Thrive Thought: Money and the Early Church — Ananias and Sapphira

THRIVE THOUGHT
Money and the Early Church: Ananias and Sapphira

My daily Bible reading this month brought the topic of money to a dramatic forefront. Following an intensive outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the church in Acts was growing and boldly sharing the gospel.

Acts 5:1-11 tells the story of Ananias and Sapphira, a married couple who sold a piece of property, secretly kept part of the proceeds, and pretended to donate the full amount to the early Christian community. When confronted by the Apostle Peter, both Ananias and Sapphira lied about the amount they received, and both fell dead from their deceit.

What does this story about money and giving teach us?

1. Integrity matters to God. The issue wasn't that Ananias and Sapphira kept some of the money; it was that they lied about it. In Acts 5:4, Peter says “Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God” (NIV).

2. Money can be a test of the heart. Did the couple desire recognition or the appearance of generosity? What about their hearts led to their action in the story?

3. God deserves our fear and reverence. Acts 5:11 shows how the community responded: “Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.” Related to money or not, our sin is not hidden from God. Where is God calling you to repent in fear and reverence of him?

Erica Smith lives with her husband, J.R., and children Jeremiah and Eva in Fort Wayne, IN. She has spent her career in the financial services industry and is actively involved with Pathway Community Church’s Thrive Ministry.

Learn more about Thrive Financial Ministry HERE.