The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-02-06
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON.
Feb. :. 1so7-Act. iv. a2-a7; V. 1-11.
BY DAVIS w. CLARK.

w
Five thousand names more on the church record
at Jerusalem within a few weeks after Pente-
cost. Many OF these persons were strangers from
distant parts They had overstayed their time to
learn more of their newly -espoused faith. The
present speedy methods of obtaining remittances
undreamed OF. They began 10 be in need.
II is evident that many of the resident converts
also poor. All adherents to the new re-
ligion also would be boycotted by others Dis
tress prevailed. Under circumstances like these.
that radiant flower, bsnevolence. burst forth in
beauty and filled the church with its lasting
fragrance.
The congres ation of believers set themselves to
meet the emergency. Not by any edict or decree,
but spontaneously. there a species of COM
munisni. Fortunate possessors OF real estate CON
verted it into cash and put the proceeds. in whole
in part. the disposal of the apostles for the
relief of their fellow believers.
One of the most conspicuous examples OF this
voluntary surrender of property was that of
Joses. Levite OF cyprus. The apostles called
him ''son of Consolation in recognition of the
relief his generosity afforded.
The root of Ananiass sin was envy. He want
ell TO outshine Joses. He wanted still higher
sounding title. He would relegate that Cyprian
TO the rear. But there was dash Of cupidity
with his envy. lie not willing to pay the
full price. lie would lie TO avoid it.
There would be room for pity had Ananias
been ovsrtaken by sudden temptation. and fallen
after some show of resistance. But the act was
deliberate. with malice afcrethought II was
matter of conversation between the guilty man
and his wife
The punishment of Ananias and Sapphira Is
seems cut Of proportion t. the offense. 1t makes
What shall we say to il? why. its very ex-
ceptonal character serves to accentuate the gen
eral and persistent forbearance OF God. The
Lords rule is to be mercful and gracious. If all
lying hypocrites were smitten dead the slain OF
the Lord would be counted by regiments. That
they smitten illustrates the long-suf-
fering patience of God.
The punishment did not exceed the bounds OF
desert. Yet its awful severity and the scenic
manner of its infliction show that it was de-
hung on the wall Of the early church as a pow
erful deterrent from hypocrisy. IL was a divine
eTVe 1t a usyare o t6e 81 a
Gods dispeasure at insincerity. 1t edu-
cative II had the dcsired effect Twice ii is
recorded. Great fear came upon all that heard
these things" In this instance severity to one
kindness TO many.
MOSAIC FROM COMMENTARIES
Neither any among them lacked: At all the
public religious feasts at Jerusalem there was
sort of temporary community of goods. No
man az such times hired houses or beds; all were
loaned gratis.-Adam Clark.
Ananias grace of the Lord; Sapphira beauti-
full Lie To the Holy Ghost The premedtated
attempt of Ananias and his wife TO deceive the
them To be divinely inspired or that they rashly
expected to deceive God.-Bradley.
They Were neither hasty sinners. ignorant
sinners, nor inconsderate Observation-Disclosures.
Deliberate. preconceived. positive hypocrisy.
This nrst act of church discipline best under
stood by considering the exigencies OF the time.
Infant church Icing built up by aid Of miracles.
Of retributon. seed which to produce world
wide harvest demanded a supernatural winnOw-
ing.-Bradey.
TEACHERS CULVER.
1. hnarias is an odious name. 1t is synonym
of hypocrisy. as Cain is of murder. Herod of
cruelty. and Judas of treachery. The fate OF
each illustrates the aphorism. THE wages of sin
is DEATH
2. Hypocrisy. envy, rivalry, are the dead flies
that make the ointment of much of the current
3. Sincerity is Indispensable. The eye must be
single. the motive pure. The would-be benev-
oIent man must not cherish the secret and un-
worthy hope that his apparently disinterested
deed will rebound to his own advantage. Like
his Master, ne is not To be ministered unto but
to minister and give.
4. The Bible abouuds i'm punitive judgments
There many object lessons To the race.
They must needs be striking 10 duly arrest atten-
ticn. In the long they really acts OF
by the deterrent power of exemplary punishment.
The purse eNoedient to meet a
passing emergency. Later find Paul taking
free-will offerings abroad for the poor among the
saints 1T Jerusalem.