How does Acts 5:11 connect to the fear of the Lord in Proverbs? Acts 5:11—Fear in the Early Church “Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.” (Acts 5:11) • The sudden deaths of Ananias and Sapphira were real, historic judgments that demonstrated God’s holiness. • Their deception violated the Spirit’s authority, and the Lord intervened visibly to protect the purity of the fledgling church. • The immediate result was a profound, tangible fear—an awe-filled recognition that God’s presence among His people is holy and not to be trifled with. Proverbs on the Fear of the Lord • Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” • Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” • Proverbs 14:26–27: “In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence… The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.” • Proverbs 15:33: “The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” Points of Connection • Same Source, Same Response – In Acts 5, God’s holy presence produces fear; Proverbs teaches that acknowledging that holiness is foundational to wisdom. • Purity and Protection – Proverbs portrays the fear of the Lord as a “fountain of life” that keeps a person from deadly snares; Acts 5 shows the converse—disregarding God’s holiness leads to immediate death. • Community Impact – The fear of the Lord in Proverbs benefits not only individuals but entire households and societies; Acts 5:11 notes that “the whole church” and even outsiders were impacted. • Beginning of Wisdom → Growth in Integrity – Proverbs begins with fear as the doorway to knowledge; Acts 5 illustrates that door being flung open for the early church, compelling believers to walk in transparent integrity (see Acts 5:13-14). Practical Implications for Believers Today • Cultivate holy awe by remembering that the same God of Acts 5 is present in the church now (Hebrews 12:28-29). • Let reverent fear drive honest stewardship and truthful speech, avoiding any appearance of hypocrisy (Ephesians 4:25). • Pursue wisdom daily, knowing it begins and ends with a proper view of God’s majesty (James 1:5; Proverbs 2:1-6). |
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