May 18, 2026
I am guessing that in their Christian walk, most people come up against a biblical story that makes them stumble. For me, that story has always been the story of Ananias and Sapphira. Acts 5:1-11 “But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and kept back some of the proceeds for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, ‘“Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the proceeds of the land?’”
They were with the apostles after the crucifixion. At that time most Christians were in hiding. It was a time of persecution. In order to survive, people began selling what they owned, pooling the money with the apostles and living the life of zealots. For whatever reason, Ananias and Sapphira chose to lie. They gave some of the money they made selling their property, but not all. When they told their lie, first Ananias and then Sapphira, fell down dead. The Word says they died because they lied to the Holy Spirit. In a world where repentance leads to second chances and miraculous turnarounds, I wanted these two to receive grace. But they didn’t.
From a human standpoint this seems harsh. But could there be a greater sin than lying to the Holy Spirit? Let our yes be yes and our no be no. We cannot hide any truth from God. I know people who love this story just the way it is written. In my family I am known as the ‘Yes” Grandma. In my church I am known as a mercy person. When Jesus told Peter we should forgive others 70 TIMES 7 times, I tend to wonder if that is quite enough. I’m certain there is a strong lesson here and I’m wrestling with human thinking.
Holy Father, forgive me for the times I fail to understand every implication in Your Word. I am sorry when I do not research the meaning, look up the root words and original language. Your Word warns us to keep all vows we make to the Holy Spirit, and I believe lying to the Holy Spirit is a huge offense. Help me understand how limited human thinking is and as I spend time with You, help me become more like Jesus and more willing that Your will be done. Always.
“…so that, as sin reigned in death, so also grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:21