Ananias and Sapphira

Now Concerning the Collection

While the church in Jerusalem was doing an exceptional work, not all among them were completely sincere. Ananias and Sapphira, a husband and wife, basically did what the others were doing. They sold a piece of property and brought money from the sale to the apostles (Acts 5:1-2). What was different about their contribution compared with the others in the previous chapter was that they “kept back some of the price” (Acts 5:2).

While it is not directly stated, we know the couple gave part of the proceeds of the sale, while portraying it as being the whole amount. We know this because Peter condemned them for lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3). We also see that their property, before and after the sale, was in their control (Acts 5:4). They could choose to give some or all of it. There was no sin in keeping some of the profit from the sale. The sin was their deception as they tried to make it look like they gave the entire amount they had received.

In reality, the only reason for them to do this would be for the appearance it gave to others. As we conclude from Peter’s statement, the money was in their control; therefore, they could keep back as much as they wanted. But they tried to make themselves appear to be as generous and caring as the other Christians like Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37).

We need to remember that what we give is personal. It is our decision and does not concern anyone else. Jesus spoke of the hypocrites who would give publicly “so that they may be honored by men” (Matthew 6:2). He then added, “Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.” They wanted the praise of men. They got it, but that was all the reward they would receive. In contrast, our giving should be done in such a way that we could nearly say that our left hand does not know what our right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3). When we give “in secret,” that is, give without seeking the praise of men, our “Father who sees what is done in secret will reward” us (Matthew 6:4). Our giving reflects a personal decision that we have made. We ought not desire to make it public.


The above post is an excerpt from the book, Now Concerning the Collection: A Study of Giving. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

NEW RELEASE: Now Concerning the Collection

We are happy to announce that our newest book – Now Concerning the Collection: A Study of Giving by Andy Sochor – is now available!

Now Concerning the Collection (cover)Download a sample of the book!

The topic of giving can be a difficult and awkward subject to discuss from the pulpit. Yet it is vitally important to the function of the local church and the duty of the disciples who make up each congregation. This material presents a thorough examination of the New Testament teachings about giving. It is meant to encourage Christians to faithfully follow the Lord’s plan for the church’s work and motivate each one of us to strive to improve our own giving.

This expanded edition also includes other related articles dealing with money in general, church membership, tithing, modern methods of giving, and more.

Now Concerning the Collection has been designed to be an easy-to-read and easy-to-understand reference on the topic of giving that will be beneficial to all Christians.

Read more about this new book and purchase your copy today!

If you would like to place a bulk order, please contact us.

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Now Concerning the Collection – Now Available

We are happy to announce a new title available from Gospel Armory – Now Concerning the Collection: A Study of Giving.

Now Concerning the Collection

This is a 32-page booklet that provides an in-depth study of giving which includes the following:

  • The proper practice of giving as found in the New Testament.
  • The authority for a church treasury.
  • The authorized use of the collected funds (the work of the church).
  • Historical errors related to giving and the use of the church treasury: institutionalism and the sponsoring church arrangement.
  • The fellowship implications of giving.
  • The difference between giving and tithing.
  • The proper attitude in giving.
  • Right motivations for giving.
  • New Testament examples that teach us about giving.

For more information, or to purchase a copy, click here: Now Concerning the Collection: A Study of Giving.

We are also excited to announce that this material is available on Amazon’s Kindle. If you are a Kindle user, or use one of the free Kindle apps for your computer or smart phone, you can get a copy of the ebook for just $0.99. Visit Amazon’s website to order Now Concerning the Collection for the Kindle.

We will be releasing more material for the Kindle in the future.