What can we learn about God's judgment from Acts 5:8? Setting the scene Acts 5:8: “Tell me,” Peter asked her, “Did you sell the land for this price?” “Yes,” she said, “for that price.” Context and catalyst • The Jerusalem church overflowed with voluntary generosity (Acts 4:32-37). • Ananias and Sapphira craved the same reputation yet secretly kept part of the proceeds. • Peter’s calm question in verse 8 brings hidden deceit into the open and sets the stage for God’s judgment. What God’s judgment reveals in Acts 5:8 • God judges with perfect knowledge. The Spirit already knew the true sum; the question exposes the lie (Hebrews 4:13). • Judgment is individual. Sapphira answers for herself; each believer will do the same (Romans 14:12). • Judgment is impartial. Position or familiarity with church leaders offers no exemption (Deuteronomy 10:17). • Judgment safeguards congregational purity. Deceit threatens gospel credibility (1 Peter 4:17). • Judgment may be swift when God’s holiness is publicly challenged, underscoring sin’s seriousness (Acts 5:9-10). • Judgment unmasks mere lip service. Sapphira’s words fail the reality test (Matthew 15:8). • Judgment serves as a merciful warning to others. “Great fear seized the whole church” (Acts 5:11). Supporting Scripture snapshots • Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap.” • Ecclesiastes 12:14: “For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil.” • Psalm 96:13: “He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in faithfulness.” Living in light of this truth • Pursue transparent honesty; concealed sin invites discipline. • Practice continual confession and repentance (1 John 1:9). • Value church purity above personal prestige. • Cultivate a reverent fear of the Lord that guards against careless words and half-truths (Proverbs 1:7). Acts 5:8 shows that God’s judgment operates with perfect knowledge and unwavering justice, always aiming to preserve His people’s holiness. |
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