1 00:00:00,240 --> 00:00:03,150 Speaker 1: So that your giving may be in secret, and your 2 00:00:03,190 --> 00:00:09,289 Speaker 1: Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6.4 3 00:00:09,289 --> 00:00:13,970 Speaker 1: Gracious Father, we thank you for seeing our hearts and 4 00:00:14,030 --> 00:00:18,790 Speaker 1: knowing our motives. We ask for humility, Lord, that we 5 00:00:18,829 --> 00:00:23,980 Speaker 1: may give generously without seeking the recognition of others. Help 6 00:00:24,040 --> 00:00:26,479 Speaker 1: us to remember that our reward is not in the 7 00:00:26,560 --> 00:00:32,210 Speaker 1: praise of man, but in your approval. alone. Teach us 8 00:00:32,290 --> 00:00:37,739 Speaker 1: to give faithfully and quietly, trusting that you see what 9 00:00:37,800 --> 00:00:43,000 Speaker 1: is done in secret. May we be content with your acknowledgement, 10 00:00:44,040 --> 00:00:47,229 Speaker 1: finding joy in serving others out of love for you. 11 00:00:48,340 --> 00:00:52,930 Speaker 1: Keep our hearts pure, focused on your glory and not 12 00:00:53,030 --> 00:00:58,090 Speaker 1: our own. Strengthen us to remain faithful in our giving. 13 00:00:58,950 --> 00:01:03,530 Speaker 1: even when no one else sees. In Jesus' name, amen. 14 00:01:04,510 --> 00:01:07,530 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 15 00:01:07,550 --> 00:01:13,170 Speaker 1: the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for another dramatized story inspired 16 00:01:13,209 --> 00:01:16,309 Speaker 1: by the book of Acts and the birth of the church. 17 00:01:17,010 --> 00:01:20,130 Speaker 1: If this podcast has blessed you, make sure to follow 18 00:01:20,590 --> 00:01:26,390 Speaker 1: so you never have to miss an episode. Ananias made 19 00:01:26,430 --> 00:01:30,289 Speaker 1: his way tiresomely down the darkened street. He had taken 20 00:01:30,330 --> 00:01:32,789 Speaker 1: longer closing up his shop than he would have liked, 21 00:01:33,430 --> 00:01:36,830 Speaker 1: and the price to pay was smelling warm cooked meals 22 00:01:37,030 --> 00:01:41,950 Speaker 1: through lighted windows while his stomach growled with hunger. Ananias 23 00:01:42,000 --> 00:01:45,160 Speaker 1: grumbled mindlessly to himself in cold bitterness. 24 00:01:45,620 --> 00:01:49,760 Speaker 2: All these people enjoying their lives, and I'm always working 25 00:01:49,780 --> 00:01:51,100 Speaker 2: with the short end of the stick. 26 00:01:51,780 --> 00:01:54,610 Speaker 1: He was suddenly drawn from his complaining. When he heard 27 00:01:54,650 --> 00:01:58,130 Speaker 1: a loud thud, he turned and squinted down the lane. 28 00:01:58,670 --> 00:02:01,590 Speaker 1: He could make out a dozen or so figures standing 29 00:02:01,790 --> 00:02:04,590 Speaker 1: out front of a house. He bent his ear to 30 00:02:04,650 --> 00:02:07,860 Speaker 1: listen in. If he had to endure the late walk, 31 00:02:08,280 --> 00:02:11,139 Speaker 1: he might as well do so with the enjoyment he 32 00:02:11,220 --> 00:02:12,880 Speaker 1: found in eavesdropping. 33 00:02:13,360 --> 00:02:15,440 Speaker 3: I went to the market today to sell one of 34 00:02:15,500 --> 00:02:18,640 Speaker 3: my fields. You see, the Lord has graced me with 35 00:02:18,760 --> 00:02:21,660 Speaker 3: more than I need. The fruit of my other fields 36 00:02:21,760 --> 00:02:25,250 Speaker 3: alone will continue to feed those who hunger. I hope 37 00:02:25,310 --> 00:02:27,590 Speaker 3: that the money this field has brought will be able 38 00:02:27,630 --> 00:02:31,100 Speaker 3: to bless the people of God in an even greater way. 39 00:02:31,700 --> 00:02:33,820 Speaker 3: I would have given it at the gathering today, but 40 00:02:34,139 --> 00:02:37,380 Speaker 3: I thought it best to wait, considering the amount. 41 00:02:37,940 --> 00:02:42,700 Speaker 1: Ananias recognized Barnabas' voice. Not only did they own land 42 00:02:42,800 --> 00:02:46,079 Speaker 1: near one another, but both had become followers of Jesus 43 00:02:46,400 --> 00:02:49,900 Speaker 1: since the resurrection. Ananias stepped behind the corner of a 44 00:02:49,940 --> 00:02:53,100 Speaker 1: nearby house, cautiously peering around the edge. 45 00:02:53,660 --> 00:02:56,530 Speaker 4: May the world know of the goodness of God demonstrated 46 00:02:56,550 --> 00:02:59,609 Speaker 4: to you today, Barnabas. The Lord will use what you've 47 00:02:59,630 --> 00:03:03,270 Speaker 4: done in secret to glorify himself in the light. 48 00:03:04,910 --> 00:03:08,489 Speaker 1: As the men entered the house, Ananias pressed the small 49 00:03:08,530 --> 00:03:11,120 Speaker 1: of his back against the wall with a heavy sigh. 50 00:03:11,740 --> 00:03:13,880 Speaker 1: He pounded it with the heel of his fist. 51 00:03:14,660 --> 00:03:18,139 Speaker 2: One day, I'll have the recognition I deserve. 