Tag Peter

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A young man in our fellowship sent me a question. He asked how I interpret the “weaker vessel” of 1 Peter 3:7. What follows is my response to that young man and others that may ask the same question in the future. I hope and pray that this response is accurate, Christ-centered, and respectful of the women in the faith community. Nothing would be more personally disappointing than to find out that my words were injurious to the faith of others, disrespectful to the fairer sex of the faith community, or misleading with regard to how men should regard and interact with women.

While I am not a Greek scholar, I do read the New Testament (and Septuagint) in its original language for study. This post contains a modicum of references to the words of the text being considered in the language in which it was written. Also, because the author is a Jew and because his audience is Jewish, I have endeavored to consider cultural and historical usages of words related to women, vessels, and weak.

The Meaning of “Vessel”

First, let us notice that the big fisher of men does not call the woman a vessel while treating the man as something superior. The expression, considering the context, assumes that both husband and wife are vessels. Peter is saying that human beings on earth are persons whose lives are carried in frail, physical bodies (Job 4:17-19; Job 14:1-2; Psalm 39:4-5; Psalm 78:39; Psalm 103:14-16; Psalm 144:3-4; Isaiah 40:6-8).

The Meaning of “Weaker”

But now, what does the apostle mean by weaker? In 1 Peter 3:7, weaker is:

ἀσθενεστέρῳ (asthenesterō) — “weaker,” “more frail,” or “having less strength.”

It is the comparative form of ἀσθενής (asthenēs), meaning weak, frail, or lacking strength. This precise form occurs only once in the New Testament, and the underlying adjective appears only here in Peter’s letters. The adjective weaker is comparative: the wife is described as the weaker vessel, not as worthless, incompetent, less intelligent, or spiritually deficient. There is nothing derogatory in the use of the word. (When Peter intends to speak against someone or indicate disdain he is quite capable. See 2 Peter 2:12-22.) After all, Jesus said that everyone in a human body is beset by weakness (Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38).

But with regard to physical strength, women are weaker. Why do I say this? The scientific evidence strongly supports the idea that, in ordinary physical terms, the average woman is weaker than the average man—especially in upper-body strength, absolute force, power, and heavy-load capacity.

Table 1: Comparing Physical Strength – Men vs Women

Although Peter would not have had access to our research, he was able to observe the obvious differences in men and women; regarding physical strength, some of the differences are not insignificant. That makes physical strength the most natural component of Peter’s phrase the weaker vessel in 1 Peter 3:7. As a general biological reality, men possess greater average physical strength than women. Peter is acknowledging this difference, particularly in a society where a husband possessed substantially more physical, legal, and economic power than his wife.

That difference does not establish greater human value. A crystal chalice may be more fragile than a metal cup. It is more easily broken; those who would have such a vessel should be made aware and even reminded that its fragility requires greater care and honor. The metal cup sits in the cabinet; the crystal cup is placed in the China cabinet.

Peter is enjoining the person with greater physical power to exercise it gently and knowledgeably.

Digression: Socially Vulnerable

Allow me to digress a bit. Women in the first-century Greco-Roman world were often more socially and economically vulnerable than their husbands and men in general. A wife was also weaker not because she lacked intelligence or character, but because the surrounding social order gave her less power and protection. Peter commands the husband not to exploit that vulnerability. He must protect her, promote her, and provide for her; this is what Christ does for the church.

Ephesians 5:25–29 presents Christ’s care for the church as the pattern for a husband’s care for his wife. His headship is expressed through sacrificial action, not mere position.

Table 2: Christ and the Church (Guidance for the Guys)

This means Christ’s relationship to the church is providential, protective, purifying, and perfecting. The husband’s pattern, therefore, is not simply: “I am the head.” It is: “I am responsible to use my strength, resources, words, and life for her good.” So a husband should seek to:

• Provide what is necessary for the household.
• Protect his wife from harm and needless exposure.
• Cherish her with tenderness rather than harshness.
• Promote her spiritual growth and flourishing.
• Sacrifice his own comfort for her welfare.

A concise formulation might be:

As Christ provides for, protects, cherishes, cleanses, and sanctifies the church, the husband is called to employ his greater strength and leadership for the temporal and spiritual flourishing of his wife.

Further, it is common knowledge that during pregnancy women are more vulnerable. This would not have been Peter’s main point. But it should not be overlooked. During a pregnancy a woman in the second and third trimesters could not be expected to do the work she could prior. The same upgrades that give her the ability to conceive, bear, and nurture children have rendered her less capable for combat and some types of manual labor.

But now, back to what Peter means with weaker vessel.

Peter Denies Spiritual Inferiority

The controlling phrase is: “being heirs together of the grace of life.” Before God, husband and wife possess the same saving inheritance. The husband is not an heir while the wife merely accompanies him. They are co-heirs. Peter therefore combines difference in strength or vulnerability with equality in dignity, salvation, and inheritance.

The Warning for Handling the Weaker Vessel

The verse is not chiefly telling women what they lack. It is telling husbands how they must behave. Peter does not say, “She is weaker, so be opportunistic and take advantage of the fact that physically and socially you can control her.” He says, in effect:

“Because she is more vulnerable, use your strength and authority to honor her. You will answer to God for how you treat her. She is no less graced by God for salvation than you are.”

The warning that the husband’s prayers may be hindered is remarkably severe. God refuses to separate a man’s spirituality from his treatment of his wife. A husband cannot dishonor his wife and then presume that everything is right between himself and God. I believe that Peter acknowledges unequal strength while commanding equal honor and a serving heart in men that prevents their prayers from being hindered; they are not to take advantage of the situation.

In His grip by His grace,
Roderick Barnes, Sr.

^15:1 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” ² Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. (Acts 15:1-2)

The conference of apostles and elders was convened to consider the question of what was required for Gentile salvation (Acts 15:1-2, 5-6). But was that all it was about? No! The news of how the church was changing has come to the attention of believers with a nasty penchant for nationalism, jealousy for their God, and an evil envy (Acts 13:45) toward those who were entering the kingdom without the rigmarole of trying to keep the law.

