# Day 314

# “You Lied to God!”

Acts 4:32–5:11

With great power and in one accord, the apostles declared the Lord’s resurrection. Great grace was upon them all. Those who owned houses sold them. The money was given to those who were in need.

But a man named Ananias sold some property. His wife, Sapphira, agreed that they keep some of the money. Only part of it was given for the poor.

“Ananias,” said Peter, “why has Satan caused you to lie? The Holy Spirit knows you held back part of the money. When you sold the land, the money was yours. Now, you have lied to God!”

Hearing this, Ananias fell down and died. Young men took the body out for burial. Later, Ananias’s wife came in. She didn’t know what had happened. “Did you and your husband sell your land?” asked Peter.

“Yes,” Sapphira answered.

“Why did you test the Lord’s Spirit? There are the men who buried your husband. They’re ready to carry you out.” Immediately, she fell to the floor, dead. Sapphira was buried beside her husband. And the fear of God came over the whole church.

Questions: Why were none of the believers needy? Why did Ananias die?