Acts 5

As we move to chapter five we see two sets of circumstances arise in early church. If you remember chapter 4 ended with the members caring for one another's needs by selling property to care for those who needed assistance. This act of benevolence is circumvented in the next chapter by arrogance and greed. Ananias and his wife Sapphira decided to sell a piece of property they owned in order to give the money to the church. Although the act seems quite generous the motivation and implementation are less than admirable. This couple allowed their hearts and actions to be swayed by the thoughts of pride. Scripture reminds us that the act of charitable giving was not a required part of the early church for this was over and above the tithe. Therefore the couple did not have to give the entire amount earned from the sell of the property. They could have given as little as they desired. The sin was not that they gave only a portion of the sell. The sin was the deceptive and lying heart. They used their contribution as a way of elevating their standing in the church instead of a compassionate donation. Our giving should never be done for public display but for honor to our Lord and to assist in missions and ministry. God cannot and will not bless a giver who does so from an impure motive.

The second aspect we find in the fifth chapter is a repeat of what we have seen in the previous chapters. We find Peter and John again refusing to allow public opinion or worldly pressure to dissuade them from preaching the message of Jesus Christ. Once again we see these men threatened and imprisoned for boldly preaching the redemption story. Again I applaud these two for they did not allow who was in their presence to change their appeal for repentance. In fact, they appear to gain more boldness with each passing chapter. As a result, they see even greater things take place throughout their trials. People are coming and seeking out these men hoping for the grace of God to fall on them. They are bringing their sick and crippled. They are coming from outlying areas for the chance to find healing. Because of the notoriety they have gained they are again commanded to not speak of this man Jesus. But because they have no doubts regarding their calling and commissioning they proclaim, "We must obey God rather than men." My hearts desire is to have their confidence in knowing God's commissioning and not allow negative voices to dissuade His mission for me. My desire is to remember His calling trumps the threats of worldly demands. My heartbeat must grow stronger as I see God work great deeds in my life.

Lessons from today's reading:
1. God will deal severely with deceptive and prideful acts within His church.
2. God honors, empowers, and uses hearts which are wholly submitted unto Him.
3. Our attitude should always be that we obey God over man!