A Lesson in the Fear of God

The early church experienced explosive growth. Peter preached his first sermon on the day of Pentecost and three thousand people came to faith in Jesus; five thousand more believers were added when he preached his second sermon. But all was not right.

Deception crept into the church through a good deed done with bad intentions (Acts 5:1-11). Ananias and Sapphira lied about a generous donation they made to the church. Because they lied to God not man, the sobering judgment of God fell upon them. 

A much-needed correction took place in the early church, but not in a way that hindered the plan of God. On the contrary, purged of sin, the church continued to grow in the fear of the Lord.