52 00:03:22,000 --> 00:03:25,620 Speaker 5: What's the cost of pretending? What are the ripple effects 53 00:03:25,820 --> 00:03:29,480 Speaker 5: of our fake faith? Make no mistake, friends, a fake 54 00:03:29,660 --> 00:03:33,060 Speaker 5: faith can cause some serious damage to you and to 55 00:03:33,100 --> 00:03:36,750 Speaker 5: God's people. Welcome to The Jesus Podcast, a year of 56 00:03:36,850 --> 00:03:40,790 Speaker 5: stories showcasing the depth of Christ's love and the glory 57 00:03:40,910 --> 00:03:43,650 Speaker 5: of his spirit. We've been going through a mini-series on 58 00:03:43,670 --> 00:03:46,610 Speaker 5: the birth of the church, showcasing that the power and 59 00:03:46,670 --> 00:03:50,100 Speaker 5: work of Christ lives on through his followers. Take a 60 00:03:50,130 --> 00:03:52,460 Speaker 5: moment to follow on whatever platform you're listening to so 61 00:03:52,500 --> 00:03:55,020 Speaker 5: you never have to miss an episode. Today we're diving 62 00:03:55,060 --> 00:03:57,059 Speaker 5: into one of the more shocking stories in the book 63 00:03:57,080 --> 00:04:00,980 Speaker 5: of Acts. Today's episode is inspired by Acts 5, 1-16, 64 00:04:01,380 --> 00:04:03,680 Speaker 5: and it introduces us to a couple who wanted to 65 00:04:03,740 --> 00:04:06,320 Speaker 5: make a name for themselves in the early church, but 66 00:04:06,420 --> 00:04:11,140 Speaker 5: ended up as a cautionary tale. Their names? Ananias and Sapphira. 67 00:04:11,620 --> 00:04:14,140 Speaker 5: The story of their deceit reminds us that while we 68 00:04:14,180 --> 00:04:16,420 Speaker 5: can fool people, we can never fool God. 69 00:04:18,800 --> 00:04:22,420 Speaker 1: Back at home, Ananias sat at his table. He swirled 70 00:04:22,440 --> 00:04:25,050 Speaker 1: a cup of wine around in his hand, like a 71 00:04:25,080 --> 00:04:28,750 Speaker 1: fortune teller trying to see the future in the circular wavelets. 72 00:04:29,510 --> 00:04:33,669 Speaker 1: His wife, Sapphira, busily scurried around the kitchen, fixing him 73 00:04:33,710 --> 00:04:35,150 Speaker 1: a plate of lukewarm food. 74 00:04:35,730 --> 00:04:39,830 Speaker 2: It's just not fair, Sapphira. Barnabas has all this wealth, 75 00:04:40,070 --> 00:04:43,350 Speaker 2: so of course he can afford the praise. Where does 76 00:04:43,390 --> 00:04:46,230 Speaker 2: that leave the rest of us? To scurry under the 77 00:04:46,390 --> 00:04:48,550 Speaker 2: feet of the apostles for table scraps? 78 00:04:49,250 --> 00:04:53,710 Speaker 1: Ananias held nothing back. If asked, he would have blamed 79 00:04:53,750 --> 00:04:56,620 Speaker 1: his lack of control on the tiredness from the day. 80 00:04:57,380 --> 00:05:00,240 Speaker 1: But his heart knew he would feel the same emotions 81 00:05:00,300 --> 00:05:03,960 Speaker 1: in the morning, after a heavy night of sleep. The 82 00:05:04,020 --> 00:05:08,570 Speaker 1: sourness from years of self-loathing and envy had corrupted away 83 00:05:08,850 --> 00:05:12,710 Speaker 1: at his heart. Regardless of whether his feelings were right 84 00:05:13,250 --> 00:05:16,970 Speaker 1: or wrong, he felt a sense of security sharing it 85 00:05:17,029 --> 00:05:21,500 Speaker 1: with his wife. Sapphira was faithful to a fault and 86 00:05:21,540 --> 00:05:24,980 Speaker 1: would follow Ananias to the ends of the earth. She 87 00:05:25,020 --> 00:05:28,020 Speaker 1: had fallen deeply in love with him at a young age, 88 00:05:28,980 --> 00:05:32,919 Speaker 1: and the years together only fortified her affection for her husband. 89 00:05:33,440 --> 00:05:37,750 Speaker 6: You're absolutely right, dear. You work just as hard as Barnabas, 90 00:05:38,370 --> 00:05:41,370 Speaker 6: if not harder, for I've heard he can afford help 91 00:05:41,410 --> 00:05:41,830 Speaker 6: this year. 92 00:05:42,270 --> 00:05:45,130 Speaker 1: Ananias grunted with a judgmental nod of his head. 93 00:05:46,210 --> 00:05:47,029 Speaker 2: But have some food. 94 00:05:47,810 --> 00:05:48,830 Speaker 6: I'm sure you're hungry. 95 00:05:49,350 --> 00:05:50,190 Speaker 2: Try to relax. 96 00:05:50,710 --> 00:05:51,910 Speaker 6: Things will turn for the better. 97 00:05:52,450 --> 00:05:56,950 Speaker 1: Sapphira carefully laid a plate of homemade rosemary bread, olives, 98 00:05:57,010 --> 00:06:00,930 Speaker 1: and grapes before her husband. He thanked her as he 99 00:06:00,970 --> 00:06:04,400 Speaker 1: looked up into her eyes. He could see that she 100 00:06:04,500 --> 00:06:07,409 Speaker 1: was just as worn out as he was, yet her 101 00:06:07,610 --> 00:06:10,909 Speaker 1: eyes still glowed with the vibrancy of a youthful soul. 102 00:06:11,850 --> 00:06:15,890 Speaker 1: When she stepped away, Ananias pushed around the food on 103 00:06:15,930 --> 00:06:19,490 Speaker 1: his plate. But satiating his hunger was going to have 104 00:06:19,529 --> 00:06:23,050 Speaker 1: to wait, for a deeper desire burned within him. 105 00:06:23,510 --> 00:06:26,510 Speaker 2: You know, my love, I've been thinking, thinking about what 106 00:06:26,550 --> 00:06:29,590 Speaker 2: you were saying, about things turning out for the better. 107 00:06:30,450 --> 00:06:31,930 Speaker 2: I believe I have a way to help us. 108 00:06:32,640 --> 00:06:36,520 Speaker 1: Zephi returned with an inquisitive look. Ever since they had 109 00:06:36,560 --> 00:06:40,740 Speaker 1: devoted themselves to the teachings of Jesus, she struggled to 110 00:06:40,779 --> 00:06:41,680 Speaker 1: think about herself. 