BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 5:13

Monday, 21 February 2022
 
Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. Acts 5:13
 
The previous verse noted that “they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.” This was probably a general statement that when the people met, any who were free at the moment were in a state of agreement and contentedly came together. Now, another difficult set of words is given by Luke, beginning with, “Yet none of the rest dared join them.”
 
Who this is referring to is not at all agreed upon. If “them” is referring to the apostles, then some think that the other disciples feared to be closely associated with them lest they should wind up like Ananias and Sapphira. But this would not align well with the fact that they are said to be in one accord elsewhere. That implies that they were all like-minded and without any sort of fear.
 
Vincent’s Word Studies says this refers to unbelievers and then aligns that with Ananias, thus indicating he was never a true believer. As such, the rest of the unbelievers would not join the church under false pretenses because they were scared they might suffer his fate. This is possible, but the vague nature of Luke’s words makes this view suspect. If this were the case, he could have stated it directly, leaving no room for such intense speculation.
 
Some see this as any who had not yet joined with the apostles, whether believers or unbelievers, having been shied away from any open union with them, especially while in the public area, because of what happened to Ananias and Sapphira. This is possible, and it would alleviate any contradiction in the next verses.
 
Another possibility is that this is referring to non-believing Jews in general who may have sympathized with the work and message of the apostles, but they were afraid of openly aligning with them – either because of the fate of Ananias and Sapphira, or because of fear of others who would then spurn them. If this final view is correct, it is not at all unlike what is said about this same type of individual in the book of John –
 
“Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” John 12:42, 43
 
One of the two latter options seems to be more in line with the general tenor of the attitude of the people. There is also no contradictory sense to be found with the coming verses. Despite a group standing off from aligning with the apostles, Luke next notes that this didn’t mean they weren’t regarded in a most respectable light, saying, “but the people esteemed them highly.”
 
Here, the same term is used as in verse 5:12. Many signs and wonders were done among the people, and the people esteemed them highly. This refers to the population in general. There was nothing among them that said, “This is just a crazy cult,” or “These people are deviants and miscreants,” or any other such thing. Rather, there was an understanding that they were doing nothing wrong, and that they were – in fact – worthy of note and even high respect.
 
Life application: The words of this, and the surrounding verses, can be a bit challenging to determine exactly who Luke is referring to. But the overall idea is clear. The apostles and disciples were surrounded by people who held them in esteem, even if some of them were reticent to join with them for one of several possible reasons.
 
There is nothing contradictory in these two thoughts, and there are many modern parallels to consider what the ministry was like. One of the most obvious is that of the Billy Graham Crusades. Whether you agree with his method, style, doctrine, or other aspects of his ministry, it is quite clear that he was highly regarded by almost all the people.
 
He brought many to Christ through his ministry, and yet, there were many who respected him highly who would not dare to join him. This included Jews who were afraid of being shunned by their own synagogues and families, Muslims who had the same fears, and so on. There was a great respect for the man, and there was a great admiration for his message.
 
In looking at the parallels between Acts 5 and Billy Graham’s ministry, it helps us to maybe see a little more clearly the intent of Luke’s otherwise difficult words. The main point being that the word of the Lord, the gospel, was being preached and people were choosing to accept it or reject it, but those who conveyed it held themselves in such a favorable light that it allowed the message to be the main deciding point. The messengers themselves did nothing to alienate the general populace from making a decision about the content of the message.
 
Let us apply this to our own lives by being above reproach in our conduct. Then, when we share the gospel, the decision to accept or reject the message will be based on the message itself and on the personal choice of the hearer. May our personal character not interfere with getting the message across.
 
Heavenly Father, give us the wisdom to live our lives in such a manner that others will see our conduct and not find anything in it by which the name of Jesus is diminished in their eyes. Rather, may our lives be of the caliber that people will want to know why we possess the hope we profess and want to hear the wonderful story of what You have done in the giving of Jesus. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Acts 5:12

Sunday, 20 February 2022
 
And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Acts 5:12
 
The matter of Ananias and Sapphira is complete. With that out of the way, the last verse said, “So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.” That thought now ties in with what is next given by Luke, beginning with, “And through the hands of the apostles.”
 
This is a somewhat idiomatic expression. Something done “through the hand” means “by the power of,” or “under the authority of.” It does not necessarily mean that physical contact is required, even if that is often the case. For example, the death of Ananias and Sapphira could be said to have been done by the Lord through the hand of Peter.
 
Peter clearly didn’t strike them, but it was under the authority of the Lord, and by Peter’s spoken word, that the events took place. That authority and power is now stated to be not just with Peter, but through the hands of the other apostles as well. And this power was reflected in “many signs and wonders.”
 
As has been noted, the difference between a sign and a wonder comes down to whether the thing accomplished points to something else (a sign), or if it simply speaks for itself (a wonder).
 
The sign will authenticate the purposes of the Lord, pointing to what He is doing in the process of redemptive history. In this case, that is accomplished through the signs given by the apostles. The wonder is given to elicit a response of awe from those who behold it, but it does not necessarily speak of anything beyond itself. Luke notes that both of these “were done among the people.”
 
The early church was provided these, and indeed unbelievers beheld them as well, to convince and convict them of the truth of the apostles’ message concerning Jesus. Thus, these things were given to establish the early church, grounding it, and solidifying the faith of the people. The record here describes what occurred, it does so in relation to the apostles, and it prescribes nothing for anyone else in future times.
 