The push for Gentile circumcision and adopting the Law was a effort in a larger stratagem aimed at hindering the entrance of so many non-Jewish people (Acts 23:13) and forcing a conformity on outsiders. The conformity would make strict Jews feel more comfortable. Especially as it regards the Pharisees, this effort is a remnant tendency from their life before Christ (Matthew 23:13); they had a habit of hindering people as they were endeavoring to enter the kingdom of heaven.

^23:13 But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. (Matthew 23:13)

Legalists neither lean on saving grace nor allow others to enjoy the gifts of God’s unmatched goodness.

It is still happening today. That is, today there is still an effort to bottleneck the way to God through additional religious requirements, rigid demands decorated as piety, and seemingly sacred rituals. The way to God, though, is just Jesus. What is the way? Again, just Jesus. He is the Way (John 14:6). He is the ladder leading to the Father, the only avenue to the Almighty, and the exclusive means by which we must be saved. Pharisees both then and now are going to keep trying to mess with the message of reconciliation. They had to be stopped then. They have to be stopped now.

Even when the evidence has been mounting the legalist’s habit of hampering others coming to God with rules persists. In the context of the passage we are considering, this is a settled matter that legalists keep bringing up. That is, even though the issue has already been settled through the prior experience of Peter and other Jews with the commander of an Italian regiment, the tendency to try to bring everyone into legalism will not die. It is for many a hard habit to break. Look with me at what had happened before and after the incident recorded in Acts 15:1-2.

• Acts 10:1 — Cornelius, centurion of the Italian Regiment

• Acts 10:44–48 — Holy Spirit falls on Gentiles

• Acts 11:15–18 — Peter recounts the event

• Acts 15:1–2 — dispute brought to apostles and elders (we are here)

• Acts 15:7–11 — Peter uses the earlier Gentile conversion as evidence

Later Peter (Acts 15:7-11) will refer back to how God chose that Gentiles should hear the gospel through his mouth, and how God gave them the Holy Spirit without first making them Jews. His references clearly points back to Cornelius and his household. What does this mean? It means that the Jews that came from Jerusalem have already seen that God accepts Gentiles that believe in Christ without circumcision. But they cannot let it go. They are on their own mission to stop the spread of a gospel that does not require circumcision. The mission of the church comes after their own mission to make everyone like themselves.

Both then and now there has to be a Spirit-led focus on the mission of the church. This is what led the Christian Jewish leadership in Jerusalem to write a letter that released Gentiles from circumcision. They saw the stifling effect of demanding adherence to the law on non-Jews who were ready to receive Christ. Serious about serving God well in their traditions, they could also see beyond their preferences and prejudices. They put Christ and His mission of reaching the nations before their own desires for uniformity and cultural comfort. Polhill says it well:

[T]he Jewish Christian leadership showed a concern for the world mission of the church that overshadowed their own special interests. They took a step that was absolutely essential if the Gentile mission was to be a success. To have required circumcision and the Torah would have severely limited the appeal to Gentiles, perhaps even killed it. Yet the Jewish Christians only stood to lose by not requiring Jewish proselyte procedure of the Gentile converts. It was bound to create problems with nonbelieving Jews. That it indeed did so is indicated in a later passage in Acts (21:20–22). If the Jerusalem leadership had only been concerned about the effectiveness of their own witness among the Jews, they would never have taken such a step. That it did so is testimony of their concern for the total mission of the church. Their vision stretched beyond their own bailiwick—indeed, to the ends of the earth. (Polhill, 1992, pp. 337-338)

People who are missional in their thinking are capable of getting out of the way and letting go of their wants. In the love of God that has been poured out into their hearts (Romans 5:5) they have the capacity to both see the truth of how the command to love others applies and then execute. In the early church it is seen in Jewish leaders that are willing to let their Gentile brethren be themselves insofar as it did not displease the Lord Jesus. Instead of bending Scripture to suit their goal of manipulating believers, they bent themselves to accept differences and promote a world with more people following Christ.

In His grip by His grace,
Roderick L. Barnes, Sr.

References

Polhill, J. B. (1992). Acts (Vol. 26, pp. 337–338). Broadman & Holman Publishers.

⁹ But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, ¹⁰ to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” ¹¹ And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. ¹² But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. ¹³ Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. ¹⁴ Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, ¹⁵ who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. ¹⁶ For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁷ Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. ¹⁸ And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, ¹⁹ saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” ²⁰ But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! ²¹ You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. ²² Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. ²³ For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” ²⁴ Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” ²⁵ So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

Simon Says (Acts 8:9-12) — The conjunction of 8:9 has is usually translated but (δέ – ESV, KJV, NKJV, ESV); that word is used to introduce this part of the Samaria story as contrast with what was previously said. (In the wider scope this part of the story is still about Peter and the Lord’s work through him. The segue to the importance of Peter’s role in ministry to the Samaritans is through the account of what happened with Philip when he left Jerusalem.) Immediately prior Luke says that there was great joy in that city (Acts 8:8). Now Luke says there were some bad things happening as well; or “but concerning a certain man called Simon what is about to be related is not part of that great joy.” The Simon of this part of the narrative, is described thus:

• practiced sorcery in the city — Simon Magus was a sorcerer. He used unauthorized means or witchcraft to interact with the spiritual realm for his own purposes. God had forbidden this among the people of Israel (Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 19:26, 31; Leviticus 20:6,7) and cited witchcraft as a reason why he was deposing rulers (2 Kings 21:6) and removing nations (Deuteronomy 18:9-14).

Ungodly spiritual leaders operate in illegitimate spiritual activity. They do not work 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ witchcraft their work 𝑖𝑠 witchcraft — an ungodly means of using the spiritual to obtain and keep control of things and people.