111 00:06:42,060 --> 00:06:47,140 Speaker 2: Well, us and the believers, of course. A mutually beneficial plan, 112 00:06:47,230 --> 00:06:50,450 Speaker 2: if you will. You know our field, the one that's 113 00:06:50,529 --> 00:06:53,310 Speaker 2: dried up as of late? Perhaps it would be better 114 00:06:53,390 --> 00:06:56,690 Speaker 2: if we rid ourselves of the burden. We can give 115 00:06:56,730 --> 00:06:59,830 Speaker 2: some of the proceeds to the apostles, and keep some 116 00:06:59,890 --> 00:07:03,690 Speaker 2: for ourselves, of course. The apostles need not know that last. 117 00:07:03,529 --> 00:07:03,990 Speaker 3: Part, though. 118 00:07:04,630 --> 00:07:09,310 Speaker 1: Sapphira questioned Ananias' words silently in her mind. She could 119 00:07:09,360 --> 00:07:13,300 Speaker 1: feel a subtle prodding within her that caused her to 120 00:07:13,380 --> 00:07:18,180 Speaker 1: struggle with the idea. Though Ananias didn't say it explicitly, 121 00:07:19,080 --> 00:07:23,520 Speaker 1: he fully intended to deceive the apostles. She knew what 122 00:07:23,560 --> 00:07:27,120 Speaker 1: he was saying was wrong. But her love for Ananias 123 00:07:27,220 --> 00:07:31,260 Speaker 1: caused her to mistakenly take her duties as an encouraging 124 00:07:31,320 --> 00:07:36,380 Speaker 1: wife to mean disrespecting the spirit. His prompts to oppose 125 00:07:36,440 --> 00:07:40,860 Speaker 1: the plan would possibly upset her husband further. And this 126 00:07:40,940 --> 00:07:44,860 Speaker 1: was the gateway to her flesh playing the part of 127 00:07:44,920 --> 00:07:50,040 Speaker 1: opposing counsel. She began to convince herself that the plan 128 00:07:50,140 --> 00:07:54,500 Speaker 1: wasn't entirely wrong. What harm could come from seeking a 129 00:07:54,540 --> 00:07:59,220 Speaker 1: little recognition if the church still received support? As she 130 00:07:59,280 --> 00:08:03,720 Speaker 1: thought through Ananias' plan, She allowed herself to admit the 131 00:08:03,780 --> 00:08:06,880 Speaker 1: weight of life she had started to feel. It was 132 00:08:06,920 --> 00:08:11,360 Speaker 1: the first time in a long time. Her shoulders slumped forward. 133 00:08:12,340 --> 00:08:15,700 Speaker 1: Perhaps this was how God would allow them a chance 134 00:08:16,140 --> 00:08:17,020 Speaker 1: at a fresh start. 135 00:08:17,750 --> 00:08:21,570 Speaker 6: You are crafty, my love, with a sharp mind. Do 136 00:08:21,650 --> 00:08:23,770 Speaker 6: as you see fit and I will follow up with 137 00:08:23,790 --> 00:08:25,750 Speaker 6: you accordingly. I trust you. 138 00:08:26,350 --> 00:08:29,230 Speaker 1: Sapphira stared into the flame of the rusted lamp in 139 00:08:29,250 --> 00:08:33,000 Speaker 1: the kitchen. She held her hand up to it, feeling 140 00:08:33,059 --> 00:08:38,120 Speaker 1: its small, radiating warmth. She pressed her fingers closer, allowing 141 00:08:38,160 --> 00:08:42,120 Speaker 1: the dancing flame to tap her fingertips. She winced in 142 00:08:42,179 --> 00:08:46,520 Speaker 1: pain as she drew her hand back swiftly. She pondered 143 00:08:46,580 --> 00:08:50,440 Speaker 1: the duality of its nature to both comfort and harm. 144 00:08:51,240 --> 00:08:53,980 Speaker 1: In its right place, it gave light to the whole house, 145 00:08:54,660 --> 00:08:59,800 Speaker 1: but uncontained, it would burn the entire house without a consideration. 146 00:09:00,309 --> 00:09:04,189 Speaker 1: for what laid in its path. Near the end of 147 00:09:04,230 --> 00:09:08,330 Speaker 1: the week, some believers gathered to listen to the apostles' teaching, pray, 148 00:09:08,750 --> 00:09:12,400 Speaker 1: and worship together. The sound of hundreds of voices lifting 149 00:09:12,480 --> 00:09:15,800 Speaker 1: the name of the Lord high in praises rang through 150 00:09:15,820 --> 00:09:19,700 Speaker 1: the streets and up to the heavens. People working their 151 00:09:19,760 --> 00:09:23,630 Speaker 1: way up and down the street would regularly stop and 152 00:09:23,690 --> 00:09:27,530 Speaker 1: listen in. On many occasions, they would find themselves staying 153 00:09:27,630 --> 00:09:31,209 Speaker 1: longer than they intended, Something in the depths of their 154 00:09:31,330 --> 00:09:36,490 Speaker 1: soul would cry out in satisfaction at the words of Jesus' gospel. 155 00:09:37,309 --> 00:09:40,739 Speaker 1: And hearing the simplicity of receiving the grace of Jesus 156 00:09:41,200 --> 00:09:45,060 Speaker 1: through his scandalous rescue plan, they would give their hearts 157 00:09:45,140 --> 00:09:48,340 Speaker 1: to the Lord and join the people of the way. 158 00:09:49,140 --> 00:09:52,960 Speaker 1: And Ananias wriggled through the people, his eyes set on 159 00:09:52,980 --> 00:09:56,460 Speaker 1: the apostles at the center of the congregation. He had 160 00:09:56,500 --> 00:10:00,960 Speaker 1: arrived from the marketplace and carried two coin purse. one 161 00:10:01,260 --> 00:10:04,440 Speaker 1: in each hand. He passed the two bags between his 162 00:10:04,520 --> 00:10:08,219 Speaker 1: left and right hands before slipping the larger of the 163 00:10:08,260 --> 00:10:12,380 Speaker 1: bags into his satchel. He found Sapphira near the front rows, 164 00:10:12,840 --> 00:10:14,920 Speaker 1: just as John began addressing the crowds. 