“Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?’” (Acts 5:3)
The book of Acts tells how the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost. This was a significant moment in the conflict between good and evil, between the Spirit of God and the powers of darkness. Every day, people were coming to faith. Satan was losing his hold on them and watching his influence steadily diminish. The Holy Spirit was clearly stronger.
At first, Satan tried to stop the growth of the church by having its leaders imprisoned. When that did not work, he changed tactics. He sought to infiltrate the church and weaken it from within. This would undermine the unity of the believers and damage their reputation in society. That is the backdrop to the story of Ananias and Sapphira. Peter saw through what was happening. This was not merely a matter of two people seeking admiration they did not deserve. Satan was at work here. Ananias and Sapphira allowed themselves to be used for his purposes—with terrible consequences. Their actions were, quite literally, inspired by evil.
It is sobering to read how the devil gained a foothold in this early church. His presence in the world, and even within the church, is presented as a real threat. Are you aware of that reality? How can you guard yourself against his attacks?