As for the ongoing events, Luke next notes, “And they were all with one accord.” Who “all” is referring to is debated. The subject of the previous sentence was the apostles. However, the nearest antecedent is “the people.” The next verse seems to indicate that it is referring to the apostles, but even that can be debated.
 
Due to the ambiguity, Luke’s intent may just be “And they all – apostles and those who came to hear them – were all in one accord.” Thus, it would be a general statement that when the people met, any who were free at the moment, were in a state of agreement and contentedly came together “in Solomon’s Porch.”
 
This is where the healing of the beggar in Acts 3:11 was highlighted. It is also where Jesus is said to have walked in John 10:23. Due to the size and layout of the area, it was a good place to gather, and so this is where the people would come to teach and be taught.
 
Life application: As has been noted, and as will certainly continue to be stated as the book of Acts continues to unfold, there were signs, wonders, miracles, and demonstrations of power in the early church. These served their purpose by establishing a reliable basis of authority for the apostles, and they stood as a witness to the people that the Lord was working through them.
 
In this, the people could then fully trust that what was done was true and that it was also approved by the Lord. These instances describe what occurred, and their record is now written down for us to accept or to reject. Either way, however, there is no longer a need for such demonstrations of power because the recorded testimony has been given. It now stands as the authority and witness to us. As such, there is no longer a need for such events to occur.
 
But more, there are no longer any apostles of Jesus for them to be given through. The word of God has been given, it testifies to what they have done, and that written testimony then testifies to the power of the Lord working through them. As we have this word, what more do we need? And more, what more should we expect? As Paul says in Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
 
The word is given, and it sufficiently provides all we need to make our decision concerning Christ. Therefore, we do not need – nor should we expect – anything beyond it. Let us be content in this knowledge. Let us accept the word as a suitable and sufficient witness. And then, let us go forward proclaiming the good news that is recorded there.
 
Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious and sacred word that You have given us. It is just what we need to lead us to You, tells us all that we need to know about You, and to then establish and ground our faith in You. It is sufficient, and we shall look to it for our guidance as we live our lives out before You. Amen.
 

Acts 5:11

Saturday, 19 February 2022
 
So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things. Acts 5:11
 
The previous verse found Sapphira keeling over and breathing her last, right at the feet of Peter. With her sudden demise, the young men who had carried out Ananias arrived and carried her out for burial by him. With that recorded, Luke next writes, “So great fear came upon all the church.”
 
Here, the word ekklésia is used and translated as “church.” It was used by Jesus in Matthew 16:18 and again twice in Matthew 18:17. It signifies a called-out assembly. It will be used many times as Acts continues, and it will then fill Paul’s epistles. It will also be used in Hebrews, James, 3 John, and Revelation.
 
The word refers to the people who comprise the faith, meaning the faith that leads to an individual’s inclusion in the body of Christ. Faith in what Jesus has accomplished is the key to inclusion. When faith is demonstrated before God, that person is sealed with the Holy Spirit and becomes a member of the ekklésia, or “called out assembly.”
 
HELPS Word Studies provides a more important meaning for the student of Scripture to remember, saying, “The English word ‘church’ comes from the Greek word kyriakos, ‘belonging to the Lord’ (kyrios). 1577 /ekklēsía (‘church’) is the root of the terms ‘ecclesiology’ and ‘ecclesiastical.’”
 
This called-out body is who Luke is referring to now. They, meaning all of the believers in Christ, are the church, and it is said that great fear came upon them because of what happened to Ananias and Sapphira. They have now come to understand one of the traits of the Lord. He is not just merciful and forgiving, but He is also holy. He is to be treated as such. It is reminiscent of what was said in 1 Samuel 6 when the people realized the sternness of the Lord in judgment –
 
“And the men of Beth Shemesh said, ‘Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God? And to whom shall it go up from us?’” 1 Samuel 6:20
 
The church has been given a stern example of what it means to treat the Lord as holy. This doesn’t mean that this is what will happen at all times, but it is what is deserved at all times. As every infraction will be judged, all believers can expect their times of treating the Lord in a less than holy manner will be presented to them when they stand before Him at the bema seat judgment that Paul refers to in 1 Corinthians 3 and 2 Corinthians 5.
 
Along with the church, Luke also notes, “and upon all who heard these things.” Not only did those within the church hear of the matter, but non-believers did as well. This was probably a convincing proof to many that the Lord was, in fact, among the church. As such, the act may have led to more conversions to the faith. Verse 5:14 refers to the expansion of the church, and this demonstration of the Lord’s power and holiness, through His apostle, may have been one of the reasons for this.
 
Life application: A study of the use of the word ekklésia in Acts clearly shows that it refers to one united body of Jew and Gentile, not two separate bodies based on two separate gospels. Further, the use of it shows that the church is not an organization based on a centralized building or location, such as one might think while considering Roman Catholicism.
 
The church is shown to be the people who are saved believers in Jesus Christ. Too often, the word “church” is used when referring to a building. Even abandoned buildings are often referred to in this way, such as, “That is an old church.” What would be more appropriate would be to say, “That is an old building where the church used to meet.”
 
This would then help both believers and non-believers to understand that the church is comprised of those people who are followers of Jesus. Further, those who are true followers of Jesus are also known as “saints.” That is clearly seen in Paul’s letters, such as in his first letter to the Corinthians –
 
“To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:” 1 Corinthians 1:2
 
Remember these things and, to the extent possible, try to be precise concerning them. In this, those who misunderstand the terminology can be corrected. The church (the called-out assembly) refers to believers in Jesus Christ, and those believers are all saints.
 