165 00:10:14,940 --> 00:10:19,630 Speaker 4: Brothers and sisters, people of the way!' Blessed be the 166 00:10:19,710 --> 00:10:23,870 Speaker 4: Lord our God, King of the universe, who provides for 167 00:10:23,970 --> 00:10:28,060 Speaker 4: our needs. He is exceedingly grateful for your cheerful giving, 168 00:10:28,860 --> 00:10:31,800 Speaker 4: and we are humbled to distribute his provision to the needy. 169 00:10:32,340 --> 00:10:35,760 Speaker 1: This was the perfect opportunity, Ananias thought to himself. 170 00:10:36,480 --> 00:10:41,370 Speaker 4: Today we have wonderful news. Last week, a believer among 171 00:10:41,410 --> 00:10:44,490 Speaker 4: you sold a large piece of property, and they have 172 00:10:44,610 --> 00:10:48,280 Speaker 4: chosen from the goodness of their hearts to give all 173 00:10:48,380 --> 00:10:50,380 Speaker 4: the money they have earned from it to the Lord 174 00:10:50,760 --> 00:10:53,730 Speaker 4: and his people. But they have asked that the left 175 00:10:53,770 --> 00:10:56,410 Speaker 4: hand not know the works of the right, and they 176 00:10:56,429 --> 00:11:00,290 Speaker 4: will therefore remain anonymous. But the Lord knows when you 177 00:11:00,330 --> 00:11:03,930 Speaker 4: give in secret, and he will reward you openly as 178 00:11:04,010 --> 00:11:05,500 Speaker 4: he sees fit. 179 00:11:06,170 --> 00:11:11,170 Speaker 1: Ananias' eyes turned to slits as his nostrils flared. A 180 00:11:11,250 --> 00:11:16,050 Speaker 1: white fury raged within him as he realized Barnabas' humility 181 00:11:16,470 --> 00:11:20,250 Speaker 1: had slung an army of arrows into his plan. He 182 00:11:20,309 --> 00:11:24,590 Speaker 1: had mistakenly assumed John's note of God being glorified in 183 00:11:24,610 --> 00:11:28,750 Speaker 1: the light was a hint at publicly acknowledging Barnabas by name. 184 00:11:29,590 --> 00:11:33,880 Speaker 1: Never had he considered Barnabas' delicate choice for anonymity to 185 00:11:33,920 --> 00:11:37,960 Speaker 1: be set in stone along with his gift. He calculated 186 00:11:38,100 --> 00:11:38,640 Speaker 1: his options. 187 00:11:39,220 --> 00:11:39,580 Speaker 3: Perhaps. 188 00:11:40,320 --> 00:11:42,959 Speaker 1: There was still hope for recognition for his good deeds. 189 00:11:43,880 --> 00:11:47,100 Speaker 1: Even if he had to work the system, he waited 190 00:11:47,500 --> 00:11:50,500 Speaker 1: until the gathering ended before sharing it with Sapphira. 191 00:11:51,020 --> 00:11:53,780 Speaker 2: I shall follow them home, just as Barnabas must have. 192 00:11:54,500 --> 00:11:55,970 Speaker 2: There I will present them. 193 00:11:55,870 --> 00:11:56,650 Speaker 4: With our offering. 194 00:11:57,490 --> 00:12:00,330 Speaker 2: Then they will acknowledge us before the gathering, just like 195 00:12:00,370 --> 00:12:01,390 Speaker 2: with Barnabas today. 196 00:12:01,850 --> 00:12:06,110 Speaker 1: Sapphira gave a sullen nod, a mark of her inward wrestling. 197 00:12:06,530 --> 00:12:07,250 Speaker 6: Lead the way, then. 198 00:12:07,730 --> 00:12:12,010 Speaker 1: As the people began to scatter... Ananias slithered behind the 199 00:12:12,090 --> 00:12:16,000 Speaker 1: apostles as they made their way home. He mimed everything 200 00:12:16,080 --> 00:12:18,559 Speaker 1: he had seen and heard the night he had stumbled 201 00:12:18,600 --> 00:12:20,420 Speaker 1: upon Barnabas and the apostles. 202 00:12:20,940 --> 00:12:23,439 Speaker 2: Excuse me, apostles, wait! 203 00:12:23,940 --> 00:12:27,400 Speaker 1: Ananias sped into a light jog. He could hear the 204 00:12:27,460 --> 00:12:31,179 Speaker 1: coins jingling in the bag at his side. He firmly 205 00:12:31,300 --> 00:12:34,599 Speaker 1: placed one hand over the bag to silence them as 206 00:12:34,660 --> 00:12:37,360 Speaker 1: he lifted the other coin purse high into the air. 207 00:12:38,059 --> 00:12:41,750 Speaker 1: A triumphant display. of his deceitful generosity. 208 00:12:43,110 --> 00:12:48,870 Speaker 7: Ananias, how splendid to see you. How are you in Sephara? 209 00:12:49,490 --> 00:12:52,830 Speaker 2: We are quite well, brother Peter. In fact, we are splendid, 210 00:12:53,429 --> 00:12:56,490 Speaker 2: for the Lord has been gracious with us, and we'd 211 00:12:56,530 --> 00:12:58,089 Speaker 2: like to share our good fortune. 212 00:12:58,620 --> 00:13:02,100 Speaker 1: Ananias dropped the coins on the ground and took a knee. 213 00:13:02,880 --> 00:13:06,500 Speaker 1: He pressed his face low as his eyes flitted about 214 00:13:06,960 --> 00:13:07,860 Speaker 1: in anticipation. 215 00:13:08,840 --> 00:13:09,459 Speaker 3: Oh, a gift. 216 00:13:10,450 --> 00:13:11,310 Speaker 4: How marvelous. 217 00:13:12,429 --> 00:13:17,109 Speaker 7: Please, tell us how the Lord has placed such generosity 218 00:13:17,210 --> 00:13:17,710 Speaker 7: on your heart. 219 00:13:18,190 --> 00:13:20,229 Speaker 2: Well, you see, my wife and I have a field. 