• astonished the people of Samaria — Through witchcraft Simon did things that were astonishing. How? First, the evil spirits he was working with could give him insights about other people and things that no human could know. (He was receiving information from evil spirits that was mixed with lies in order to become credible. These spirit that provide him information are demons that want to deceive people and want worship and sacrifices that belong only to God [John 10:10]. See Leviticus 17:7; Deuteronomy 32:17; Psalm 106:37; Isaiah 13:21; 1 Samuel 16:14-16. The teachings that are inspired by these spirits are doctrines of demons; See 1 Timothy 4:1.) Second, the evil spirits he worked with could interact with our world in ways that would have made Simon look more powerful than any human could be. Through cooperation with unseen evil spirits Simon could be made to look like he had influence over the spiritual and material world. But the cost was high. His collaboration had facilitated the demon possession of many Samaritans (Acts 8:7). Today sorcery is still taking place. In what ways?
  1. Divination: This is seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means (e.g., tarot cards, crystal balls, astrology, and Ouija boards). Even in Christian circles there a people who constantly seek a word about what lies ahead without clearly indicating that they are seeking it from God. Something, then, dropped in their spirit. References: Deuteronomy 18:10, Ezekiel 21:21
  2. Sorcery and Magic: Practitioners of witchcraft perform rituals and cast spells (runes and incantations) believed to invoke supernatural forces. References: Galatians 5:19-21, Revelation 21:8; Isaiah 47:9, 47:12
  3. Necromancy, Consulting Mediums or Spiritists: Communicating with the dead or attempting to summon spirits of the dead. Seeking guidance or knowledge from those who claim to have contact with spirits or the dead. References: Deuteronomy 18:11, 1 Samuel 28 (The Witch of Endor) References: Leviticus 19:31, Isaiah 8:19
  4. Witchcraft or Casting Spells: Performing rituals or spells to influence people or situations through supernatural means. References: Exodus 22:18, Deuteronomy 18:10
  5. Astrology: Believing that the stars and planets have an influence on human affairs and natural phenomena, often used for guidance. References: Isaiah 47:13-14
  6. Fortune-Telling: Predicting or foreseeing future events, often through palm reading, crystal balls, or other occult practices. References: Acts 16:16
  7. Potion-Making and Use of Charms: Creating and using potions, amulets, or charms believed to have magical properties for healing, harm, or protection. References: Ezekiel 13:18-20
  8. Idolatry and Sacrifices to False Gods: Worshiping idols or making sacrifices to gods other than the God of the Bible, often involving occult rituals. References: 1 Corinthians 10:20-21, Leviticus 20:2-6
• self proclaimed greatness — As with all false leaders, Simon claimed to be someone great. People taken with his lies believed that he was someone important with God. The belief was broad; the least in the city and people of great influence or importance were all deceived into believing that Simon was from God.
• they heeded him (obeyed him) saying “This man is the great power of God” — Simon presented himself as an emanation from God; that emanation was called The Great Power of God. This is a gnostic idea. (He is often said to be the father of Gnosticism. Justin Martyr, a church father from Samaria, says that this same Simon was the source of gnostic heresies.) The astonishing things done by Simon were aimed at controlling others. The goal was always to be in power and to have people under his control. Evil spiritual leaders enslave people. Godly spiritual leaders set them free.

Sorcerers bear an uncanny resemblance to their father the devil. In what way? They cannot resist the temptation to self promote (Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:12-17; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 12:7-9; Matthew 4:8-10); they are unable to stop using the spiritual realm to (1) draw attention to themselves, (2) promote their own agenda, and (3) lead people into bondage. Their messages, although mixed with truth, are poison. The antidote for the venom of these asps is the work of God in the hearts of the deceived. That work accompanies preaching powered by the Holy Spirit.

Simon Sees Part 1: Figuring Out Philip (Acts 8:13) — The believing of Simon would seem to be a good thing. Not so fast. We are hasty and naive when we jump to the conclusion that the mention of faith means salvation. No New Testament writer hits harder than James when he says this:

You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! (James 2:19)

But you will answer, “When [Simon] was baptized he continued with Philip.” With the mention of his faith and baptism was the participle: seeing the miracles and signs which were done. Luke is trying to say something about this magic man’s faith and conversion. A similar thing was said in John’s gospel (John 2:23-3:4).

Judas was with Jesus. And Simon Magus is with Philip. Don’t get too excited by attendance or early participation. People will be present in your ministry for motives outside the mission. And they will ride with you for reasons that are not right.

With the introduction of the gospel, Simon has lost his influence and the means to his affluence. From Simon’s perspective, Philip is a more powerful magician. Simon’s goal is simple: figure out Philip.

Apostolic Approval and Learning (Acts 8:14-17; Luke 9:51-54) — Why was the Spirit not given when the people of Samaria believed and were baptized (Acts 8:12)? Was the preaching of Philip somehow deficient in its description of what is required for salvation (Acts 8:4)? No. Deacon Philip has been trained by the apostles for three years, selected for leadership by the congregation in Jerusalem, and given apostolic approval for ministry. There is no mention made of the need to correct the message that had been delivered by Philip. Peter and John had been sent from Jerusalem when it was heard that the Samaritans had receive the word of God (Acts 8:14); there is no indication that they went with doubts about the quality of teaching. The apostles were sent by the church to provide what was lacking — approval.

Figure 1: The population of the world broken into the categories of Short and Tall.

Figure 2: The population of the world broken into the categories

of Jew, Part Jew, and Non-Jew or Jew, Samaritan, and Gentile.

The numbers shown here are examples and not to be regarded as

representative of the world in 36 AD.

Ministry Validation

The ministry, prior to this point, has been to the Jews. By taking the gospel to the Samaritans the almoner Philip has started a new type of ministry. (It was prefigured by Jesus Himself in the gospel of John. See John 4:1-42. However, it had not been revisited since then.) Philip’s work cannot be given Heaven’s endorsement until the appointed authorities have indicated their approval. In particular, Peter must sanction the work. This was indicated earlier in the ministry of Jesus:

• Peter Looses (Matthew 16:17-19) – The you (δώσω σοι τὰς κλεῖδας τῆς βασιλείας τῶν οὐρανῶν) of verse 19 is singular; Jesus was not talking to all of the disciples. In context, it is plain that the Lord was talking to Simon (Matthew 16:17-18). The big fisherman was given a new name and then declared to be a large part of the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:19-20; Revelation 21:14). (Jesus, though, is the chief cornerstone.) Peter, in particular, had a role of spiritual binding and releasing. He did not take this to himself and was not able to confer the ability on anyone else. If Peter has been able to pass the position or authority to approve new ministries to others, the laying on of hands for the seven deacons would have made requesting the Holy Spirit for the Samaritans unnecessary; Philip would have done it. The ministry, with regard to the receiving of the Holy Spirit, is still locked. Simon Peter has the keys (Matthew 16:19). (Some will use these comments to say that I am with a particular denomination or promoting the papacy. I am doing no such thing; these are merely my meager efforts to explain the text to my brothers and sisters.)
• Peter Leads (Luke 22:31-32; John 21:15-17) – His fall is foretold by Jesus (Luke 22:33-34); so is his restoration (Luke 22:32). Peter is called upon to lead the leaders. When they have all been weakened by the trials of Jesus execution and the betrayal by Judas, Peter will strengthen them (Acts 1:15-26). He feeds his fellow disciples the word of God (Acts 1:16, 20).

