Ananias and Sapphira

In Acts 4:33ff, we find Luke documenting the internal affairs of the church—the affairs listed in Acts 2:42-46. In the midst of difficult conditions, the Spirit-filled believers live out the principles of the faith, in love, caring for each other's needs. The spot light is focused on Joseph, whom the apostles called Barnabas (from the Greek bar – “son of” and nabas – prophecy). His speaking for God resulted in comfort and encouragement for the saints. He is shown as having sold property and giving the proceeds to the apostles to aid the needy believers.
This demonstration of selfless love is contrasted with the selfish desire of Ananias and his wife Sapphira to be esteemed like Barnabas, yet hold on to some of their material wealth either out of covetousness or fear. It is my contention that they are tares sown among the wheat. Their tragic and untimely death marks the seriousness of the Spirit's work to keep the church pure. Acts 5:13, 14 supports this conclusion. The fear of God kept the rest of the unbelievers away.
The outline:
I. The Lordship of Christ in His church (4:33-37)
A. The church's power – the filling of the Spirit
B. The church's principle – love
C. The church's practice – selfless service motivated by love (illustrated by Barnabas)
II. The Administration of the Spirit (5:1-11)
A. Sin in the fellowship, the peril within (Ananias and Sapphira)
B. An issue raised: were they truly Christians?
C. The judgment inflicted upon them
D. The lessons to be learned: