Children Search Lesson 25 Vol 4 THE SIN OF ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA
Text: Acts 5:1-11
In our previous study, we learnt how Peter and John were arrested for preaching about Jesus in the temple. However, the Jewish rulers could not punish them because a notable, undeniable miracle had taken place and all the people were praising God.
After threatening Peter and John, the Sanhedrin let them go and they returned to the other gathering of believers. They prayed for boldness and continued to have all things in common, distributing their goods and possessions to any believer who had need. This fellowship and devotion to one another was very common among them.
A man named Barnabas (son of consolation) sold a field that he owned, and laid it at the apostles’ feet for distribution to all members in the fellowship. Everyone was enjoying this sweet fellowship until we get to chapter 5 of Acts. Notice that this chapter begins with the word “but”. This means that a serious problem was about to be reported.
A husband and wife named Ananias and Sapphira conspired to tell lies thinking they could deceive God and the apostles. They were more interested in the praise of men than the honour of God. Their deception and pretence were discovered and they paid dearly for it.
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hand of the living God. Do not tell lies, deceive your parents, teachers, friends or anyone. Be a truthful and honest child and God will promote you.
- DECEPTION OF ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA:
Acts 5:1,2,7,8; Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21; Joshua 7:1
The story of Ananias and Sapphira is a sad one indeed. This story begins at the end of chapter four of Acts. The group of believers then were of one heart and one mind. Great power and grace were on the apostles who preached and testified of the risen Saviour. They fellowshipped together with one heart and willingly shared what they had with one another, not because they were forced but because they loved one another. Those who sold land and houses gave of their profits (the proceeds) to the apostles, who distributed the gifts to those in need.
Two members of this group were Ananias and Sapphira; they also sold a field. Part of the money from their sale was kept back by the husband and wife. Ananias only brought a part of the money to the apostles. However, Ananias made a pretense of having given all the proceeds. This show of pretense may deceive others but not Apostle Peter, who was filled with the power of the Holy Ghost. The question to ask is – why did the husband and wife conspire to tell a lie?
The reason could be:
(i) Disregard for God’s glory. They intended to receive honour from the others as faithful givers.
(ii) Selfish ambition to gain favour from the apostles.
(iii) Pride and self-exaltation. They wanted to show-off that they were rich members of the church.
(iv) To gain the praise of men, instead of doing things to please God.
(v) Greediness. It is like wanting to eat their cake and having it back.
(vi) Lack of faith in God’s word. They could be pretenders who were yet to really put their trust in God.
This is why it is dangerous for boys and girls to remain as “churchgoers”. You must open your heart to the teaching of God’s word, believe it and obey every bit of the word you have learnt. Pretenders will have their part in hell-fire sooner or later, if they fail to repent. Genuine repentance and acceptance of Jesus as personal Saviour and Lord is the foundation to becoming a real Christian child.
- THE DISCOVERY OF A DECEITFUL ACT:
Acts 5:3,4,9; Joshua 7:18-21
Ananias and Sapphira had a closed-door discussion about the sale of their property and sharing of the proceeds. There was no third party to their plan. However, it was a surprise when Apostle Peter confronted them with what they did in secret. “But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?”
(Acts 5:3). Apostle Peter was able to confront the liars because he was full of the Holy Ghost power.
The knowledge of the evil deeds of Ananias and Sapphira was a direct revelation from the Holy Spirit. He is at work in the church even today. Anyone who does evil must repent and make restitution before it is too late. The eyes of the Lord go to and fro over all the earth. He sees and records everything that we do both in the open and in secret. The case of Ananias and Sapphira was like that of Achan in Joshua 7. He stole the forbidden items from Jericho, hid them in his tent and thought no one would know. God who sees and knows all things revealed his evil deeds. He was destroyed with members of his family.
There is a great lesson for children to take to heart. The children of Achan probably were aware of those things their father stole. Instead of speaking up, they kept quiet and they perished with him. Boys and girls who are real friends of Jesus must not join a multitude to sin. They are expected to correct those who are doing bad things, or make a report to the appropriate authority. If Sapphira refused to conspire with her husband, maybe they would have been saved. You must beware of bad influence around you.
- DEATH OF THE EVIL DOERS:
Acts 5:5,6,10-14; Joshua 7:24-26; Romans 3:23a; 6:23a
After hearing the discovery of their lies from Apostle Peter, Ananias fell down and died. The wife came much later, and even had the opportunity to own up to what they had done, but she lost the privilege and also received the sentence of death. She fell down and died. If somebody dies in sin, the result is hell fire. Both of them were carried out and buried.
Ananias and Sapphira received exactly what they deserved. They simply could not live in the atmosphere of purity that existed in the church at that time. They lived at a time and among a people who really believed there was God in heaven we must all answer to.
Their death was a direct act of judgment from God. Their sinful act would have corrupted the foundation of the early Church. The result of the judgment for the Church was that great fear fell on the people. Then:
(i) The church kept growing as many people became born again and became members of the church.
(ii) The believers became more committed to living a righteous life.
(iii) Signs, wonders and unimaginable miracles became a daily experience among the children of God.
These acts of the Holy Ghost provoked the religious rulers to arrest the apostles and put them in prison. However, God sent His angels to bring them out. The persecution could not stop the move of the Holy Ghost. However, we need to remember that it is only when we maintain purity in the church that we can experience the power of God. The call to every believer is that we must be holy even as Christ is holy. Do not engage in any secret sin either as an individual or with bad people.
If you are still a sinner who often tells lies and deceive people, repent now. Ask for forgiveness and cleansing of your heart with the blood that Jesus shed on the cross. Do so now before it is too late.
QUESTIONS:
- ______ and ______ tried to deceive the apostles.
- State three possible reasons for the couple’s deceptive act ______
- How did Apostle Peter discover that the husband and wife had lied? ______
- What was the result of the judgment that came on them? ______
- State how a sinner can be set free from sin. ______
MEMORY VERSE: “But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?” (Acts 5:3)
LESSON: There is punishment for all sinners.
THOUGHT: I will obey God’s word to escape punishment.
ACTIVITY: Children are to say seven things they will do daily to show obedience to God’s word.
HOMEWORK: Write out two passages where people disobeyed God and received instantly judgment.
CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 40 – WASH ME, O LAMB OF GOD
CHORUSES: (1) One day one day.
(2) Be careful little hands what you do.
(3) If you do good, there is kingdom.
BIBLE WORD SEARCH
Find the meaning of these words. You can use your dictionary:
1. Contrary
- Regulation
- Revealed
- Authority
- Possessions.