In summary, the sending of the apostles was manifold in what it accomplished. The apostles are now seen as being over the Samaritan church as well as the church in Jerusalem. In this way the church is protected from division that was so prominent in the relationship between the Jews and the Samaritans (John 4:9; Luke 9:51-53). Another good outcome of sending the apostles to Samaria to verify the claims was that John’s perspective on Samaritans is further adjusted. Fruchtenbaum says it succinctly:

First, so that Samaritan salvation could be authenticated by apostolic authority; and second, because Peter had the keys of the kingdom. John was sent so that the matter could be established by the mouth of two witnesses. Furthermore, this was to be a personal lesson for him, because he and his brother James had wanted the Samaritans destroyed (Lk. 9: 54). (Fruchtenbaum, 2020, Kindle Locations 3454-3456)

Upon arriving they found that the new believers had yet to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:15). Why? That is, again, why was the Spirit not given when the people of Samaria received the word of God. The Lord wanted everyone to know that this ministry to Samaritans cannot be deemed valid until His man Peter had used his keys to unlock the door or loose the spiritual blessing of the Holy Spirit to them. The apostles do that by praying for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit. And when their hands were laid on these new believers they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:16).

Simon Sees Part 2: Getting Control (Acts 8:18-19) — It is the “aha” moment that the magician was waiting for. Philip had received the Spirit by faith. But with the laying on of hands of the apostles he was granted special authority for signs. Now, although the people had already believed in Jesus, with the apostles approval they receive the Holy Spirit. Simon wants power. That is what he says: Give me this power also. He is not interested in people or the kingdom of God; he wants to be someone great again. This power is the means.

Getting to God is not the goal for everyone going to church.

Peter Puts it in Perspective (Acts 8:20-23) — Simon’s heart is exposed in his offer to buy power. It is explained in Peter’s comments. Listen as Peter puts Simon’s issues in perspective:

• Simon’s Path – he is on the path to destruction. Peter says that the money can perish with him.
• Simon Perversion – he has turned the Holy Spirit, grace, and the gift of God into a thing things to be controlled for money. In the mind of the magician the gospel is merely means for manipulating people.
• Simon’s Problem – he is not a member of the church (part) and has no inheritance in Christ (portion/lot). Why? The reason is given: a heart condition (Jeremiah 17:9).
• Simon’s motives reveal him to be bitter (Hebrews 12:15) and bound (John 8:36) by iniqity.

Simon Says Part 2: You Do It (Acts 8:24) — Notice that Simon does not obey. His response seems like humility. “I do not have a right standing with God and therefore cannot pray. Pray for me.” Rather, it reveals that (1) he was not submitted to leadership, (2) he did not respect God’s right to reign in his life, and (3) was not wanting to be in God’s will. Consider what he wanted Peter to pray for: that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me. What about forgiveness? He was not after forgiveness. Why? Forgiveness is of no value when there is no desire for fellowship. Simon’s primary concern was avoiding the penalty of sin.

The Grace of God

Even after being exposed as having evil intent the opportunity to get right was offered to Simon. That is grace and mercy. Have you fallen? Are you having a hard time believing that there is hope for you. Call on the Lord who is rich in grace and mercy. Admit wrong motives and confess any attempts to use spiritual things for selfish purposes. If you will draw near to God he will draw near to you.

References

Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum. (2020). Commentary Series: The Book of Acts. Ariel Ministries. Kindle Edition.

End Notes

They had not yet been baptized by the Holy Spirit. He had come upon the Jews, but not yet upon the Samaritans. The reason was that the Messiah had given the keys of the kingdom to Peter, and it was up to Peter to allow any new group into the body. As previously mentioned, in New Testament times, the three main people groups were the Jews, the Samaritans, and the Gentiles. (Fruchtenbaum, 2020, Kindle Locations 3465-3467)

The purpose was authentication. For the Jerusalem apostles, it authenticated Samaritan salvation, proving that Samaritans were savable. For the Samaritans, it authenticated apostolic authority, because they received Spirit baptism by the laying on of hands by Jewish apostles from Jerusalem. That meant they were not to set up a separate, rival Samaritan church, as they had set up a separate, rival Samaritan temple. (Fruchtenbaum, 2020, Kindle Locations 3510-3513)

Before we excuse ourselves from serving God because of our many flaws, we should remember the people that God used mightily were also flawed. And they were used while still full of faults. (God did not endorse their sin. But He also did not refuse to summon them until they had purified their own lives.) The Lord met them where they were. Consider with me just a few examples:

1) Rahab – This woman is introduced not as a moral example. She is presented to the reader as Canaanite prostitute living in a condemned city (Joshua 2). She is triple marginalized: by occupation, by ethnicity, and by gender. What is striking is that God does not reform Rahab before using her to help others. He first reveals Himself to her. Rahab’s journey begins not with covenant knowledge, but with fear-informed faith. Listen to her:

For the LORD your God,
He is God in heaven above
and on earth beneath.
Joshua 2:11

She does not yet possess Israel’s law, worship, or moral framework. What she possesses is a growing conviction about who God is — and the courage to act on it at great personal risk.

2) Gideon – Although many commentators find fault with this man for his repeated requests for proof, God does not reprimand him. Gideon was raised in a household of idolatry and needed time and mentoring to come out of Canaanized thinking. God met Gideon where he was – fearful, secretly threshing wheat in a wine press, and ignorant of what God could do.

3) Samson – Although he had been given great gifts for helping others, this man would not move to help anyone. He was only motivated by self interests. And so God used Samson’s narcissism to nettle the man into the work that was needed by the people. How? When it seemed like all was in ruins, this egotistical womanizer called out to God. And God met him where he was and gave him the strength to die doing what he was supposed to be doing all along. You will reply, “But, he died!” And I will answer, “On purpose! That is, although he had been distracted and nearly destroyed by his own desires, Samson was now focused on striking a blow against the enemies of God and his own people. Yes, he died. But he died in the purpose that God had given him as God met him where he was.”

