Recently I examined a Bible passage with which I was previously unfamiliar. The story in Acts 5:1-11 caused me to ponder what it means to fear the Lord.
In the previous chapter, the writer (presumed to be the same writer as of the Gospel of Luke) has explained that in the early days of the Christian church, followers were encouraged to sell their property and give the proceeds to the apostles: “The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own … there was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need” (Acts 4:32-35).
In addition to ensuring that the people cared for one another as a family, I believe that this physical sacrifice likewise represented the act of giving one’s entire self to the faith. Rather than focusing on material wealth and personal power, the Christian community was required to give their all to God.
Immediately after explaining that Joseph (or Barnabas) had sold his property and placed his offering at the feet of the apostles, Luke begins Chapter 5 with the story of a couple named Ananias and Sapphira. After selling their property, they too laid money at the feet of the apostles; however, instead of surrendering the entire sum, they chose to keep a portion of the sale for themselves.
While their act outwardly appeared to comply with the Christian community’s way of life, it was not wholehearted. They seemed to be doing the right thing, yet they held onto a contingency fund, as if they did not fully trust in the Lord. When Peter noticed this, he confronted them, and they confessed to their actions. Surprisingly, as soon as they told the truth, they each fell down and breathed their last (Acts 5:5,10).
Because these people had not only tried to deceive humans but had effectively lied to God (Acts 5:4) and tested the Spirit of the Lord (Acts 5:9), they were killed. In other words, we can never fool God.
What shocked me most in this passage was that, although they had admitted their wrongs, Ananias and Sapphira were not forgiven. This caused me to ask a few questions. Was this an act of purification – of weeding out evil in the early Church? Was it a warning to members of the time – and into the future – of the omniscience and omnipotence of God? Was breathing their last an excommunication or spiritual death, as opposed to physical death? Great food for thought!
A lasting message of the passage comes from its final statement: “Great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things” (Acts 5:11). In my own relationship with God, I do not tend to think of fear. Or more specifically, when I think of God, I am not afraid. I do fear the Lord in terms of awe. I respect and acknowledge God’s presence, knowledge, and power in all things.
On the twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, we hear of both fear and awe, as addressed by Jesus in Mark’s Gospel. In the midst of a dangerous storm at sea, Jesus calmed the winds and waves, saving his followers. Seeing the fear in their eyes, he asked them, “Why were you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” (4:40) Mark goes on to explain that they were filled with great awe (4:41).
The story of Ananias and Sapphira has multiple messages. For one, it stresses the need to be truthful in spirit as well as in action. Another is the reminder to trust in God, who rejected acts of selfish dishonesty committed in the name of Christianity, and who calmed the winds and seas.
When I pray and when I live, I must offer all I have, rather than keeping a portion of myself tucked away “just in case,” so to speak. For contingency plans are rooted in doubt and fear, while faith is rooted in God and love.
If we fear anything at all, let that fear be of separation from the One whom even the wind and sea obey (Mk 4:41).
