A Bible Study on the Book of Acts Session 13
The Church of the Holy Apostles;
Based upon the Homilies of St John Chrysostom (SJC)
Study Guide – Acts 5.1-16, Homily 12
Chapter 5 v. 1-4 – But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 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. 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? “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.”
Great contrast between 4.36-37 and Ananias and Sapphira. There was no obligation to give. Each gave freely.
Ananias and Sapphira SECRETLY planned to hold back part of the gift
Sin grows in darkness – Satan filled his heart
This was a greater sin because the gift had been offered to the Church and thus become sacred
Lie to Church = lie to God “Do you see how many evil spring from the love of money?” SJC
Chapter 5 v. 5-6 – Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
God uses His judgment during strong points to convict us to repentance
God does the same thing in 2 Kingdoms 6 (2 Samuel 6) Touching the Ark was forbidden and brought death.
“The Lord in known by executing judgment.” Psalm 9.17 (9.16)
Chapter 5 v. 7-10 – Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” 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.” 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.
There is always a chance for repentance, but we must take the chance when we have it.
Confidentiality in the Apostolic Church is a sign of reverence and obedience for the Apostles
Sapphira seals her fate by choosing the lie rather than repentanced
Chapter 5 v. 11 – So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
Another great miracle has taken place for the people to witness the Power of God. SJC considers this miracle greater than the lame being healed. Peter knew their heart (a sign of God’s power) and gave them a chance to repent, but she chose the lie. The crowd witnesses the whole thing:
“So entirely by their own act had they invited upon themselves the vengeance! Who after that would not be struck with awe? Who would not fear the Apostles? Who would not marvel? Who would not be afraid?” SJC
Chapter 5 v. 12-16 – 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. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
The Apostles are no longer secluded but “in the temple.”
The crowds are drawn to them for healing
Apostles were strict with believers but merciful with non-believers
SJC “While to their own people they are severe, against the aliens they do no exercise their power.”
It was the virtue of the early Church that drew new people into the Church. SJC “They were all bringing…” p78
Promise of Christ is fulfilled (John 14.12) Greater things were done by the Apostles. Christ didn’t heal with His shadow, like Peter.
Special Note: The Christian life is Joy/Sorrow (see Homily p77) We need to stop trying to always avoid sorrow.
Teaching on the need for repentance – (see Homily 12, pp 79-80)
- Many other sins come from sacrilege, especially covetousness, contempt of God, impurity
- Don’t abuse God’s mercy “But if we swear and escape, let us not be confident; this is but to our woe.”
- Fear doesn’t bring repentance. It just drives people away
- Allow suffering to remind you of your sinfulness and confess and be saved.
- The grace of God is conveyed through the Mystery of Confession in the Church. The power of God is given to the Church to forgive. Use it!
Life Application – Give Freely! Live Holy! Repent Often!
- Our gifts have been given to us by God for good things, but we should always offer them freely. This doesn’t mean only that we give, but that we do neither hold back, nor control our gift.
- Allow the Godly life to attract others to Christ, and when you are NOT living holy, don’t take this as license for worse behavior.
- Take every chance to repent and return to living holy, because the Church has authority to forgive.