4) Peter – After his tragic failures, Peter could not bring himself to say that he had agape (ἀγάπη) love for Jesus. So Jesus met the big fisherman where he was and said that if philia (φιλία – brotherly love) was all that Peter could muster, then let it be demonstrated by feeding Jesus’ sheep.

I could go on. But these are enough to show the truth: God is not waiting for you to get it together so that you can live in a way that pleases Him. He is meeting you where you are. How? Through Jesus Christ. The Father has sent the Son into the world to save us (John 3:16). Christ came here to meet us where we are in the human condition (John 1:14). He went beyond becoming a human being to paying the price of our rebellion against God (1 John 4:10). A life of purpose and living effectively, like Rahab or Gideon or Samson or Peter, begins with acknowledging and accepting who God is and what He has done for us.

Rahab did not know a lot about God. But she accepted that He is sovereign and had a right to reign in her life (Joshua 2:11). Next is admitting our great need (Romans 3:23); it is best if we look to the example of children (Matthew 18:3-4; Matthew 19:14). They know they need help. They are ever mindful of their need for help and the possibility of getting help through a parent or guardian. Acknowledge your need and then receive the Son by faith (John 1:11-12) and begin letting Him teach and care for you (Matthew 11:28-30; John 5:24). Under His teachings you will become a blessing to others… like Rahab, and Gideon, and Peter.

In His grip by His grace,
Roderick L. Barnes, Sr.

1 Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, 3 saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!”

Regarding religious folk and ministry progress, the first act of the circumcision was not to ascribe to God glory for His amazing grace (Acts 11:1). Rather, it was to confront His servant for the audacity to live outside the lines (Acts 11:2-3). Are you following Jesus? Are you being led by the Spirit? Be warned! Some people are going to (1) find and focus on your faults, (2) point out and become preoccupied with perceived problems, and (3) come against you or contend with you for breaking with convention. What should you do?

1. Be Approachable – Some leaders are above reproach and approach. They cannot be confronted and do not make themselves available for anything but applause and words full of warm sentiments. Oh leader, make yourself available for feedback and accessible to those who will give you constructive criticism. Do not be passive in this regard; be proactive about getting evaluations on your work.
2. Be Accountable – Peter was able to present the facts supporting his decisions. He also had people who could testify to the veracity of his account. Jesus had mentored him into not going it alone. During the earthly ministry of Jesus the disciples were sent by twos (Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1; Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10). When Peter went out to do something that was not the norm he took people with him. He made his movements and ministry accountable to others for the sake of the gospel. By doing things in the open and with witnesses Peter is able to easily get two or three witnesses so that every word could be established (Deuteronomy 19:15).
3. Be Patient – Some will need time to see why you are doing things differently. Don’t get riled up over a detractor. Take time to understand what they perceive to be a problem and then patiently help them to understand the vision God has given you and the results that have come out of the work.

Being led by the Spirit of Jesus is going to lead to conflict with the world and more than a few people in the church. Expect it. But also make sure that you are approachable, accountable, and patient.

In His grip by His grace,
Roderick L. Barnes, Sr.

Introduction

In Acts 9:32-35 Luke recounts how the message of the gospel was given a greater audience through the miraculous healing of a paralytic named Aeneas in Lydda (Acts 9:32-34). In that small passage we took time to look at two principles that must be honored if miracles are to be used effectively in ministry.

• The Principle of Right Going – all going must be by people empowered to present the gospel. There must be an anointing that enables the wonder and most importantly the witness for Jesus.
• The Principle of Right Giving – all glory goes to God. Miracles must be used to make Him known. They are not permanent fixtures of discipleship community but seasonal signs pointing to the Savior.

The miracle was so marvelous that all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw [the healed man] and turned to the Lord (Acts 9:35).  Sharon is not a city but a coastal plain of some 30 miles stretching from Joppa to Caesarea. See Figure 1 below.

Figure 1 — The regions reached by Peter when Aeneas and Tabitha are healed. Sharon is not a city but a coastal plain of about 30 miles.

Luke makes mention of  Sharon as a segue into a new story using the same main character — Peter the apostle. As we consider this next passage we will also encounter a third principle that must be honored if a ministry is going to use miracles effectively: The Principle of Right Getting.

After Aeneas (Acts 9:36-39)

³⁶ At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha^a, which is translated Dorcas^b. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds^c which she did. ³⁷ But it happened in those days that she became sick and died.^d When they had washed here, they laid her in an upper room. ³⁸ And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. ³⁹ Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.

The contrast is stark. Luke takes his reader away from the scene of repentance, revival, and rejuvenated life in Lydda to a scene of tragedy and mourning about 12 miles away in Joppa. (See Figure 1 above.) Where Aeneas has made his bed and is walking in the gracious gift of restored health, Dorcas is dead. Her lifeless form lies on a table or bed surrounded by weeping widows (Acts 9:39).

While we are wanting to get to the principle of effective use of miracles in ministry we must not be so hurried that we miss other truths that, when prayerfully considered, will do much to help us live effectively in the Lord’s service. First, do not overlook the fact that the person upon whom this illness came was a Jesus follower – a disciple. Disease and even Death itself had visited a woman full of good works and charitable deeds. Think on the facts: (1) Dorcas was a disciple. (2) Dorcas was full of good deeds; her hands were neither idle nor involved in evil. (3) Dorcas got sick. (4) Dorcas died. We do well to consider these facts when we suggest that a person’s sickness today is (a) not God’s will because the person is a Christian or (b) that the sickness will be eliminated by casting it out in Jesus’ name.

Let us not corrupt the gospel by promising people a life free from sickness when they receive Jesus. There is no pass on pain for those who have given their lives to Christ. The promise of the gospel is forgiveness for all our failings, eternal and abundant life with purpose, the Lord’s abiding presence, and the privilege of partaking in His sufferings (1 Peter 4:13).