220 00:13:20,750 --> 00:13:23,770 Speaker 2: That is to say, we had a field. We sold 221 00:13:23,830 --> 00:13:26,410 Speaker 2: it so we might give the full earnings to the. 222 00:13:26,370 --> 00:13:27,350 Speaker 3: People of the way. 223 00:13:27,830 --> 00:13:32,770 Speaker 1: Peter noted the familiarity of Ananias' newfound wealth, quickly connecting 224 00:13:32,809 --> 00:13:36,990 Speaker 1: the dots to John's interactions with Barnabas. The spirit whirred 225 00:13:37,030 --> 00:13:41,429 Speaker 1: around Peter's mind like a watchman's trumpet. sounding at the 226 00:13:41,510 --> 00:13:46,330 Speaker 1: sight of the enemy. Peter was washed over with supernatural clarity, 227 00:13:47,130 --> 00:13:51,040 Speaker 1: as Ananias' dark deeds were being revealed to him through 228 00:13:51,059 --> 00:13:56,340 Speaker 1: the Spirit's divine revelations. Righteous anger swept over the apostle, 229 00:13:56,960 --> 00:14:00,010 Speaker 1: like the Red Seas closing over the Egyptians. 230 00:14:00,530 --> 00:14:04,530 Speaker 7: Ananias, how have you allowed Satan to fill your heart? 231 00:14:05,070 --> 00:14:08,120 Speaker 7: You have lied to the Holy Spirit! For you have 232 00:14:08,320 --> 00:14:10,819 Speaker 7: indeed kept some of the money you received for the 233 00:14:10,880 --> 00:14:11,870 Speaker 7: land for yourself. 234 00:14:12,450 --> 00:14:16,850 Speaker 1: Ananias quaked as fear sunk its claws into his heart. 235 00:14:17,610 --> 00:14:20,250 Speaker 1: He had been caught and he could feel the color 236 00:14:20,390 --> 00:14:24,070 Speaker 1: draining from his face and any hope of being praised. 237 00:14:24,820 --> 00:14:27,440 Speaker 1: He dug through his thoughts to find an excuse that 238 00:14:27,560 --> 00:14:31,080 Speaker 1: might dampen the blow to his pride. But nothing came. 239 00:14:32,100 --> 00:14:34,620 Speaker 1: Peter began to reason with the lost disciples. 240 00:14:35,050 --> 00:14:37,490 Speaker 7: Didn't the land belong to you before it was sold? 241 00:14:38,210 --> 00:14:41,620 Speaker 7: And after it was sold, wasn't the money yours to 242 00:14:41,740 --> 00:14:42,680 Speaker 7: use as you pleased? 243 00:14:43,380 --> 00:14:46,440 Speaker 2: What made you think of doing such a thing? I, well, 244 00:14:47,060 --> 00:14:49,200 Speaker 2: I thought maybe I... it was. 245 00:14:49,940 --> 00:14:55,270 Speaker 1: Ananias stammered incoherently. Peter's voice struck his soul like falling 246 00:14:55,510 --> 00:15:00,830 Speaker 1: oak trees splintering against the forest floor. Ananias felt himself sweating. 247 00:15:01,650 --> 00:15:04,860 Speaker 1: as a harsh, heated wind spiraled around him. 248 00:15:05,140 --> 00:15:08,540 Speaker 7: You have not just lied to mankind, but to God. 249 00:15:09,160 --> 00:15:13,950 Speaker 1: At these final words, Ananias grasped at his chest in agony. 250 00:15:14,520 --> 00:15:19,230 Speaker 1: The man cried out in anguish before lifelessly dropping to 251 00:15:19,270 --> 00:15:23,250 Speaker 1: the ground below. The other disciples gasped at the suddenness 252 00:15:23,290 --> 00:15:26,030 Speaker 1: of what they had witnessed. But each one knew it 253 00:15:26,090 --> 00:15:31,390 Speaker 1: was undeniably the Spirit, protecting the people of God from 254 00:15:31,430 --> 00:15:36,650 Speaker 1: the cunning serpent of old. He had lured Ananias into 255 00:15:36,700 --> 00:15:41,020 Speaker 1: perverting the good things of life for personal gain, but 256 00:15:41,060 --> 00:15:45,460 Speaker 1: had been thwarted yet again. Peter whispered to Andrew, who 257 00:15:45,520 --> 00:15:49,220 Speaker 1: ran down the street. A few minutes later, Andrew returned 258 00:15:49,300 --> 00:15:53,590 Speaker 1: with several other men. The men carefully wrapped Ananias in 259 00:15:53,630 --> 00:15:57,730 Speaker 1: a sackcloth and hoisted his body up. Though he had 260 00:15:57,810 --> 00:16:01,670 Speaker 1: left the world in shame, they would respectfully bury him, 261 00:16:02,350 --> 00:16:06,650 Speaker 1: guarding their own hearts against the same bitterness that had 262 00:16:06,750 --> 00:16:14,330 Speaker 1: consumed Ananias in life. Hours passed along sluggishly as Sapphira 263 00:16:14,390 --> 00:16:18,190 Speaker 1: worried in an empty home. She watched the late afternoon 264 00:16:18,230 --> 00:16:22,770 Speaker 1: shadows stretch slowly into the evening, Ananias had been gone 265 00:16:22,930 --> 00:16:24,450 Speaker 1: far longer than she. 266 00:16:24,370 --> 00:16:25,150 Speaker 3: Would have expected. 267 00:16:26,050 --> 00:16:29,290 Speaker 1: If the apostles had invited him in, as they had 268 00:16:29,350 --> 00:16:32,490 Speaker 1: with Barnabas, wouldn't he have called for her to join? 269 00:16:33,350 --> 00:16:37,550 Speaker 1: Or worse, had something gone wrong? She shuffled to her seat. 270 00:16:38,250 --> 00:16:41,360 Speaker 1: No harm could come from checking on her husband, she 271 00:16:41,390 --> 00:16:45,520 Speaker 1: thought to herself. She anxiously strode along the winding streets 272 00:16:45,580 --> 00:16:48,400 Speaker 1: of the neighborhood. All she could think about was the 273 00:16:48,420 --> 00:16:51,960 Speaker 1: well-being of her husband. She had worked hard to provide 274 00:16:52,020 --> 00:16:55,280 Speaker 1: a stable life for them, and she desperately wanted him 275 00:16:55,380 --> 00:16:59,590 Speaker 1: to find some reprieve from his weariness in their recognition 276 00:16:59,630 --> 00:17:03,030 Speaker 1: of the apostles. She found the house where the apostles 277 00:17:03,070 --> 00:17:07,780 Speaker 1: stayed and gently knocked on the door. She peered through 278 00:17:07,820 --> 00:17:12,220 Speaker 1: the window as a slight breeze brushed the curtain back slightly. 