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| INSIGHTS FROM THE SCRIPTURE: Up to this point in the book of Acts, the community of believers looks—almost perfect. They have one heart and soul; they spend time together fellowshipping in each other’s homes and at the temple. They do mighty miracles in the name of Jesus. What’s not to love? Writer Luke, however, wants to paint the whole picture. And so he now tells the heartbreaking story of Ananias and Sapphira. This is the first crisis to hit the young community. Luke intentionally sets up this married couple in contrast to Barnabus, in Acts 4:36. This Levite from Cyprus sells a field (does he have more than one?) and then brings the money to the apostle’s feet in an act of submission. In some ways, Ananias and Sapphira do exactly the same thing. They also sell a property and bring it to Peter. But unlike Barnabus who is commended (by implication), they are condemned. What happened? At first glance, one may assume that, at least in the early church, all the believers have to give up all their earthly possessions. It is clear that many of them do give away their economic security. But verse 4 makes it clear that this giving is voluntary, not mandatory. Pewter says, “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, were not the proceeds at your disposal?” Many of us sigh with relief, for giving away everything seems like the ultimate commitment. We need to see, however, that probably Ananias and Sapphira give at least 75 to 80%, or the amount would have looked too suspicious. Most of us, the writer included, have never given that percentage away. Continued... |
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