Thank You, Lord God, for allowing us to be members of Your called-out assembly when we have faith in the gospel concerning what Jesus Christ has done. As Your saints, help us to be responsible and remember to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of this high calling. May our lives be lived to Your glory. Amen.
 

Acts 5:10

Friday, 18 February 2022
 
Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. Acts 5:10
 
The previous verse had Peter proclaim judgment upon Sapphira for her having tested the Spirit of the Lord. He proclaimed that the same young men who carried out her husband would likewise carry her out, meaning that she would die. With that spoken, Luke records next that exactly that happened, saying, “Then immediately she fell down at his feet.”
 
As soon as the words left his mouth, she punched her ticket and fell down dead. The note of her falling at his feet is a nice touch. The very place where the money had been left by Ananias, meaning at the apostles’ feet (as noted in verse 5:2), is the same place where she wound up. The spot where the money testified against her is the same spot where she lay dead.
 
In this, she (like her husband) became an immediate object lesson to any who would dare to be deceitful in this manner again. As the word is now written, it stands as a testimony to the nature of the act, and to what is rightly deserved by those who do such things.
 
However, this does not mean that such an action is to be expected with every incident that arises. The example was set to show what is rightly deserved, but it is not prescribing that this will be normative in every instance. Hence, we can find the mercy of God in every such instance we find ourselves in during our walk before the Lord. As for Sapphira, after keeling over, it says, “and breathed her last.”
 
It is the same word introduced in verse 5:5 when Ananias was said to have breathed his last. Within just a short time, the same thing happened to Sapphira, and the matter was settled as a recorded testimony for all time. In her expiring, Luke next records, “And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.”
 
The verbs of this sentence are not well translated by the NKJV. Here, instead of “came in,” it is an aorist participle, “having come in.” Likewise, the words, “carrying her out,” are also an aorist participle, “having carried her out.”
 
Hence, it should read something like, “And the young men, having come in, found her dead, and having carried her out, they buried her by her husband.” Luke’s description is alive with the actions that occurred in order to convey that the same young men who had just picked up the dead body of Ananias and transported him to a grave, likewise had come in and found Sapphira in the same state as he had been.
 
From there “having carried her out” they took her to the same location as he had been carried, and “they buried her by her husband.” In this, the tragic story of Ananias and Sapphira comes to its end. They had neglected to consider the words of Scripture, they had failed to apply the knowledge of the Lord to their understanding, and they had tested the Lord.
 
Life application: The 94th Psalm gives insights into the nature of the Lord in such an instance as that which came about with Ananias and Sapphira –
 
“Yet they say, ‘The Lord does not see,Nor does the God of Jacob understand.’
8 Understand, you senseless among the people;And you fools, when will you be wise?9 He who planted the ear, shall He not hear?He who formed the eye, shall He not see?10 He who instructs the nations, shall He not correct,He who teaches man knowledge?11 The Lord knows the thoughts of man,That they are futile.” Psalm 94:7-11
 
The Lord is aware of those things we think we have kept secret, and He will act in accord with His wisdom in each and every such case. Let us consider this and take it to heart. And let us also be grateful that we do not always get what we deserve. If we did, the church would be a lot emptier come Sunday morning. Thank God that He mercifully does not act against our every transgression!
 
Lord God, You are gracious and merciful. You return to us less than our sins deserve, and You are abundantly good to us in so many ways. Help us to remember this and to always be grateful to You for Your kind hand of discipline when it is brought upon us. Great are You, O God, and greatly are You to be praised. Amen.
 

Acts 5:9

Thursday, 17 February 2022
 
Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Acts 5:9
 
Peter had just questioned Sapphira as to whether the land was sold for the amount Peter had indicated. Her answer was a lie, saying it was. With that, it now says, “Then Peter said to her.” Peter has information that is as yet unknown by Sapphira concerning Ananias. He also knows that she has lied, just as he did. With that knowledge, he questions her directly, asking, “How is it that you have agreed together.”
 
Rather than “agreed together,” the verb is passive being rightly translated, “How was it agreed by you.” The word Peter uses, sumphóneó, is the etymological root for our modern word “symphony.” It originally signified a harmony of voices, thus being in agreement. A cunning idea was brought forth, and it was agreed to by both “to test the Spirit of the Lord?”
 
In verse 5:3, Peter had told Ananias that Satan had filled his heart to lie to the Holy Spirit. Then in 5:4, he said that Ananias had lied to God. Now, the same action is described as testing the Spirit of the Lord. One can see how the concept of the Godhead is somewhat revealed by how Peter has made the three statements. His wording is not unlike that found in 2 Corinthians 3 where Paul refers to “Christ,” “the Spirit of the living God,” “God,” “the Spirit,” “the Lord,” “the Lord is the Spirit,” and “the Spirit of the Lord.”
 
Each member has His own role, but the role and the terminology are also seen to overlap as their workings are displayed in the stream of time. In Peter’s use of “the Spirit of the Lord” in this verse of Acts, he is certainly using the term synonymously with “the Spirit of Jesus Christ” as is seen, for example, in Philippians 1:19. And yet, Peter also used the term Holy Spirit as noted before in verse 5:3. As such, the act is one that has come before the Godhead and Peter understands the consequences of their actions by declaring, “Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door.”
 
