter went after Ananias unrelentingly. The Truth can not be held down. First Peter tells him he lied to the Holy Spirit. Peter’s final statement to Ananias was, “You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” Acts 5:4 NIV.

When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what happened. Acts5:5. This fear was a fear of reverence for the Lord. The believers were in awe how the Holy Spirit displayed His power and presence through the apostles with the wonders and signs they were performing.

Ananias was buried before Sapphira showed up. When Sapphira came before Peter he asked if the price Ananias gave him for the property was correct. She outright lied and said yes. Sapphira met the same fate as her husband.

When I read this parable, my mind went to Adam and Eve. Adam could have prevented Eve from eating the fruit or at least tried. He could have made the decision not to eat the fruit but he choose to eat it. Sapphira could have tried to talk Ananias out of his scheme. When questioned by Peter about the price, she could have told the truth.

The couple abused and threatened the unity of the fellowship through their deception. Lying is a characteristic of Satan. One of God’s characteristics is truth. Their choice was to serve Satan and not the Lord. The truth will always break through the lie. Ananias and Sapphira were not a match for Peter. Just as Satan is not a match for the Holy Spirit.

Acts 5:1-5
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Jennifer Warren 
09/03/21
Well written. Clear. Good commentary. Excellent reminders.
Philippa Geaney
09/06/21
Concise and well written. Important reminder -thank you.
Bea Edwards 
09/08/21
Nicely written entry.
Your last line "Satan is not a match for the Holy Spirit" priceless!