Ananias and Sapphira - Part 1 (No Cover-ups)
Rev. O. K. Nkrahene | February 22 2025 | Acts 5:1-11
KEY VERSE: ¹Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. ²With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at apostles' feet. Acts 5:1-2 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
Both the ESV and the NKJV start Acts 5 with the word "but", clearly indicating a contrast to the admirable story about Barnabas and his faithful generous donation to the Church at the tail end of chapter 4 and the sad story of the unfaithfulness and deception of Ananias and Saphira in chapter 5. Luke does not cover up the sordid story of Ananias and Sapphira, making clear that the Bible, and by extension God, doesn't do cover-ups.
In Genesis 3, the fall into sin by Adam and Eve is narrated, and in Joshua 7, Achan's sin is exposed and dealt with. In 2 Samuel, the planned cover-ups of King David, though he was loved by God, didn't succeed, and he was confronted and dealt with. In fact, three chapters, 2 Samuel 11-13, are devoted to David's adultery, the failed cover-up, and the consequences. Today's reflection reminds us that cover-ups do not work with God, and we should not try them.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Church history, ancient and modern, is awash with cover-ups blown into pieces. Determine to live a life that does not need cover-ups. Pray for grace to live a godly, transparent life.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to remain conscious that nothing is hidden from you and that whatever is hidden shall be made open. Please help me to live a transparent life that wins your approval and glorifies your Name. For your dear Name's sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 53: Exodus 30-31 — Instructions for Worship
DAILY word study: KEPT BACK
The phrase "kept back" in Acts 5:2 comes from the Greek word νοσφίζω (nosphízō), which means to misappropriate, withhold deceitfully, or embezzle. It suggests deliberate dishonesty in keeping something that should rightfully be surrendered. This same word appears in Titus 2:10, where believers are warned against stealing or withholding what belongs to another. In the case of Ananias and Sapphira, their sin wasn't in withholding part of their property's proceeds—it was in pretending they had given everything. Their deception was not just toward the apostles but against the Holy Spirit. This passage highlights that God values integrity over pretence. Their story is a sobering reminder that God desires truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6).
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you might be holding back from God—whether in obedience, honesty, or commitment? True devotion requires full surrender, not partial offerings disguised as complete.
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