There are right ways and wrong ways to give!
Once again, giving is all about attitude and intent. Now, let’s first focus on the wrong way.
The following passage is one of the most sobering passages in the New Testament. It shows that the same Holy Spirit Who empowers, blesses, and unites the church is also Holy and will not tolerate deliberate hypocrisy.
Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 5:
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.
2 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.
Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property. There was nothing wrong with
owning the land, Selling the land, and keeping part of the money. The problem was that they pretended to give all the proceeds while secretly keeping some for themselves.
Their sin was not withholding money—it was deception.
They wanted the reputation of complete sacrifice without actually making it.
3 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?
4 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.”
Peter makes several important points:
1. Satan Was Influencing the Situation: Just as Satan attacked the church from outside through persecution in Acts 4, he now attacks from inside through hypocrisy.
2. The Holy Spirit Is God: Peter says, “You have not lied unto men, but unto God.”
In verse 3 Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit; in verse 4 Peter says he lied to God. This is one of the clearest passages identifying the Holy Spirit as fully Divine.
3. The gift Was voluntary. Peter specifically notes, “While it remained, was it not your own?” The property belonged to Ananias; no one forced him to sell it; no one required him to donate all the money.
The issue was deliberate dishonesty before God.
5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.
6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
This was a direct act of Divine judgment. Many find this shocking, but God occasionally acts swiftly at critical moments in redemptive history to demonstrate His Holiness.
Similar examples include:
- Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10)
- Achan (Joshua 7)
- Uzzah (2 Samuel 6)
These events occurred at important beginnings of God’s work and emphasized the seriousness of approaching Him rightly.
7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.”
9 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.”
10 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.
Peter gave her an opportunity to tell the Truth. Instead she repeated the lie.
Peter asked: “How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord?”
The deception was planned and mutual. She immediately fell dead as well.
The judgment demonstrated that God sees not only actions but motives and hidden intentions.
11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
This is the first use of the word “church” (ekklesia) in Acts.
This was not terror without hope. It was reverent awe—a renewed awareness that God is Holy and present among His people.
The church learned that God cannot be manipulated and religious appearances do not fool Him. HE takes hypocrisy serious!
12 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.
13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.
14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,
The story does not end with judgment. God continued to work powerfully through the apostles and many signs and wonders occurred.
The believers gathered together in unity at Solomon’s Portico. Luke notes that people respected the believers deeply, even though some were hesitant to join casually. The church continued to grow.
This passage teaches an important principle: A Holy church is often a powerful church. Also, God’s judgment purified the church rather than destroying it.