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Hitherto all has been progress and triumph. Faith has become enthusiasm. Earth caught the colouring, yea, the very life of heaven. Private ownership was swallowed up by social beneficence, and little restrictions and classifications were swept away by a generosity akin to the love of God. Now we come upon another aspect of affairs. We find a twist in the golden thread. The whole thing must come to a stop until this be rectified. Think of the Church standing still, though glowing with the enthusiasm of love, until judgment be satisfied! Why not treat the offence as a trifling one? Why not pass it over without notice? Because the Church is called unto holiness, and sin must ever bring down the anger and judgment of God. From the conduct of these people we see —

I. THE VITAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SPIRIT AND THE FASHION OF CHRISTIANITY. We might say between a principle and a mere rule. Ananias tried to be a Christian from the outside. He put the hands of the clock to the right time, but left the mainspring broken and the pendulum still

1. We may imitate Christ, and yet not know Him after the spirit.

2. We may mingle with Christians, and yet know nothing of the spiritual power of Christianity. The incident says, "Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

II. THE FATAL TEMPTATION TO GIVE THE PART AS THE WHOLE. Observe not the part instead of the whole: not to give the part distinctly and avowedly as the part; but to give it as if it were really all. This is illustrated —

1. In speaking half-heartedly as if sincerely.

2. In giving a small contribution as if it exhausted our resources. "I cannot afford more," is the chief lie of the Church.

3. In concealing our convictions by using words with various meanings.

4. In having outward associations which do not express the whole tendency and trust of the heart.

5. In modifying vows according to changes in circumstances — young man dedicating himself to the ministry: young tradesman vowing to consecrate his property: young Christian vowing to offer a solemn testimony for Christ.

III. THE CONCEALED SIN AS WELL AS THE PUBLIC INIQUITY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE JUDGMENT OF GOD. "Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God." "How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord?"

1. There is vet to be a reading of hearts.

2. Not only what we have done, but what we have left undone is to be judged.

3. Sins which apparently do no harm to society are to be punished. The voice of the judgment is, "The wages of sin is death."Application —

1. The Church is to be holy.

2. Though hand join in hand the wicked shall not go unpunished.

3. Discipline is of greater consequence than numbers.

4. The Christian power which heals one man destroys another. Contrast the cripple with Ananias.

(J. Parker, D. D.)

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KJV: But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

WEB: But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession,