[34] There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold [35] and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

The gospel had loosened their grip on their stuff and tightened their grip on each other.

[36] Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

[5:1] But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, [2] and with his wife' knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. [3] But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit

and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? [4] While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.”

[5] When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. [6] The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.

[7] After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. [8] And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.”

And she said, “Yes, for so much.” [9] But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

What is God teaching us through this sign?

1.   In the church, there are two kinds of people, and it’s nearly impossible to distinguish them from the outside

2.   We cannot hide from God.

3.   The closer we are to grace, the greater the offense of sin.

4.   Fear is a part of worship

Biblical fear: “Awe mixed with intimacy.”

“So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was built up; walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit it was multiplied.” Acts 9:31

5.   Sin is a deadly serious matter to God

6.   God’s grace was greater than the church’s failings

7.   We should fearfully analyze ourselves for areas of hypocrisy

“How can you believe, when you receive glory from on another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (John 5:44)