Sarcasm?

In verses 1-5, we read about Paul’s confrontation with the high priest and his followers.

I wonder if Paul is being sincere or sarcastic when he explains that he didn’t realize that Ananias was the high priest.

Ananias

In verses 10-17, we read about what it took to convince Ananias to help Saul.

Respect and Fear

In verses 12-14, Luke describes the reaction of people who experienced the many miracles of the apostles.

They were impressed but afraid of the punishment Ananias and Sapphira experienced.

Becoming a Christian was not something to be done lightly.

Lie and Die

The story of Ananias and Sapphira, in verses 1-11, is shocking and disturbing.

They sell some property and conspire to keep a portion of the profits for themselves.

They lie about the purchase price and are struck dead.

Peter asks, ”Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal?”

It’s better to be honest and keep your stuff than to sugar-coat your generosity and pretend you’re better than you really are.