Great Power, Great Grace, Great Fear!
By Reverend J. Loren Russell
Acts 4:32-33, 5:1-11 NKJV
32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part 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 keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
At the start of the New Testament church, with great power the Apostles gave witness of the resurrection of Christ. By the power of the word of God, the people were blessed with divine favor and God’s loving kindness. To show they had great grace, whatever they owned they
considered to be for the good of everyone, not just their own personal use. They were of one heart and one mind. There was a strong sense of unity in the community.
However, there was one couple who did not fully share in the unified spirit. Ananias and Sapphira devised a plan that would give them honor but shortchange the neediest among them. Their plan was to give less than they actually received but tell the Apostles and the church that they were giving it all. They thought they would get the recognition and get to keep some of the funds form themselves. What they did not account for was God’s ability to see their motives.
With great power, Peter revealed to Ananias that he had not just lied to the apostles or the church, he lied to God. With that, Ananias fell dead.
Less than three hours later, Sapphira confirmed the conspiracy she and Ananias had conceived. She too dropped dead on the spot. Great fear swept through the community and the church.
The church today is an extension of that infant church. She has been gifted by God with great power to proclaim the Gospel, great grace to be generous to the needy, and great fear of living anything other than authentically for Christ.
The Union Gospel Press Sunday School guide asks, “How does it feel when you realize someone was pretending to be generous to get people to think more highly of them?” As is illustrated in the story of Ananias and Sapphira, there is a danger in sin that can cost more than expected. God gives great power to compliment His great grace so that we live with great fear.
Be Blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell is the Clergy Officiant at the Evangelical Church of God and associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church, both in the Bronx. He is the President/CEO of The JLR Company/J Loren R Consulting, LLC for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096). He writes this column and produces and host’s “Matters of Faith: The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on The Matters of Faith YouTube channel. Be sure to