279 00:17:13,140 --> 00:17:17,090 Speaker 1: She noticed a dozen men huddled around a table. They 280 00:17:17,130 --> 00:17:21,710 Speaker 1: were in concentrated discussions with one another. Her head whipped 281 00:17:21,750 --> 00:17:26,730 Speaker 1: back forward as the door opened slowly. Matthias poked his 282 00:17:26,790 --> 00:17:31,100 Speaker 1: face out. Matthias sheepishly called for Peter while pushing the 283 00:17:31,140 --> 00:17:31,939 Speaker 1: door wider. 284 00:17:32,619 --> 00:17:33,980 Speaker 4: Peter, she's here. 285 00:17:34,700 --> 00:17:38,219 Speaker 1: Peter rose to his feet slowly. The creaking of his 286 00:17:38,300 --> 00:17:41,380 Speaker 1: chair emphasized the silence of the rest of the room. 287 00:17:43,619 --> 00:17:49,030 Speaker 7: Thank you, Matthias. Good evening, Sapphira. We were expecting you. 288 00:17:50,070 --> 00:17:50,730 Speaker 7: Please come in. 289 00:17:51,450 --> 00:17:55,210 Speaker 1: Sapphira was surprised to hear that she was expected, as 290 00:17:55,250 --> 00:17:58,590 Speaker 1: no word had been sent along to her. She stepped 291 00:17:58,730 --> 00:18:00,070 Speaker 1: cautiously through the door. 292 00:18:00,690 --> 00:18:01,060 Speaker 7: You. 293 00:18:01,710 --> 00:18:02,170 Speaker 6: you were? 294 00:18:02,760 --> 00:18:03,020 Speaker 3: Yes. 295 00:18:03,760 --> 00:18:07,180 Speaker 7: Ananias was here not too long ago to share a 296 00:18:07,200 --> 00:18:11,960 Speaker 7: gift with the believers. I assume you knew of this? 297 00:18:12,540 --> 00:18:17,440 Speaker 1: Sapphira remained poised at the question. I see. 298 00:18:18,619 --> 00:18:22,780 Speaker 7: Well then, perhaps you can confirm that this is the 299 00:18:22,840 --> 00:18:25,270 Speaker 7: price Ananias received for the land? 300 00:18:25,920 --> 00:18:26,180 Speaker 3: Yes. 301 00:18:26,830 --> 00:18:30,649 Speaker 6: We discussed it beforehand. We prayed and sought the Lord. 302 00:18:31,230 --> 00:18:34,389 Speaker 6: I fully supported Ananias in what he thought was best. 303 00:18:34,950 --> 00:18:39,609 Speaker 1: Peter upended Ananias' coin purse into his hand. The truth was, 304 00:18:40,119 --> 00:18:43,480 Speaker 1: Sapphira hadn't known the amount Ananias received for the land. 305 00:18:44,310 --> 00:18:47,800 Speaker 1: But she remembered Ananias' plan to tell the apostle that 306 00:18:47,840 --> 00:18:50,240 Speaker 1: his gift was the entirety of his profits. 307 00:18:50,960 --> 00:18:52,260 Speaker 6: Yes, that is the amount. 308 00:18:52,780 --> 00:18:56,420 Speaker 1: In an instant, the same rushing wind that had encircled 309 00:18:56,520 --> 00:19:02,340 Speaker 1: Ananias swept around Sapphira. It rattled the house as floorboards 310 00:19:02,440 --> 00:19:07,429 Speaker 1: creaked and dust fell through the ceiling above. Sapphira's sight 311 00:19:07,609 --> 00:19:11,440 Speaker 1: left her as panic crept over her body. The hot 312 00:19:11,500 --> 00:19:15,700 Speaker 1: whirlwind seemed to draw the air straight out of Sapphira's lungs. 313 00:19:16,760 --> 00:19:22,770 Speaker 1: She gasped helplessly, clutching at the apostle's robes. Losing consciousness, 314 00:19:23,410 --> 00:19:27,530 Speaker 1: Sapphira released her grip and slammed her hands against the ground, 315 00:19:28,130 --> 00:19:32,929 Speaker 1: fighting for stability. In her blindness, she heard Peter's thunderous voice. 316 00:19:33,690 --> 00:19:37,800 Speaker 7: How could you conspire together to test the spirit of 317 00:19:37,820 --> 00:19:41,330 Speaker 7: the Lord? Listen. Listen. The feet of the men who 318 00:19:41,410 --> 00:19:44,320 Speaker 7: buried your husband are at the door, and they will 319 00:19:44,420 --> 00:19:45,720 Speaker 7: carry you out also. 320 00:19:46,500 --> 00:19:51,070 Speaker 1: Just as her husband had, Sapphira's body fell motionless. to 321 00:19:51,109 --> 00:19:54,070 Speaker 1: the dust from which it had come. The same men 322 00:19:54,190 --> 00:19:57,689 Speaker 1: who had buried Ananias now came for the body of 323 00:19:57,750 --> 00:20:02,100 Speaker 1: his conspirator. News of what happened took to the wind 324 00:20:02,520 --> 00:20:06,679 Speaker 1: the next morning. By evening the next day, all the 325 00:20:06,740 --> 00:20:11,869 Speaker 1: believers in Jerusalem were gripped with fear, not in fear 326 00:20:11,900 --> 00:20:16,910 Speaker 1: of punishment, but in admiration for his holiness. They were 327 00:20:16,970 --> 00:20:22,250 Speaker 1: in awe at the Lord's righteous judgment, devoted themselves steadfastly 328 00:20:22,390 --> 00:20:26,730 Speaker 1: to his teaching, and purposed in their hearts to abide 329 00:20:26,910 --> 00:20:31,450 Speaker 1: by his way of living. The Lord had dealt seriously 330 00:20:31,630 --> 00:20:36,909 Speaker 1: with Ananias and Sapphira, and would not take such selfishness lightly. 