A Tale of Two Givers
How many giving stories do you know where the reward for the gift is a death sentence pronounced by the recipient? The deaths of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 wrap up a fascinating narrative about how financial discipleship fits into revival and personal renewal. In contrast, Barnabas’s gift catapulted him to his next calling. When practiced well, financial discipleship becomes a vital component in the Church's impact and the believer’s deeper life pursuit. When done for the wrong reasons, giving may lead you down a perilous path with unforeseen consequences.
Financial Discipleship and Renewal – Acts 4:32-35
Financial discipleship was a key ingredient in the birth and formation of the Church. In Acts 4:31, the disciples have prayed, the building shakes, they are filled with the Holy Spirit, and they speak boldly. A first-time reader would expect the next section to be about proclaiming the word. Instead, we get a surprise detour into financial discipleship. The early church was experiencing a movement of God that needed to encompass its collective believers’ finances to maintain its momentum and fulfill its ultimate purpose. These verses show unity, power, and grace made real through generosity. If we genuinely want a movement of God today, are we prepared to follow the path of the early church and grow in financial discipleship?
Financial Discipleship and Calling – Acts 4:36-37
Progress in financial discipleship can open doors for personal renewal and ministry opportunities. Barnabas (aka Joseph) is introduced as a devoted follower of Jesus who is about to receive a more extensive calling. We can infer a few things about Barnabas:
He loves Jesus and uses his gifts – His nickname is very affirming (Barnabas means son of encouragement).
He was a devoted member of the early church – The apostles knew him well enough to give him a nickname.
His financial discipleship lagged behind his overall discipleship – Levites generally weren’t supposed to be in the property management business (see Numbers 18:20).
The last point is surprising. Luke goes out of the way to mention that Barnabas is a Levite. When Barnabas sells the land, it’s more than a donation. He is also taking the next step he needs to take in his financial discipleship. Even though the Levite distinction will soon fade, putting his finances right before God was his next step. What follows is a closeness to God and a set of experiences that made the field a cheap gift. What is the next step in your financial discipleship journey that may open a path to life?
Financial Discipleship and the Heart – Acts 5:1-11
Generosity pursued for the wrong reasons can be hazardous to your health. In contrast to Barnabas taking a step toward God, Ananias and Sapphira take a dangerous shortcut. They want the plaudits for being sacrificial givers while holding back some of the money. In verse 9, Peter asks Sapphira, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Holding back some money while claiming they gave it all shows their heart wasn’t in the gift. Is it any wonder verse 11 reports, Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events?
Financial Discipleship Normally Lags
Money is tough to surrender, and financial discipleship often comes later in the discipleship journey. That’s why Jesus spoke so often about it. Our cultural biases make money one of the last things to go. Churches generally haven’t done as well in discipling people in their finances as in other areas. If you are lagging, relax, smile, and prayerfully consider the next step in your financial discipleship journey.
Checking our Motives
As we give, let it be for the right reasons. The prosperity gospel encourages us to give in order to get, treating God like a divine vending machine. Barnabas’ reward for giving wasn’t monetary but a vibrant relationship with God and people. Take some time to ponder, What are my motives for giving? Am I pursuing a shortcut to a blessing, security, or recognition rather than seeing finances as part of my discipleship journey?
