In the book of Acts, I find a very unfortunate chapter break. It’s where chapter four ends, and chapter five begins.
The Bible wasn’t written with chapter and verse breaks written by the authors. These chapter and verse breaks were added much later (during the 13th century) to make it easier for us to find things.
Some of these verses and chapters are not always found in what I think are the best places. This spot in Chapter 4-5 is an example.
In Acts 4:36-37, we hear of “Joseph, a Levite from Cypress, whom the Apostles called Barnabas,” who sold his fields and gave the proceeds from that sale to the early church. This is the first time we hear of Barnabas, but it’s certainly not the last! Barnabas took Saul with him to go and collect an offering for the brothers living in Judea (Acts 11:29-30). In the beginning of Acts 13, we see Barnabas and Saul, again going out on a mission together, to bring the Word of God to the Gentiles.
Contrast Barnabas, who is faithful to God and gives God the money from selling his field, to Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, who also sold a field in the beginning of Acts 5. They told the church they were giving the proceeds of the sale to the church, but in reality, they held back some for themselves. They are each confronted for their lie (to God, not men), and are struck dead.
Seeing this story in connection with the story of Barnabas in 4:36-37 gives us a clear message. Be faithful and generous, and you will be rewarded greatly, and used by God to do great things. Lie to God, don’t be faithful to God, and keep things promised to God, and you will be cursed. Maybe you won’t be struck dead, but you won’t receive the power of the Holy Spirit either.
God will work through the faithful ones. And his ultimate reward is reserved for those who are open to Him.
The Bible wasn’t written with chapter and verse breaks written by the authors. These chapter and verse breaks were added much later (during the 13th century) to make it easier for us to find things.
Some of these verses and chapters are not always found in what I think are the best places. This spot in Chapter 4-5 is an example.
In Acts 4:36-37, we hear of “Joseph, a Levite from Cypress, whom the Apostles called Barnabas,” who sold his fields and gave the proceeds from that sale to the early church. This is the first time we hear of Barnabas, but it’s certainly not the last! Barnabas took Saul with him to go and collect an offering for the brothers living in Judea (Acts 11:29-30). In the beginning of Acts 13, we see Barnabas and Saul, again going out on a mission together, to bring the Word of God to the Gentiles.
Contrast Barnabas, who is faithful to God and gives God the money from selling his field, to Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, who also sold a field in the beginning of Acts 5. They told the church they were giving the proceeds of the sale to the church, but in reality, they held back some for themselves. They are each confronted for their lie (to God, not men), and are struck dead.
Seeing this story in connection with the story of Barnabas in 4:36-37 gives us a clear message. Be faithful and generous, and you will be rewarded greatly, and used by God to do great things. Lie to God, don’t be faithful to God, and keep things promised to God, and you will be cursed. Maybe you won’t be struck dead, but you won’t receive the power of the Holy Spirit either.
God will work through the faithful ones. And his ultimate reward is reserved for those who are open to Him.
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