Dorcas had used so much of her time and talent and treasure to help the poor that her passing was the cause of exceedingly great sorrow among the disciples… especially the people she had helped. The second thing we must not miss is that Dorcas is missed so much that the disciples decide to ask for something that has not happened in the recorded history of the church at this point: raising the dead. Do not miss the questions that you should ask yourself:

• Could it be proven that I have, in serving the Lord, provided help for the poor and made a difference that will be missed?
• Could anyone gather enough evidence of my good deeds to show that my life was a blessing and not a blight on the community?
• Would the sum total of my good works warrant a crazy plan to get a busy man to come and raise me from the dead?

Having heard about the healing of Aeneas the disciples sent two men to ask Peter to come immediately. He goes with them and, when he has arrived at the home in Joppa, is taken to the upper room. At this point the widows begin working on Peter. They aim to convince him that Tabitha’s life was worthy of a special work of God through him.

Unprecedented Power Displayed Through Peter (Acts 9:40-42; Mark 5:21-43)

⁴⁰ But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. ⁴¹ Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. ⁴² And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.

Peter has seen a situation like this before. During His master’s ministry there was a little girl that had just died. Her father was a ruler in the community (Matthew 9:23) and their position made his daughter’s death highly visible. Jesus assesses the situation and then puts out the people (Matthew 9:24).

Peter sent them and the other mourners out of the room, as he had seen his Master do before he raised Jairus’s daughter from her deathbed; then he uttered a short sentence in Aramaic, differing only in one letter from Jesus’ words to Jairus’s daughter. Whereas Jesus had said Talitha qum (i) (Mark 5:41), Peter now said Tabitha qum (i))—“Tabitha, get up.”

Bruce, F. F. (1988). The Book of the Acts (p. 199). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

The ministry of Peter to Dorcas and the community was not occasioned by his presence or his preaching. He became effective in helping them only in his willingness to be humbled. Every knee must bow. His words toward the body were imbued with power only after his pleading. Before he could give the command he needed to get the power. Peter follows Jesus’ lead and gives us the following principle for ministry with miracles:

The Principle of Right Getting (Get Down, Get Help)

What the Church needs to-day is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use — men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men — men of prayer. (Bounds, Kindle Locations 46-48)

Figure 2 — Time in prayer with Chancellor Barnes on 2024-11-11 at the home of Austin and Aubrey lane during a Compass Young Adults meeting.

The language of the quote above is old. It speaks of prayer in ways that seem to make it the province and power of men. I will not charge E. M. Bounds with being chauvinistic; he spoke in a manner customary of his times. An updated version of the quote would change the word men to people; people of prayer are an indispensable part of a ministry that will be able to use the miraculous for the glory of God and the good of many. Such people take to heart the words of the Lord regarding prayer and make it their business to both be obedient and follow his example.

• Receiving Requires Prayer and Faith (Matthew 21:22) And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.
• Some Changes Require Prayer (Mark 9:29) So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”
• The Ultimate Purpose of the Prayer is the Glorification of the Son (John 14:13-14) And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
• Corporate Prayer in Jesus’ Name Has Special Influence with the Father (Matthew 18:19-20) Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.

The Persistence of Peter (Acts 9:43)

So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.

Aeneas has been healed and Dorcas has been raised from the dead. The miracles were used by Peter to occasion faith in Jesus. And now that there are a number of new believers the real work begins – discipleship (Matthew 28:18-20). Peter stays in the region in order to teach the new believers all that Jesus commanded. Beyond the excitement of the miracle is the more mundane work of day-to-day teaching, mentoring, and helping the Jesus followers in their new relationship with the Lord. Unlike the mass revivals of our day where people are reached and then left to the locals for teaching, Peter stays for a hands-on approach to making disciples.

Questions for Community Discussion

1. Why did the healing of Dorcas cause many to believe? (Acts 9:37, 42)
2. Why did Peter stay? (Mark 3:14; Matthew 28:18-20)
3. Peter prayed before he did anything. Why did he do that? (John 15:15)
4. Does your approach to helping others and discipleship look like Peter’s?
5. In what ways should your approach to helping people be changed to match the example of Jesus and the apostles?

Footnotes

^a Literally in Aramaic her name means Gazelle.

^b Dorcas is Greek for Gazelle. It is obvious that Luke wanted to make his work accessible to an audience that was not Jewish.

^e The text that follows is from the Mishna Shabbat – a written redaction of the Jewish oral traditions known as the Oral Torah. Mishna Shabbat 23:5 One may perform all the requirements for a corpse [on Shabbat]: [One may] anoint and wash him, provided one does not move a limb. One may move the pillow from under him to place him on the sand so that he will keep [from decomposing]. One may tie his jaw, not so that it rises but so it does not fall. And similarly, [if] a beam has broken one may support it with a bench or boards from a bed, not so that it rises but so it does not fall. One may not close the eyes of a corpse on Shabbat, nor [even] on a week-day while he is [still] expiring. [If] one closes the eyes of a dying person while he is [still] expiring he has shed blood.

References

E.M. Bounds (2015-11-23). Power Through Prayer (Kindle Locations 46-48). Scriptura Press. Kindle Edition.

Introduction

The itinerant ministry of Jesus, with all His miracle-working power, was all that His men knew.  In His presence for over three years they were made to see with their own eyes the lifestyle of witness-with-wonders evangelism even before they could understand their Master’s messages. But Jesus took time to make sure that they knew how to use signs properly. “Do what I do” was and is the most effective strategy for educating Jesus followers in evangelism… especially when miracles are involved. Robert Coleman puts it this way:

Amazing as it may seem, all Jesus did to teach these men his way was to draw them close to himself. He was his own school and curriculum. Coleman, Robert E. (2006-04-01). Master Plan of Evangelism, The (pp. 37-38). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Through His example they were witnesses to His way of bringing the gospel to the world. Although they did not realize it at the time of their teaching, they were students of the principles that must be honored by anyone that would be effective when using miracles for the King and His kingdom. In the closing of chapter nine we will see that the gospel, advanced using amazing and gracious displays of healing power, is going to move most effectively when (1) there is a right going, when (2) there is a right giving, and when (3) there is a right getting.

Figure 1 – Jesus healed a man that had been born blind and thereby provided evidence for the shocking truths that He has been teaching (John 9:1-11).

Right Going and Giving (Acts 9:32-35)

32 Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. 33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. 35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

Verse 32 picks up after the brief account of Saul’s conversion. It came to pass is Luke’s way of unpacking the how and why of Acts 9:31.

Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. (Acts 9:31, NKJV)

In that verse we hear that the churches had peace and were edified. The peace was twofold. First, it is the work of the Holy Spirit; He metes out a peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). Such a peace would be a comfort of the Holy Spirit. Second, it is no doubt a consequence of converting the leading critic — Saul of Tarsus. The one who had waged war with the people of God had become a Jesus follower himself. But how were they edified?

In the New Testament edification is the building up of the commitment and character of saints; it can be the result of teaching or revelation that causes the hearer to be strengthened in their faith and more mature in their service of God (1 Corinthians 14:4, 17). This had been happening in Jerusalem for over two years (AD 33 – 35). Now Peter is bringing the ministry of teaching to the saints dispersed by recent persecution. He is going through all parts of the country teaching. While the ministry of teaching or preaching is not explicitly mentioned, it is implied that Peter is teaching and preaching as he goes. As a shepherd he is going to where the flocks have been moved by recent persecution; when he arrives on the scene he teaches them. This is what he has been called and trained to do:

• Peter Has Been Trained to Teach (Mark 3:14; Acts 4:13) – Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach,
• Peter Has Been Charged to Teach (John 21:15-17; Acts 5:19) – He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. …”
• Peter Has Been Changed to Teach (Luke 24:45) – And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.

The Principle of Right Going: The Mission, Missionary, and Ministry Must be His

The first principle of effective ministry involving miracles is that the person through whom the work is done must have been sent. Carts are placed before horses and woe follows when unconverted people attempt to use Heaven’s power without the permission of Heaven’s Prince. For at least two reasons, if Jesus is not involved, using miracles in ministry will not work. First, the work done will not be rewarded and the workers will not be recognized (Matthew 7:21-23). Second, the hellions being exorcised are able to distinguish between genuine practitioners of the Christian faith and powerless soothsayers. Simply making mention of Jesus’ name will not work when Jesus has no intention of working through the person for His own glory and the good of His own people (Acts 19:11-16). There will be no genuine miracle apart from genuine mission.

Philip the Evangelist, under the leading of the Holy Spirit, has already come through this region preaching in all the cities till he came to Caesarea (Act 8:40). As Peter was serving in Lydda he found a certain man named Aeneas (praiseworthy; praise). Luke tells us that the man had been bedridden eight years.

The healing power present in Peter does not require his voice. His shadow was enough to effect healing. So then, why did he feel it necessary to speak to the man? During his time with Jesus the former fisherman had seen many miracles. On some occasions, preceding the miracle, there were words spoken by Jesus that were aimed at helping the audience understand the meaning of the miracle. When the sense and significance of the miracle were present with the work it became more than a miracle; it became a sign (John 11:41-42).

Figure 2 – On 2025-01-19 a few people from Compass Church went to an assisted living facility to bring the gospel, worship, and encouragement. They went in Jesus’ name.

What Jesus began to do in the flesh he continues to do in the Spirit through surrendered people. He continues to do the work for His own glory and the good of His own people. When miracles are going to be used in ministry the minister must recognize the purpose of the power that runs through him.

The Principle of Right Giving: Give God the Glory

The second principle says that miracles must always make much of God and give more force to the argument for following Jesus. When there is going to be a healing that actually helps the cause of evangelism the evangelist cannot get away from the goal of giving God all the glory. While the miracle may serve to give credibility to the minister and his ministry it must ultimately be used as a means for magnifying the Son of Man, as a platform for promoting Jesus, as a sign pointing toward the Savior, and a reinforcement of the requirement to repent and believe the gospel.

Peter gives the glory away when he says, “Jesus Christ heals you.” He uses the miracle of making a man well to make the Master well known. And the desired effect is achieved:

So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. (Acts 9:35)

The So of Acts 9:35 translates a conjunction that ties the action of healing in Jesus’ name (Acts 9:34) to the reaction of surrounding peoples (Acts 9:36-43) at the sight of the restored man. After eight years his muscles would have been atrophied and the neurological framework required to support an activity like making a bed would have to be retrained. But after Jesus heals Aeneas he is in a state like he was before becoming paralyzed. He was a wonder to behold. So great was the transformation that, with the enabling that comes from the Spirit, believing in Jesus was the unanimous response.

Some may ask if it is really necessary to give God the glory. This is a good question. I believe that He should only get the glory for His part in ministry. The opening of Acts makes it clear that Jesus continues to have a part:

The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, (Acts 1:1-2)

Jesus began his ministry with His men and continued to do ministry through them. The apostle Paul has this to say concerning the ministry of Christ’s ministers:

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

Questions for Community Discussion

1. How does Peter ensure that the focus goes to Jesus when Aeneas is healed?
2. When people comment on how your life has changed since you started following Christ what do you typically say? Are you prepared to share your testimony with others?

In the Aftermath of Chastening (Acts 5:12-16)

¹² And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. ¹³ Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. ¹⁴ And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, ¹⁵ so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. ¹⁶ Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

Introduction

What does a congregation do after events like the church discipline displayed with Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)? You could stop everything and get a consultant / counselor to come in and help everyone deal with the grief and fear that comes with (1) lying to the Spirit and (2) the Spirit’s abrupt removal of the liars. You could lose momentum and eventually have to shut things down. (In the denominations that I have served in such a response would involve contacting the district because the assets of the church actually belong to the denomination.) If you were in the Ananias camp you could convene a clandestine committee to replace Peter. (In light of most recent events, Peter is probably going to know. And may the Lord have mercy on you when you come to church.) Here is what the passage promotes:

1) Regard the church community and its individual members as sacred; do not bring into the bride of Christ worldly ways of getting ahead.

2) Acknowledge the anointing and authority of those appointed to lead. In the case of the apostles, their position and power in God’s work makes lying to them tantamount to lying to the Holy Spirit.

But what does a fellowship do after events like those recorded in Acts 5:1-11? In the writing of Luke we see that some things continue without change and one thing does not remain the same.

Questions for Consideration

1. Do you interact with your local congregation as a sacred community or something common?

2. While our local church leaders are not supernaturally able to discern the truth about things on their own, the Spirit can give them insights into things that would not otherwise be known. In your work with your leadership and other Christians are you mindful of the Spirit’s presence?

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.

The But of Acts 5:1 antagonizes the message of Acts 4:32-35. Where Barnabas sold his land and brought the entire proceed to the church for its use, Ananias merely claimed to do this. His sin, with Sapphira his wife, was not in keeping back part of the price of the land. Peter makes it clear that he could have done that (Acts 5:4). There would have been no fault in giving only a portion of the sale to the church. In fact, Ananias could have kept the land in his own possession without there being a problem. His contribution was not compulsory (Acts 5:3-4).

Why did he do it? He and his wife wanted to be counted with the highly committed while still keeping a foot in the world. They wanted a positive nickname too. But, with a discernment that was given to him by the Holy Spirit, Peter explains why the plan would not work:

The Seriousness of Not Seeing the Anointing — Ananias failed to acknowledge the Anointing as he acted out his trespass. Even in the presence of continuous expressions of Heaven’s power (Acts 4:33) he made the mistake of regarding men after the flesh and the fellowship as being no more than what he could see. But the men leading the fellowship were anointed by God and able to do and see things above and beyond what is possible for mere mortals. The fellowship before Ananias and Sapphira is not only with the seen but also with the unseen Spirit of the Lord. The fellowship, treated as common and something to be manipulated, was in fact consecrated. That couple was tragically unholy in dealing with a people made holy by the Spirit of Holiness.

In light of all that Ananias had seen in the way of wonders it is amazing and confounding to Peter that he could have been so dull in thinking that his sin would not be seen. How did Ananias arrive at this point? The answer is that Satan had filled his heart to lie to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3). Satan had been at work trying to ruin the new creation. Just as in the garden, that serpent of old (Genesis 3:1,4; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9; 20:2) had been working to (1) deceive people in paradise and (2) ruin relationships. After a while the arch nemesis of God was able to convince Ananias to lie to the Spirit. What could have been worse than bringing Satan’s corrupting influence entry into the new fellowship? Ananias had allowed Satan to furnish the rooms of his heart with worldly intentions.

Doors for Demonic Activity — When we fail to take our thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Philippians 4:8) and and refuse to rigorously exclude ungodly desires that would take up residence in our hearts we (1) open doors for demonic activity and (2) create conditions conducive to crimes against God and His community (Ephesians 4:25-27; Romans 12:19; James 4:7).

Action Steps — Let us stop lying and speak truth (Zechariah 8:16; Ephesians 4:15, 25; Colossians 3:9).

1. 1. Stop Active Lying – Deceptive statements
   2. Stop Passive Lying – Omissions that mislead

Peter does not punish the man but explains the great foolishness of trying to deceive God; the sin, in this case, is judged by God Himself. Upon hearing these words Ananias dies (Acts 5:5). Sapphira colludes with her husband to mislead the church. But the plan will fail with tragic results. Asked if what she brought was the entire sale price of the land Sapphira, says that it was (Acts 5:8). As in so many Old Testament cases the opportunity to confess was given. Here are ten passages from the Old Testament where God asks a question aimed at prompting confession or self-reflection:

• Genesis 3:9 – After Adam and Eve sinned, God asks Adam, “Where are you?”
• Genesis 4:9 – God asks Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?”
• Genesis 18:13 – “And the Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?'”
• Genesis 21:17 – God asks Hagar, “What ails you, Hagar?”
• Genesis 32:27 – God asks Jacob, “What is your name?”
• Job 38:4 – God asks Job, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?”
• 1 Samuel 15:14 – “But Samuel said, ‘What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?'”
• Jonah 4:4 – “Then the Lord said, ‘Is it right for you to be angry?'”
• Jeremiah 2:5 – God asks Israel, “What injustice have your fathers found in Me, that they have gone far from Me?”

These passages are instances where God’s questions are used to initiate introspection, catalyze confession, or to elicit a response that reveals deeper truths about the individuals involved. Sapphira did not make the most of her opportunity. If she had, mercy would have been shown:

He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)

Instead she took the opportunity to confirm her decision to test the Spirit of the Lord. What was the test?

The Test of Ananias and Saphira — Can we get away with lying about our giving in order to get a better status in our church community? Will God know?

She also dies and was carried away to be buried with her husband. Although this is bad, consider with me the consequences. Luke says that the result of this rebuke was that great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things (Acts 5:11). The loss of earthly life has produced in the church a profound reverence for the presence of Christ and the position of the apostles. Christ in our midst at communion is serious; by treating it lightly we bring upon ourselves judgement. Christ at work through the leadership of the apostles is serious; by treating them as mere men the meaning of the miracles is missed and the Presence at work in them is disrespected.

Figure 1 – Signs and their Significance in the Opening of Acts

The immediate deaths of this deceptive couple were a sign indicating a spiritual reality – God does not want or tolerate lying in his church. Just as the signs of Pentecost and the fellowship prayer were not going to be repeated, the immediate deaths of liars in the church is not happening today. But the spiritual reality indicated in the narrative is that with God there is a deep displeasure associated with people in the church lying to one another and to Him. Former is unloving. The latter is dumb; He knows all. Today is the day to stop lying and start telling the truth. We should do this out of reverence for the Holy Spirit in our midst, out of caring for concern for the people that are our brother and sisters in the faith, and with the goal of protecting the quality of our witness. The whole idea of lying is from Satan the father of lies; it is what he had done from the beginning (Genesis 3:1-4). The notion should be arrested and rejected. When we fail to do that the suggestion eventually looks reasonable and becomes sin (Genesis 3:6).

Questions for Community Discussion

1. In the verses of Acts 4:32-37 we are given a general description of the character of the new community. How does Luke give us an example of that character?
2. Would you be willing to part ways with your stuff to ensure that the needs of other believers in our fellowship are met? What encouragement did they have (Acts 4:33)?
3. What explains their ability to show this level of generosity (Ephesians 4:17-21; Romans 5:5; 1 John 5:1)?
4. What was the difference between the gift of Barnabas and the gift of Ananias (Acts 4:36-37; 5:1-4)?
5. Is your giving about gratitude toward God and worship or is it about garnering praise, creating a perception of piety, and generating an image of generosity.
6. Does it matter if your presentation of an offering does not line up with the truth (John 4:24)?

7. Do you think that Ananias was saved? Consider the words of 1 Corinthians 5:5 as you formulate an answer.