Threats

Pete Kersker - Mar 03, 2026

The disciples (students) of Jesus grew quickly in the early days and weeks. Three thousand believed and were baptized during the Pentecost celebration after Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension. The number topped five thousand after Jesus healed the man who had not been able to walk since his birth. These new disciples (students) were dedicating themselves to the apostles' teachings, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They took care of one another so nobody was in need.

And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means "son of encouragement"), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet (Acts 4:33b-37 NIV).

These new disciples were threatened by the religious leaders of their day. Peter and John were arrested for telling everyone that Jesus is the Christ. They were released, returned to the group, and prayed. The Lord emboldened them so they went right back out and told others about Jesus.

This first threat to the disciples came from outside the gathering of believer. Now, they were going to face a new threat. This threat would come from among themselves.

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet (Acts 5:1-2 NIV).

What do you think was about to threaten the disciples from within their group?
Was it greed? pride? envy/jealousy? What did Ananias and his wife do wrong?