Sapphira may have heard the words and not even really understood what was being said. The sentencing is so abrupt and direct that her mind may not have had time to process what he meant. But they were stated clearly enough to tell her that some sort of disaster had taken place in regard to Ananias and that meant disaster was certainly coming upon her as well. And without a break in his words, Peter then conveys what that disaster would be, saying, “and they will carry you out.”
 
The span of time would have been very short between the two intervals, especially if a tomb was already set to receive Ananias’ body. Just as the feet of the young men who had put him in his grave had returned, the sentence upon Sapphira was being spoken and executed. She would be joining him in burial within moments.
 
Life application: If one slowly reads through the epistles and notes every use of the names and designations God, Jesus, the Spirit, and so on, a round and rich tapestry of the workings of God is revealed. The amount of overlap in the terminology makes it utterly inexcusable that people deny the concept of a Godhead where the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are each a member.
 
This is unquestionable. As such, only a few options are available concerning the matter. One can say, “I simply don’t believe this is the word of God.” In this, the indication is that the person does not accept the Bible as a revelation of who God is. But if the person is honest, he will at least admit that the Bible does convey the notion that the God presented in it is triune in nature.
 
If a person says, “I believe the Bible is the word of God,” then there is a true disconnect in his thinking if he also says, “I do not believe in a Trinity.” The evidence is right there for anyone who is willing to simply open his eyes. Such a person is deluded and has not sought out the truth of the God who is revealed in the very Scriptures he says he believes are the true word of God.
 
And, of course, there are those who accept the Bible as the true revelation of God, and they are willing to accept what it says at face value concerning how God has revealed Himself. “Yes, I accept that the Bible teaches the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. I may not understand this, and I may have some of the nuances wrong in my thinking, but this is what the Bible clearly teaches.”
 
If you are struggling with the concept of the Trinity, take the time to do your own study. The epistles and Revelation are not that long. In a short amount of time, you can have every instance of how God has revealed Himself written down. From there, you can consider them. If you are honest with what is there before you, you will agree that the Bible teaches a Triune Godhead.
 
Lord God, You greatly reward those who diligently seek You through Your word. This is certain. And so, help us to be wise and to spend our time wisely through reading it, studying it, contemplating it, and meditating upon it. What could be more important than knowing You and growing closer to You? Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Acts 5:8

Wednesday, 16 February 2022
 
And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”She said, “Yes, for so much.” Acts 5:8
 
The previous verse noted that Sapphira had come in without knowing any of the details concerning the death of Ananias. With that being the context, Peter is obviously prompted in his spirit to find out if the matter extended to her as well. With that in mind, it says, “And Peter answered her.”
 
In the Bible, the word “answered” is frequently used to indicate “asked,” even if it is the beginning of a conversation. There is a matter that is waiting for a resolution and so it is “answered” to. Hence, the word “answered” responds to the as-yet unstated issue and not necessarily to someone’s query. Understanding this, Peter introduces the issue, saying, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”
 
The issue is the sale of the land for a certain amount of money. It may be that the bag of money was still there where it had been left as a witness to the deceit of Ananias. The arrival of Sapphira was like its own discourse to open the matter up for a resolution. As such, Peter answers by asking.
 
In this, the matter is set forth and the evidence is either openly present, or the amount was asked by Peter, even if unrecorded by Luke. Either way, the amount was made manifest to her, and Peter then asked about it. With this precise line of presenting evidence and then questioning the details, Luke next records that “She said, ‘Yes, for so much.’”
 
The question from Peter was not, “Is this the amount you and your husband decided to present to us?” Rather, it was whether the land was sold for the amount presented. As such, her answer is false.
 
Life application: Although we should not expect that every person who lies about such a matter will suddenly keel over and expire, the purpose of including this story is surely to instruct us in our own responsibilities in running matters of the church.
 
First, it is an indication that the Lord is aware of even the smallest details of our daily lives. This is evident from the parable He gave concerning the unjust steward in Luke 16:1-13. Secondly, it is to be remembered that that church at this time did not have a New Testament to conduct its affairs by. And so, the Lord directed the early church, through the apostles, and He did it – at times – by having things come about that are not to be considered normative once the epistles were written.
 
With the epistles now available, a matter such as this one can now be evaluated based on what is written there, and decisions can be rendered based on that guidance. Thus, it is incumbent on those who find error within the church to go to the word, ensure that the matter is evaluated based on what the word says, and then a decision is rendered based on that evaluation.
 
Let us be sure to consult the word. To not do so defeats the purpose of having it in the first place. Keep reminding yourself as you go through Acts that it is a descriptive account. It is not prescribing anything in matters such as this one, and what occurs is certainly not to be considered normative for the rest of the church age.
 
Glorious God, what a gift You have given to us in the pages of the Bible. If we are willing to adhere to it as the guiding rule for our lives, then our lives will certainly be better off for it. You are the Creator, and we are the work of Your hands. Certainly, what You have given us in the word is a reflection of the care You have for us. Thank You for this word! Amen.

Acts 5:7

Tuesday, 15 February 2022
 
Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Acts 5:7
 
Ananias has died and been wrapped up, carried out, and buried. With that recorded, Luke now turns to the second person to be involved in the devious matter, saying, “Now it was about three hours later.” The Greek bears an idiomatic expression commonly found in the gospels. It more literally reads, “And it came to pass, about three hours later.”
 