331 00:20:37,730 --> 00:20:40,790 Speaker 1: He needed his people to follow the lofty call of 332 00:20:40,869 --> 00:20:45,290 Speaker 1: following him and the dire need to care for one another. 333 00:20:46,390 --> 00:20:49,980 Speaker 1: They were a chosen people who were called to endeavor 334 00:20:50,060 --> 00:20:53,740 Speaker 1: together to keep the unity of the spirit in the 335 00:20:53,840 --> 00:20:55,240 Speaker 1: bond of peace. 336 00:21:01,260 --> 00:21:03,740 Speaker 5: Our story today started on a high note, or so 337 00:21:03,780 --> 00:21:08,030 Speaker 5: it seemed. Ananias and Sapphira, inspired by the generosity of Barnabas, 338 00:21:08,330 --> 00:21:11,610 Speaker 5: sold a piece of property. Sounds great, right? But there's 339 00:21:11,650 --> 00:21:14,170 Speaker 5: a twist. They kept back part of the money while 340 00:21:14,210 --> 00:21:17,250 Speaker 5: pretending to give it all. Imagine them coming in, smiles 341 00:21:17,290 --> 00:21:19,990 Speaker 5: on their faces, laying the money at the apostles' feet 342 00:21:20,030 --> 00:21:22,550 Speaker 5: as if to say, look how generous we are. It's 343 00:21:22,570 --> 00:21:26,080 Speaker 5: a classic case of keeping up with appearances. But the 344 00:21:26,130 --> 00:21:29,360 Speaker 5: Holy Spirit is not one to be deceived. Peter, filled 345 00:21:29,380 --> 00:21:32,380 Speaker 5: with the Holy Spirit, calls them out. Ananias, why has 346 00:21:32,440 --> 00:21:35,440 Speaker 5: Satan filled your heart? To lie to the Holy Spirit. 347 00:21:36,080 --> 00:21:38,639 Speaker 5: Notice Peter's words here. He doesn't say, why have you 348 00:21:38,700 --> 00:21:41,119 Speaker 5: lied to us? Or, why have you lied to the church? 349 00:21:41,440 --> 00:21:43,960 Speaker 5: He says, you've lied to the Holy Spirit. That's like 350 00:21:44,000 --> 00:21:45,880 Speaker 5: trying to pull a fast one on someone who can 351 00:21:45,940 --> 00:21:49,570 Speaker 5: see right through you. Peter also doesn't reprimand Ananias by saying, 352 00:21:49,680 --> 00:21:52,670 Speaker 5: why didn't you give all the money? Because here's the thing. 353 00:21:53,090 --> 00:21:55,150 Speaker 5: If they wanted to keep half the money for themselves 354 00:21:55,190 --> 00:21:57,250 Speaker 5: and give half the money to the church, that would 355 00:21:57,290 --> 00:22:00,810 Speaker 5: have been totally fine. It's the fact that they wanted 356 00:22:00,830 --> 00:22:04,650 Speaker 5: the appearance of giving everything, but only giving half. Let's 357 00:22:04,710 --> 00:22:07,770 Speaker 5: pause and consider all of this. Was their sin keeping 358 00:22:07,810 --> 00:22:10,330 Speaker 5: a part of the money? Not at all. Peter makes 359 00:22:10,369 --> 00:22:12,910 Speaker 5: it clear. While it remained, was it not your own? 360 00:22:12,930 --> 00:22:15,370 Speaker 5: And after it was sold, was it not in your 361 00:22:15,430 --> 00:22:18,449 Speaker 5: own control? They were free to do what they wanted 362 00:22:18,520 --> 00:22:21,600 Speaker 5: with the money. The sin wasn't in holding back, but 363 00:22:21,640 --> 00:22:24,840 Speaker 5: in pretending to give it all. They wanted the reputation 364 00:22:24,940 --> 00:22:28,639 Speaker 5: of being sacrificial without the actual sacrifice. They wanted the 365 00:22:28,680 --> 00:22:32,000 Speaker 5: applause with none of the cost. And there's the rub, friends. 366 00:22:32,460 --> 00:22:36,500 Speaker 5: Their sin wasn't stinginess, it was hypocrisy. How often do 367 00:22:36,520 --> 00:22:38,959 Speaker 5: we fall into that same trap? We put on our 368 00:22:39,000 --> 00:22:42,479 Speaker 5: Sunday best, not just in clothes, but in our spiritual lives. 369 00:22:42,920 --> 00:22:45,390 Speaker 5: We might drop a Bible verse in conversation or post 370 00:22:45,410 --> 00:22:48,310 Speaker 5: it on social media to sound holy, or talk about 371 00:22:48,369 --> 00:22:51,590 Speaker 5: how we've been praying fervently for someone when, in reality, 372 00:22:51,910 --> 00:22:54,630 Speaker 5: we're hitting the snooze button on our spiritual lives. We're 373 00:22:54,650 --> 00:22:57,390 Speaker 5: so busy crafting a holy image that we forget holiness 374 00:22:57,710 --> 00:23:00,969 Speaker 5: is an inside job. And then we get to the 375 00:23:01,100 --> 00:23:04,440 Speaker 5: jaw-dropping part of the story. You see, this part makes 376 00:23:04,460 --> 00:23:07,080 Speaker 5: me uncomfortable because I would have loved it if Ananias 377 00:23:07,119 --> 00:23:09,740 Speaker 5: and Sapphira were just rebuked and then they repent and 378 00:23:09,790 --> 00:23:13,270 Speaker 5: then everyone makes up. But that's not how the story goes. 379 00:23:13,510 --> 00:23:18,440 Speaker 5: And honestly, this is a really weird and off-putting passage. 