AUDIO READING
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During those days, the entire community of believers was deeply united in heart and soul to such an extent that they stopped claiming private ownership of their possessions. Instead, they held everything in common. The apostles with great power gave their eyewitness reports of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Everyone was surrounded by an extraordinary grace. Not a single person in the community was in need because those who had been affluent sold their houses or lands and brought the proceeds to the emissaries of the Lord. They then distributed the funds to individuals according to their needs. One fellow, a Cyprian Levite named Joseph, earned a nickname because of his generosity in selling a field and bringing the money to the apostles in this way. From that time on, they called him Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement.”
Once a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira fully cooperating, committed fraud. He sold some property and kept some of the proceeds, but he pretended to make a full donation to the Lord’s emissaries.
Peter: Ananias, have you allowed Satan to influence your lies to the Holy Spirit and hold back some of the money? Look, it was your property before you sold it, and the money was all yours after you sold it. Why have you concocted this scheme in your heart? You weren’t just lying to us; you were lying to God.
Ananias heard these words and immediately dropped to the ground, dead; fear overcame all those who heard of the incident. Some young men came, wrapped the body, and buried it immediately. About three hours had passed when Sapphira arrived. She had no idea what had happened.
Peter: Did you sell the land for such-and-such a price?
Sapphira: Yes, that was the price.
Peter: Why did the two of you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Do you hear those footsteps outside? Those are the young men who just buried your husband, and now they will carry you out as well.
She—like her husband—immediately fell dead at Peter’s feet. The young men came in and carried her corpse outside and buried it beside her husband. The whole church was terrified by this story, as were others who heard it.
Reflections
Find a quiet place and an unhurried time to spend some quality time with God. Begin by asking God to join you in this special time.
Step outside your immediate concerns for the day and focus your attention on knowing Jesus and seeking his guidance.
Read the passage of the day slowly. Notice what stirs in you as you read this passage.
Read the passage again, slowly. Look for a word, phrase, or thought that God seems to be highlighting for you and your life.
Meditate on that message and ask God, “What are you inviting me into in light of this passage?”
Write down the impression you have from this passage. It may be helpful to keep a journal of each day’s thoughts.
Take a deep breath and rest with God, noticing how Jesus’ message lingers with you for the day.
