The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 78

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72 TEE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES a pledge to give to the Lord the proceeds from the sale of certain property. Afterward, Ananias and Sapphira grieved the Holy Spirit by yielding to feelings of covetonsness. They began to regret their promise, and soon lost the sweet influence of the blessing that had warmed their hearts with a desire to do large things in behalf of the cause of Christ. They tlionght they had been too hasty, that they ought to reconsider their decision. They talked the matter over, and decided not to fulfil their pledge. They saw, however, that those who parted with their possessions to supply the needs of their poorer brethren, were held in high esteem among the believers; and ashamed to have their brethren know that their selfish souls grudged that which they had solemnly dedicated to God, they deliberately decided to sell their property, and pretend to give all the proceeds into the general fund, but really to keep a large share for themselves. Thus they would secure their living from the common store, and at the same time gain the high esteem of their brethren. But God hates hypocrisy and falsehood. Ananias and Sapphira practised fraud in their dealing with God; they lied to the Holy Spirit, and their sin was visited with swift and terrible judgment. When Ananias, came with his otfering, Peter said: ^'Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the .price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power ? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.''