380 00:23:19,020 --> 00:23:21,340 Speaker 5: Because this doesn't happen in any other parts of the 381 00:23:21,359 --> 00:23:23,020 Speaker 5: book of Acts. We don't ever see someone in the 382 00:23:23,119 --> 00:23:26,540 Speaker 5: New Testament being offed because of their disobedience. That seems 383 00:23:26,619 --> 00:23:29,340 Speaker 5: more like an Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy type of thing 384 00:23:29,380 --> 00:23:32,560 Speaker 5: to happen. You see, as soon as Peter confronts Ananias, 385 00:23:32,760 --> 00:23:35,310 Speaker 5: he drops dead. Talk about a dramatic end to a 386 00:23:35,330 --> 00:23:37,869 Speaker 5: church service. And just when you think it couldn't get 387 00:23:37,930 --> 00:23:41,350 Speaker 5: any crazier, three hours later, Sapphira walks in completely unaware 388 00:23:41,369 --> 00:23:43,870 Speaker 5: of what's happened. Peter gives her a chance to come clean, 389 00:23:43,930 --> 00:23:46,390 Speaker 5: but she doubles down on the lie. And she also 390 00:23:46,430 --> 00:23:48,670 Speaker 5: drops dead on the spot. Now, I can hear some 391 00:23:48,710 --> 00:23:51,470 Speaker 5: of you thinking, wow, isn't that a bit harsh? But 392 00:23:51,510 --> 00:23:54,430 Speaker 5: here's the thing. God's judgment here is not just about 393 00:23:54,840 --> 00:23:58,179 Speaker 5: punishing a simple mistake. It's about protecting the integrity of 394 00:23:58,200 --> 00:24:00,679 Speaker 5: the early church. This was a critical moment for the 395 00:24:00,720 --> 00:24:04,000 Speaker 5: church and God had to set a clear standard. You 396 00:24:04,020 --> 00:24:07,280 Speaker 5: cannot build God's kingdom on lies. The church was growing 397 00:24:07,540 --> 00:24:11,379 Speaker 5: rapidly and God knew that unchecked hypocrisy could rot it 398 00:24:11,460 --> 00:24:14,360 Speaker 5: from the inside out. And here's the thing. We've seen 399 00:24:14,400 --> 00:24:16,610 Speaker 5: a lot of this in today's culture, haven't we? We've 400 00:24:16,630 --> 00:24:19,729 Speaker 5: seen a pastor or a church leader's hypocrisy really blowing 401 00:24:19,770 --> 00:24:22,510 Speaker 5: things up for other people's faith. How many of you 402 00:24:22,590 --> 00:24:24,990 Speaker 5: have been in a church where the senior pastor has 403 00:24:25,130 --> 00:24:28,490 Speaker 5: had an affair or there's been some serious money problems 404 00:24:28,550 --> 00:24:32,450 Speaker 5: and dishonesty? These types of things cause rifts. This type 405 00:24:32,470 --> 00:24:35,530 Speaker 5: of hypocrisy can really hurt the faith of people who 406 00:24:35,570 --> 00:24:39,369 Speaker 5: have innocently come in yearning for connection, but end up 407 00:24:39,450 --> 00:24:42,449 Speaker 5: really burned by these types of things. It's not that 408 00:24:42,470 --> 00:24:44,710 Speaker 5: we have to be perfect, but we can't be hypocrites. 409 00:24:45,150 --> 00:24:47,210 Speaker 5: And I think this passage is so intense as a 410 00:24:47,330 --> 00:24:49,949 Speaker 5: warning sign for not only the early church, but for 411 00:24:50,010 --> 00:24:55,320 Speaker 5: us today. You see, deceit and hypocrisy have large consequences. 412 00:24:56,020 --> 00:24:59,159 Speaker 5: And we see a very appropriate response after this. What 413 00:24:59,200 --> 00:25:03,280 Speaker 5: happens next after Ananias and Sapphira are buried? It says, Yeah, duh. 414 00:25:03,300 --> 00:25:05,440 Speaker 5: Imagine if that happened in today's church. The lesson was 415 00:25:05,460 --> 00:25:14,990 Speaker 5: very clear. God takes the purity of his church seriously. 416 00:25:15,290 --> 00:25:18,560 Speaker 5: But notice what also happens. It says, and through the 417 00:25:18,619 --> 00:25:21,060 Speaker 5: hands of the apostles, many signs and wonders were done 418 00:25:21,100 --> 00:25:25,060 Speaker 5: among the people. Purity leads to power. God's spirit moves 419 00:25:25,300 --> 00:25:29,100 Speaker 5: mightily when his people are walking in integrity. The early 420 00:25:29,140 --> 00:25:32,040 Speaker 5: church responded with awe and the community around them took notice. 421 00:25:32,380 --> 00:25:35,560 Speaker 5: The result, more people believed and were added to their number. 422 00:25:36,080 --> 00:25:39,459 Speaker 5: Here's the irony. The church grew, not despite the judgment, 423 00:25:39,500 --> 00:25:42,440 Speaker 5: but because of it. There's a lesson here, folks. A 424 00:25:42,520 --> 00:25:46,500 Speaker 5: church that pursues holiness, authentic, spirit-filled holiness, is a church 425 00:25:46,520 --> 00:25:49,460 Speaker 5: where God's power is manifest. People are drawn to it. 426 00:25:49,880 --> 00:25:52,449 Speaker 5: So what can we learn from Ananias and Sapphira? Be 427 00:25:52,510 --> 00:25:55,170 Speaker 5: real with God and with each other. Don't settle for 428 00:25:55,210 --> 00:25:57,930 Speaker 5: a facade of holiness when God is inviting you into 429 00:25:57,970 --> 00:26:01,090 Speaker 5: the real thing. Let's be a church where authenticity reigns, 430 00:26:01,330 --> 00:26:03,790 Speaker 5: where we're not afraid to be honest about our struggles, 431 00:26:03,869 --> 00:26:06,360 Speaker 5: and where we trust God enough to believe he can 432 00:26:06,380 --> 00:26:08,740 Speaker 5: do mighty things among us. May we have the courage 433 00:26:08,780 --> 00:26:11,370 Speaker 5: to drop the masks, step into the light, And let 434 00:26:11,410 --> 00:26:15,140 Speaker 5: God's spirit move among us with purity and power. Because 435 00:26:15,160 --> 00:26:18,070 Speaker 5: when the church is real, God shows up in real ways.