It is a way of conveying that the events were not preplanned by Peter. The first thing occurred, and, eventually, the next event began to unfold as well. In this instance, the event surrounds the wife of Ananias, saying, “when his wife came in.” This is Sapphira, noted by name in verse 5:1, and of whom it said “his wife also being aware of it” in verse 5:2.
 
She is complicit in the lie concerning the money obtained from the sale of the land, but she is clueless as to the events that occurred concerning Ananias. As it says, “not knowing what had happened.” With this, she is given an opportunity to set the course of her future, for good or for ill.
 
Life application: The book of Proverbs provides wisdom to those who are willing to accept what it says. If the discourses and pithy sayings that are given there are mulled over and meditated upon, a lot of woes that otherwise occur might be eliminated from our lives. In Proverbs 4, Solomon says –
 
“My son, give attention to my words;Incline your ear to my sayings.21 Do not let them depart from your eyes;Keep them in the midst of your heart;22 For they are life to those who find them,And health to all their flesh.23 Keep your heart with all diligence,For out of it spring the issues of life.24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth,And put perverse lips far from you.25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,And your eyelids look right before you.26 Ponder the path of your feet,And let all your ways be established.27 Do not turn to the right or the left;Remove your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:20-27
 
In those few lines are several admonitions that would help Sapphira decide what course of action to take when she is questioned about the affair of the sale of land. We’ll see if she stayed awake during Sabbath school when Solomon was read.
 
Take time to read through Proverbs. If you read one chapter a day, it will take you a month to go through it. If you read three a day... well, you do the math. Just be sure to review the wisdom recorded there. You will often find that from day to day what you read will be applicable to events of that same day.
 
Lord God, Your word is precious. Thank You that it is there, waiting for us to give our attention to it. Now, Lord, give us the desire and the wisdom to search it out and to then apply its precepts to our walk before You. Thank You for this word that can safely guide the steps of our lives. Amen.

Acts 5:6

Monday, 14 February 2022
 
And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. Acts 5:6
 
In the previous verse, the demise of Ananias was recorded. Down he went and out went his breath. With that, Luke now records, “And the young men arose.” The word is literally “younger” men. Much speculation is given over these words, but what seems likely is that they are simply being contrasted to elder men. They are youthful, they are not in any leadership position, they are asked to do a job that would be expected of someone young, and so Luke notes that the “younger men arose” to do what was necessary, which is that they “wrapped him up.”
 
This is common in the Middle East to this day. A shroud or blanket was laid out, and then the body is placed on it, wrapped up, and taken for internment. The verb itself gives the sense of drawing together or drawing in, as if it is a sail being shortened. Hence, the shroud is drawn into the body, and that is how it is carried to where it is deposited.
 
Along with that, it was not uncommon for spices to be added into this burial cloth as it was being drawn in. That is noted of Jesus’ body in John 19:40, saying it was “the custom of the Jews.” With this done, Luke next specifically notes that they “carried him out.”
 
There were places appointed for burial outside of the city. Quite often, such places were already prepared so that the body was simply placed into the chamber and a stone was then rolled over the entrance. In this, the body would decompose to the point where its bones could be  later gathered together into a stone box known as an ossuary. From there, the gravesite could be used again, as it stood ready to receive its next body. As this was a customary way of quickly and efficiently disposing of a corpse, this is probably the process by which they “buried him.”
 
This was a quick and efficient way of getting the job done, and it avoided a lot of the drama we go through in today’s world. Rather, the place would be noted, and from there, mourners would come and go as they saw fit. This is seen, for example, in John 11 in relation to the grave of Lazarus.
 
Life application: The body of Ananias was handled in accord with the custom of the Jews. This prescribes nothing. It simply describes what occurred. It is an error in thinking to then come to the conclusion that all bodies must be buried. If the practice of the Jews was to be followed, we wouldn’t be using caskets. Further, we would later be gathering up the bones of the dead and placing them in ossuaries etc. On and on, the thinking concerning what to do with a body would go.
 
The Bible is silent on this issue. There are no prescriptions at all concerning the matter. As this is so, it is a matter that is left solely up to the discretion of the family or society to handle. Whether a person is vaporized in a nuclear detonation, devoured by sharks, or slowly consumed by worms, the result is pretty much the same. The body returns to its basic elements, and nothing is left of it.
 
The body is not what the Bible focuses on in such matters. It is the soul of the man that it is concerned with. If Christians spent less time worrying about what is going to happen to their corruptible bodies and more on what will happen to their eternal souls, things would be in a much better perspective. Unfortunately, such is normally not the case.
 
Jesus is the Christ of the nations. The way those nations dispose of their bodies is up to them. The way that the state of the eternal soul of man is addressed should be where the focus is. Let us consider this and get about the business of sharing the gospel.
 
Glorious God, You have fashioned us to live out our lives in bodies that are marvellously pieced together. But they also degrade and tire out. If there is such majesty in these frail, temporary bodies, what will it be like when we are united with our eternal dwellings? How wonderful it is to hope for that day. May it be soon! Amen.
 

Acts 5:5

Sunday, 13 February 2022
 
Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. Acts 5:5
 
Peter has just accosted Ananias with his deceitfulness, telling him that what he has done is to lie to God and not to men. With that stated, Luke next records the punishment that immediately follows, beginning with, “Then Ananias.”
 
