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Published: April 21, 2021, 6:53 a.m.

Acts Chapter 5 introduces us to a critical aspect of the formation of the ecclesia that needs to understand concerning the nature of the apostolic leadership mandate of the Church. Acts chapter five is to the continuation of the response of chapter four, where we begin to see the power of community and shared life played out through the brethren. The scripture said the multitude of believers were of ONE HEART AND SOUL.

This is a beautiful place and position to be. A place of principled faith, unity shared resources. The spirit of individualism has been eradicated and abandoned. The apostles are given a greater measure of precedence of grace and faith to continue to testify of the resurrected power of Jesus Christ. We are told that there was no needy person amongst them; everyone had all things in [common] community. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus who the Apostles named Barnabas [meaning Son of encouragement], brought the proceeds of the land he sold to the Apostles for the advancement of the community.

Acts 4:32-37

32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34that 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 35and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Amidst this power spiritual buildup of the apostolic community, a guy by the name of Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, conspired to compromise the community of the brethren through a false spirit. The scripture said they lied against the Holy Spirit regarding the amount they sold their land.

The manner the Lord judged this false attitude is a powerful spiritual value we must consider in this day of the restoration of the house of David. The Lord is building up his Church, and we need to be careful and sensitive to the false spirits seeking to slip through the new order of what the Father is reforming and restoring in this hour.

We need to watch out for the evil spirit of Jezebel that usually uses famine and poverty to control the people of God to submission. We, too like, Peter, must be prepared and ready to rise with a robust governmental spirit as we discern the falsehood behind the actions of those who claim they desire to assist the work of the Lord.

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