The Glorification of Self

Our account in Acts comes after a reference to the church being of one mind as they were all striving to be Christlike. They were united spiritually, but their unity extended to practical matters, too. Such was the nature of the needs of the Lord's people at that time that they decided to pool their goods, and some sold property to make a donation to the church for the relief of the poor.

One pair were different. Ananias and his wife Sapphira conspired together. Their plan was to sell property, give some to the church, but tell the brethren that they had donated the full amount. Peter, via a revelation from God, knew they were lying. He points out that the money was theirs to do whatever they wanted with it. They could have said that they were donating half, or whatever it was. After all, this was a freewill offering. The lie was simply a vehicle for the primary sin: they wanted credit and praise for a sacrificial act which they hadn't made. And the desire for glory robs God of that which is his. To God be the Glory!