There is a sense of separation from Peter by saying this. It doesn’t say, “Then Peter reached out and...” or any such thing. What occurs is only to Ananias. It has nothing to do with anything Peter either initiated or that he was subsequently involved in. The effects are upon Ananias, and they came upon “hearing these words.”
 
Again, this is still indicating a separation from Peter and from anyone else. Ananias is the only one involved, and the event occurs simply upon hearing. He heard the charges and, Luke records, he “fell down and breathed his last.”
 
The meaning is plain and obvious. Apart from any action by Peter or anyone else, Ananias simply keeled over and was dead. In his description of the event, Luke uses a rare word, ekpsuchó. It is found for the first of only three times, all in Acts. It is also found in the Greek translation of the OT and also in ancient Greek medical writers. It comes from ek, meaning “out,” and psuchó, meaning “to breathe out” but with the sense of blowing to make cool.
 
One can think of him collapsing to the floor, and out comes his final breath. There was no appeal, there wasn’t even time for him to beg forgiveness. Instead, he was laid low, and his breath was extinguished. Whether he was a saved believer or not, the judgment upon him was given as an example of what any one of us deserves for such an offense. Even if immediate judgment isn’t forthcoming, that is a demonstration of mercy, not that the Lord isn’t aware of the offense.
 
As for those who heard of such things, Luke records, “So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.” This was one of the reasons for the swift, strict, and sudden event. It was to instill in the minds of the people the terrifying nature of just how close the judgment of the Lord can be at any time. It is not as if God is far off and unconcerned. He is right among His people, and He is perfectly aware of the things that we do – be they right or wrong.
 
It is a common practice among Charismatics and Pentecostals to claim to be “slain in the Spirit.” They fall down and roll around on the ground in supposedly ecstatic states. This type of religion is not found in the epistles, and it does damage to the beauty of the Christian experience, sensationalizing what should be a dignified approach to the holiness of God. When Ananias was slain in the Spirit, it was a permanent effect, and it was because he deserved what happened to him.
 
If believers were punished for treating the holiness of God with such contempt every time they did so, there would very quickly be a lot fewer people filling the halls of churches.
 
Life application: Paul says the following in his epistles –
 
“‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:8-10
 
And again –
 
“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13,1 4
 
We hear the word, we believe, and we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. And yet, for many, the rest of their lives is a walk with the Lord that is one of doubt and uncertainty. “I know that I believe the gospel, but how do I know I’m really (really, really) saved?”
 
It is as if they want an outward confirmation that what happened to them really took hold. Ananias got a confirmation that what he did really was known to God. It was a costly lesson. God is under no obligation to give us any outward sign that we have been saved, nor should any such sign ever be expected.
 
But this is just what charismatics claim is the case. It is as common as sand on the beach to hear them teach that speaking in tongues is a sign of having the Spirit. Such a false teaching completely damages the purpose and intent of the word “faith.” It nullifies it in the believer, and for the rest of his life, he is looking for the next sensational proof of his holiness.
 
The Bible never teaches such a thing, nor does it teach that we should doubt that the Lord has saved us once we have believed the gospel. What the word does teach us is to ensure the gospel we have accepted is the true gospel, and to be certain that the Jesus we have received is the true Jesus. If we are certain of this, let us accept that we have been saved, and let us live lives of gratitude – not doubt – for that salvation. This is certainly something that is pleasing to the Lord.
 
Heavenly Father, give us wisdom in Your word so that we live faithful lives that are properly balanced in our doctrine. Help us to stay away from strange, unbiblical doctrines. And keep us from those who would misdirect us in our walk with You. You are pleased with our faith. And so, may we be people of faith as we live out our lives in Your presence. Amen.
 

Acts 5:4

Saturday, 12 February 2022
 
While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” Acts 5:4
 
The account of Ananias and his deceitfulness continues. Peter has poignantly told him that what has happened is a result of Satan filling his heart and causing him to lie to the Holy Spirit. He was looking for attention and accolades while making a claim that was untrue. Now, to show how ridiculous what he has done truly is, Peter continues to address him, saying, “While it remained, was it not your own?”
 
The Greek bears a play on words which is also a common Hebraism. In essence, it says, “Remaining, did it not remain to you?” It is an emphatic way of stating a truth, by repeating while also changing the form of the verb.
 
In this, Peter was telling Ananias that what he possessed was his and he alone had charge over it. Therefore, if he gave one quarter, one half, three quarters, or all of it, the amount was solely up to him. Because of this, to lie about the amount could only be a perverse display of pride. It had nothing to do with necessity. And more, Peter continued with, “And after it was sold, was it not in your own control?”
 
It is the same basic thought, repeated once again. It was his, and even after selling it, the money was his. There was no need to lie about his own possession. And so, the repetition is an emphatic way of showing Ananias how stupid and deceitful what he had done truly was. There was no threat to his financial security, there was no compulsion to give even one penny, and what he did give was solely up to him. The sin of pride had stepped in and made him long for an undeserved recognition. Because of this, Peter asks, “Why have you conceived this thing in your heart?”
 
Peter asks the question, but James later provides the answer –
 
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” James 1:12-15
 
Ananias was drawn away by his own desires, and his actions have formed a lesson for the church to consider. The evil in him was not from God but was formed from the lies of Satan. It then sprang from the flesh of his own self, and he proceeded down the perverse path from there. With that set forth for him to consider, Peter finishes with, “You have not lied to men but to God.”
 
