1677 - Sabbath School - 1.Mar Wed

Ananias and Sapphira

It was an exciting time to be a member of the church. Following

the great outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, the

apostles were preaching the gospel with power, and thousands were

joining the church.

“And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were

assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and

they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them

that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them

that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had

all things common” (Acts 4:31, 32).

What a privilege Ananias and Sapphira had, being part of the early

church, seeing it grow, and seeing the manifestation of the Holy Spirit

in such a marked manner. “Nor was there anyone among them who

lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and

brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the

apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need” (Acts

4:34, 35, NKJV).

It was in this setting that Ananias and Sapphira, obviously impressed

by what was happening and wanting to be part of it, decided to sell some

property and contribute the proceeds to the church. So far, so good.

Read Acts 5:1–11. What do you think was worse, holding back part of

the money or lying about it? Why such a harsh punishment?

At first, it seemed as if they were sincere in their desire to give

toward the work. However, “afterward, Ananias and Sapphira grieved

the Holy Spirit by yielding to feelings of covetousness. They began to

regret their promise and soon lost the sweet influence of the blessing

that had warmed their hearts with a desire to do large things in behalf

of the cause of Christ.”—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles,

p. 72. In other words, though they had started out with the best of

motives, their covetousness caused them to put on a front and pretend

to be what they really weren’t.

“So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard

these things” (Acts 5:11, NKJV). After this incident, people surely

must have been more careful in returning their tithe. But this

sad account was not included in the Bible as a warning about

faithfulness in tithing. Instead, what does it teach us about where

covetousness can lead?