Acts - Week 14

Week 14 Acts 4, 5 

Day 1 

READ 

Acts 4:36-37 

36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. 37 He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles. 

Having just said many were selling property and giving to the poor, the text goes on to give this example. Barnabas was an excellent example of one who had a heart for God and people. Even his nickname spoke of his encouraging spirit. The name “Barnabas” is mentioned 36 times in Acts, so he is a prominent person in the book. He sold a field and brought the money to the apostles.  

REFLECT 

How would you like it if when people thought of you they thought of your encouraging spirit? What can you do to help this to be true? 

RESPOND 

Spend time with your disciple talking about the need to encourage others. Read passages such as 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4 and Hebrews 10:24-25 in this regard. One way to encourage others is to let them know you are praying for them. This may open up opportunities to talk more. 

Day 2 

READ 

Acts 5:1-2 

1 But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. 2 He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest. 

Others were likely getting praise for their acts of kindness. This tempted Ananias and Sapphira to want some of this glory. Ananias only brought part of the money to the apostles but claimed it was all of it. Both husband and wife were agreed on what they were doing. They did not have to bring any of it to the apostles. Others were doing this willingly as no one was commanded to do so. But Ananias and Sapphira wanted some of this honor for themselves. 

REFLECT 

Does the praise others are getting sometimes tempt you to want the same kind of glory? 

RESPOND 

Read James 1:12-14 to see that temptation to do wrong never comes from God. Like a fish drawn to bait, even believers are tempted when drawn away by their desires.  

Day 3 

READ 

Acts 5:3-4 

3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. 4 The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!” 

It is not told how Peter knew Ananias was lying. This is a passage that reveals the Holy Spirit is God. Peter first tells Ananias that he has lied to the Holy Spirit and then adds, “You weren’t lying to us but to God.” Note the reference to Satan filling the heart, this also shows that “filling” is control, just as one who is filled with the Spirit is controlled by the Spirit. Ananias was letting Satan control his heart.  

REFLECTION  

Think of how serious lying is; it is actually lying to God.  

RESPOND 

Some people want to say that everyone is a child of God. This is not true. Read John 8:42-47 to see what Jesus told unbelievers.  

Day 4 

READ 

Acts 5:5-6 

5 As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. 6 Then some young men got up, wrapped him in a sheet, and took him out and buried him. 

Words and actions have consequences. As soon as Peter told him he had lied to God, Ananias fell to the floor and died.  Those who heard of this were terrified. Think how terrified everyone in the group would be if that occurred now. God does not always immediately judge like this throughout history, but it shows how He hates the activity He now judges.  

REFLECT 

Consider what we learn about God’s actions over time. Because of His grace He doesn’t always immediately judge, but when He does it reveals His great displeasure with the act.  

RESPOND 

To see what it will be like before Jesus returns to earth, read Matthew 24:3-14. There will be warning signs to tell of judgment to come. Even though judgment is delayed, there are preliminary warnings. 

Day 5 

READ 

Acts 5:7-8 

7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?” “Yes,” she replied, “that was the price.” 

Sapphira had consented on Ananias’ plan and now she remained true to their commitment to lie. When asked if the money given was what they had been paid for the land, she replied, “Yes, that was the price.” What will happen to her now? Will she experience grace or judgment? God is longsuffering, but He had judged her husband immediately for lying to God. Will she experience God’s longsuffering or judgment? 

REFLECT 

Just because God is longsuffering, that cannot always be counted on. It was extremely serious for both husband and wife to agree to mislead others—even the apostles. 

RESPOND 

Spend time talking with your disciple about the lessons learned from this passage. Emphasize the importance of being truthful to others. Read Ephesians 4:14-16 that tells about speaking the truth in love.