In just the previous verse, Peter said that he had lied to the Holy Spirit. Now he says that he has lied to God. Unless Peter is theologically confused, which he is not, he is stating that the Holy Spirit is – in fact – God. 
 
The restating of this from “Holy Spirit” to “God” also appears to be another evidence that Ananias was probably a saved believer. It appears to be implied that he had received the Holy Spirit and had misunderstood the significance of that event. Peter is schooling him on the fact that in receiving the Holy Spirit, one has received the Spirit of God, who is God.
 
The working of the Godhead is realized in each person that comes to a saving knowledge of Christ, and from there, care needs to be taken to conduct one’s life properly in that sanctified state henceforth. Ananias had not done so and had discredited that glorious name by which he was sanctified.
 
Life application: One mark that is often evident among cults is that of the leaders exacting huge sums of money from those who follow. It may be that they are required to give up everything to join.
 
Within the church, there are ten thousand permutations of what it means to give. Some churches have annual sermons on tithing. Some mention tithing at the end of almost every sermon, just before the plate is passed.
 
Pressure to give may come in a variety of ways, or subtle hints of people not doing enough may be spoken out in order to shame people into giving more. Peter’s words dispel any idea that the property of an individual belongs to the church. Until it is given, it belongs to the person alone.
 
Paul’s words in the epistles then give the directions for proper giving. This is it, so if you can remember these two verses, you will satisfactorily handle your financial affairs in relation to giving to the church you attend –
 
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
 
“Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.” Galatians 6:6
 
“Not grudgingly or of necessity” means giving is to be an act of the freewill that makes the person happy. If he isn’t happy in giving, he should not give. And it should only be what he purposes in his heart. “All good things” does not necessarily mean money. It simply means to share in what is good with one’s teacher. Whether that means a compliment, a cookie, or an invite over for dinner is solely up to the individual.
 
That is it. Beyond that, no person should ever feel pressured into giving. It should be from a willing heart, and it should be because it blesses the giver.
 
Lord God, thank You for Jesus who has done all things for us. Help us to decide what we can do in return for the grace we have been granted, and then let us live out our lives in that manner, glorifying You with our deeds and actions. May it be so. Amen.

Acts 5:3

Friday, 11 February 2022
 
But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? Acts 5:3
 
The previous verse revealed Ananias having kept back a part of the proceeds from what he had sold, and yet placing a certain part of it at the feet of the apostles. With that done, the account continues with, “But Peter said.”
 
The attention of the narrative continues on with Peter. This is not an indication that Peter is the leader of the people, nor is it a note that such notable things only occurred to Peter. Rather, the narrative is recording the events surrounding Peter because he is the main apostle at this time, and he is also the one – between Peter and Paul, who Acts is mainly centered around – whose ministry is focused more especially on the Jews.
 
When Paul arrives on the scene, the narrative will begin to focus on him more and more because the spiritual banner of Israel will begin to transfer from Peter to Paul, and from the Jew to the Gentile. As the narrative is on Peter at this time, Luke continues with the words of Peter, saying, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart.”
 
This is one of two times Satan is spoken of by name in Acts. The other being in Acts 26:18. It is a clear indication that he is alive and active in the world after the time of the cross. In this case, it was to fill the heart of Ananias. The heart is reflective of the seat of reason and understanding. Ananias’ thought process was clearly afflicted so that he would presume to be deceitful with the money that was intended for the aid of the church.
 
It is an egregious offense because the apostles represented the leadership of the church, and they were those who demonstrated the power of God working through them. However, the words here no more indicate an unsaved person than they did when Jesus essentially said the same thing to Peter –
 
“And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.’” Luke 22:31, 32
 
Likewise, Paul’s epistles clearly show that Satan is working within the church and is active in that work, even among and against believers –
 
“Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” 1 Corinthians 7:5
 
Paul gives a comparable note of warning again in 2 Corinthians 2:11 and elsewhere. As for now with Ananias, the filling of his heart by Satan was “to lie to the Holy Spirit.” The offense is especially said to be directed toward the Holy Spirit as opposed to “the Lord” or “God” in a more general sense. Albert Barnes gives a long, detailed, and specific analysis of this, but the key point of his thoughts center on these words –
 
“Peter intended, doubtless, to designate an offence as committed particularly against the person, or influence, by which he and the other apostles were inspired. Ananias supposed that he could escape detection, and the offence was one, therefore, against the Inspirer of the apostles. Yet that was the Holy Spirit as "distinct from the Father." See John 14:16-17, John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7-11; John 20:22. Compare Acts 5:32. The offence, therefore, being against him who was "sent" by the Father, and who was appointed to a particular work, clearly supposes that the Holy Spirit is distinct from the Father.”
 
Barnes also equates what happened here to the “blasphemy of the Spirit” noted in Matthew 12 and Mark 3. The presence of the working of the Spirit in and through Jesus can be equated to that now working through the apostles, but the magnitude of the offense does not appear to be the same. The people accused Jesus of being filled with Satan when it was the Holy Spirit. Ananias has not done this.
 
And more, Jesus didn’t call for those who blasphemed the Spirit to suddenly keel over and die. He simply told them that what they had done was an unpardonable offence. The very fact that punishment will come so swiftly upon Ananias is a better indication that he was saved than it would be that he is unsaved. However, it is not a proof of the matter and only a general inference can be made. Regardless of that debatable issue, Peter explains why this is lying to the Holy Spirit, saying, “and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?”
 
