Great fear

As at other times, the holiness of God's people is threatened as they enter a new phase of their life. Here, the example of generosity generates a particular plan of deceit which threatens the integrity and purity of the church, undermining God's power in her and militating against God's grace in her.

Ananias and Sapphira lie to and test the Holy Spirit. Here the scene is set, the sin is exposed, the price is paid, and the effect is seen: great fear in the church and in the world.