Barnabas and Ananias

In the last part of Acts chapter 4, we read the story of Barnabas selling a piece of land and offering it to God. Sometimes when we are hungry, we spend money to buy bread. At other times, we purchase coffee simply because we want to drink it. If we need shoes, we may spend a hundred thousand won to buy a pair. Although we spend money and it is gone, we feel no loss because we gained bread, coffee, or shoes in return.

With this kind of calculation in mind, Barnabas’ act of selling his land and giving it was not difficult. He was grateful for his salvation and wanted to give. Moreover, he desired that what he offered would be used for the work of the gospel. Barnabas, by selling his land and giving the proceeds, essentially purchased spiritual blessings. It was neither burdensome nor wasteful—it was joyful and deeply worthwhile.

Afterward, Barnabas participated even more deeply in God’s blessings. One of the most important things he did was to go to Tarsus in Cilicia, find the Apostle Paul, and bring him back. After Paul was saved in Damascus, he went to Jerusalem and boldly preached the gospel. But when the Jews sought to kill him, the apostles sent Paul to his hometown of Tarsus. There he lived alone for a period of time until Barnabas went to find him and brought him to the church in Antioch, where the two taught the believers together. Later, the Holy Spirit led them on a missionary journey through Asia Minor, and through them many Gentiles came to salvation. Just as people spend money to buy food, cars, or homes, Barnabas sold his land to receive spiritual grace.

Ananias, who wanted to appear honorable

In Acts chapter 5, Ananias and Sapphira also sold a piece of land. But their hearts were different from Barnabas’. They saw how the believers honored Barnabas for his offering, and they wanted to be regarded the same way. Because Barnabas could see God’s grace and blessing, selling his land and giving the money caused him no concern. But Ananias and Sapphira could not see grace or blessing. Therefore, giving the money was neither joyful nor thankful to them. They wanted the honor of being praised by others, but their hearts were full of worries: “If we give all this money, how will we live? What if difficulties arise?”

Ananias decided to hide a portion of the proceeds and bring only the remainder, pretending it was the full amount. Sapphira was aware of this as well. Ananias thought no one would know his plan, but he could not deceive the Spirit of God.

“Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land? … Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.’” (Acts 5:3–4)

When Peter finished speaking, Ananias fell down and died. Ananias did not realize that the money he loved would bring a curse upon him.

Becoming one who gives like Barnabas

After salvation, if our hearts are filled with fleshly thoughts, our lives will inevitably follow the flesh. But if our hearts overflow with gratitude for salvation and we look toward God’s grace and blessing, our lives will flow according to the Spirit. A fleshly person must deal with problems through human means and methods, but one who follows the Spirit takes steps believing that God will resolve everything. And God indeed makes all things beautiful.

Satan tries to pull believers away from God by filling their hearts with fleshly concerns, bringing fear and anxiety: “What if I believe and things go wrong?” But believers who live by faith not only enter heaven after death—they also enjoy peace and joy on this earth. Their bodies may go through poverty or difficulty, but their hearts dwell in grace because of Jesus.

Jesus washed away our sins and protects and helps us in all circumstances. He has opened a glorious path before us. We have received a blessing so great that even if we sold our land or gave our lives, it would not be too much. Therefore, we live with gratitude in Christ.

Ananias and Sapphira, driven by the desire for human praise, resisted the Holy Spirit and became pitiable people who were rejected.But we should be like Barnabas—thankful for the grace God has given and willing to offer ourselves for the gospel—so that we may live long and blessed lives.