(a) The believers' communal living was such that the Christians shared their possessions in common. Ananias and Sapphira sold their own piece of land, but brought only a part of the money to the Church. This was strictly against the spirit of communal life of the Christians. Peter asked Ananias why satan had led him to lie to the Holy Spirit, telling him that the land and the proceeds were theirs and they were free to handle them the way they wished. But by declaring publicly that they were handing over the entire proceeds, they had not lied to man but to God. When Ananias heard these words of rebuke from Peter, he fell down and died. Young men later carried away his body for burial. His wife / Sapphira came in, unaware of what had happened to her husband. Peter asked her whether they had sold the land for the amount surrendered, she affirmed it. Peter asked her why she conspired with her husband to tempt the spirit of God telling her to listen to the approaching footsteps of those who had gone to bury her husband: Immediately she heard this she fell down and died. Her body was carried away by the same young men who had earlier carried her husband for burial. Great fear came upon the Church and upon all who heard the news.

(b) Lessons: Ananias and Sapphira were misguided into thinking that they could serve both God and Mammon at the same time. One can deceive a fellow man, but cannot deceive God who reads the heart of man. The Church was established by God and controlled by the Holy Spirit. Members must work in accordance with guidelines set up by the Holy Spirit. God punishes sin of disobedience and His judgment is certain. We should give with sincerity / honesty.