The spiritual aspect of the ministry was plainly evident through the work of the apostles. They were carrying on the ministry of Christ, and they were responsible for the development of the church. As His “sent ones,” they bore His authority and their decisions were on His behalf. In lying to them, it was taken as a lie against the Holy Spirit who empowered them. Ananias and his wife will be given as object lessons to the people concering this truth. What occurs to them will be a means of establishing their authority to conduct the affairs of the church during this period of its establishment.
 
Life application: Things like what is occurring with Ananias no longer occur in the church today. The lesson has been recorded, and we have this descriptive account to read and accept or reject. But the Bible is a testament to it having occurred. To not believe it is not much different than what Ananias has done.
 
The Bible claims that it has come under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It claims to be the word of God, including that of Him working through the apostles. How is it different, then, to ignore the prescriptions found in Scripture than it is to do what Ananias did? In other words, Paul (an apostle of Jesus Christ) clearly states that a woman is not to teach or have authority over a man.
 
And yet, there are female teachers, preachers, and pastors that fill churches throughout the world. It is no less a lying to the Holy Spirit. This same logic can be used in countless other doctrines that are recorded by the apostles in the pages of the epistles. The word of God must be held as sacred, and it must be treated with the same respect and honor that we give to the Holy Spirit who authored it. It is a reflection of who He is.
 
If we are willing to consider the word in this light, our treatment of it will be as it should be. Let us not fail to hold the word in the highest of esteem, being obedient to its precepts, lest our hearts be guilty of lying to the One who breathed it out for us as a moral guide in a darkened world.
 
Glorious God, how can we say we love You, and yet ignore what Your word says? And how can we know what Your word says unless we take time to read it and to know it? We have a great disconnect in our thinking when we say we love You and want to be pleasing to You, and yet we don’t spend the time getting to know who You are and what You expect! Help us to correct this by learning and applying this sacred treasure to our lives. Amen.

Acts 5:2

Thursday, 10 February 2022
 
And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 5:2
 
The previous verse introduced Ananias and Sapphira, noting that they sold a possession. The narrative concerning them continues now, beginning with, “And he.”
 
It first focuses on Ananias, apart from his wife. This actually highlights the events of the narrative in a more pronounced way. As they unfold, the united nature of their deed, despite the order in which the events unfold, is brought to the forefront of the account. As for Ananias at this time, he “kept back part of the proceeds.”
 
The Greek word, translated as “kept back,” is nosphizó. It is found here in verses 2 & 3, and only again in Titus 2:10 –
 
“Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” Titus 2:9, 10
 
It signifies purloining, pilfering, or embezzling. It is the clearly wrong action of setting apart something for oneself. In this case, the setting apart is not what is wrong. The disposition of the money would be up to them. However, what accompanies the setting apart of the money is what makes their actions inappropriate.
 
It is clearly to be understood that their actions imply that the entire amount is supposedly being offered to God. Thus, it is the lie that accompanies the offering that is being focused on. Ananias has looked to find favor in the eyes of the people through a dishonest display of charity. But the guilt of the act extends beyond him because of “his wife also being aware of it.”
 
They are both complicit in the deceitful act, and thus both bear guilt before the Lord. It is in this state of trickery that it next says, “and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
 
The account gives the basic details and says nothing further about how it was presented, meaning what was said, what kind of a cheerful response came from those who received it, or any other such things. But one can easily speculate about how esteemed the act would have been in the eyes of others, and how these two would suddenly be moved up a couple notches in the rungs of whatever perceived hierarchy there was among the people.
 
And this would have been the exact intent of making such a claim. With everyone’s attention focused on them, they would be the heroes of the day. But such a state has no value in the eyes of God. Rather, He looks upon deceitfulness and a faithless heart in a completely different light. When King Saul did something that followed in a similar fashion, he was directly address concerning it by Samuel –
 
“So Samuel said:‘Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,As in obeying the voice of the Lord?Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,And to heed than the fat of rams.23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,He also has rejected you from being king.’” 1 Samuel 15:22, 23
 
Saul looked for esteem in the eyes of his men as of more importance than a heart that was set on pleasing the Lord. It cost him the kingship. Ananias and Sapphira followed a similar path, and they will not go unscathed.
 
Life application: In our society today, people have become almost totally consumed with seeing themselves and being recognized on social media. All kinds of filters are used to enhance photos, and once photos have been taken, they are manipulated further to hide imperfections.
 
As this is so, what is being seen is nothing more than a cheap lie. But even though we know this is being done, it is ignored as an acceptable part of being in the public eye. But such deceitfulness then harms everything else around us because our view of people becomes skewed. We see the actual flaws of others and decide they need to be “corrected” before we can truly accept them.
 
And so, people rush off to have plastic surgery, Botox fillers, and so on. Life is cheapened with each such thing we allow. And all the while, God is evaluating what is going on inside of us. The externals mean nothing. He is looking to see if our hearts are directed to Him and to His word.
 
Let us not worry about the shallow, temporary, and completely vain things that do not profit. Instead, we should be concerned with building up our spiritual lives through hearts that are more in love with the Lord every day. May it be so.
 
Lord God, help us to forget the vain and temporary things that this world focuses on, and help us to cultivate hearts that are pleasing to You. May we be acceptable in Your sight despite all of our outward bumps and scars that will be forever removed when we receive new bodies of glory and holiness some wonderful day. Amen.