Lesson 174: Ananias and Sapphira

Acts 5:1-16

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INTRODUCTION. The early members of the Lord's church came from many lands and

different backgrounds (Acts 2:9-11), yet they were of "one heart and of one soul” (Acts 4:32). Those who were poor had their needs supplied by the generosity of others (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35). Barnabas is specifically named as one man who sold his property, then gave the money to the apostles to distribute to those in need (Acts 4:36-37).

In contrast to the sincerity and liberality of Barnabas and others who willingly sold their

possessions to provide for the needy, the story of another man and his wife reveals their

insincerity and hypocrisy. This couple, Ananias and Sapphira, also sold some property,

but, unlike Barnabas who gave all his money to the apostles, these two gave some of the

money to the apostles and kept a portion for themselves. The money was theirs to do with as they desired, but they conspired with one another to deceive the apostles by professing to give all the money they had received for the sale of their land.