Young Men in the Book of Acts
by W. Brockmeier
Teaching us by their example
The book of The Acts teaches us more by example than by commandment. It does not so much set forth precepts to obey as patterns to follow. It is one thing to be correct in doctrine; it is quite another to be correct in our walk, although these two should never be separated.
We may notice things in Scripture, enjoy them, and even speak of them, yet their real impact and force is usually not realized until there is a practical testing with regard to them. Perhaps young men are more prone to observe certain truths and take them up in an intellectual way than others. But in the book of Acts we find several young men who gained valuable instruction, not by theorems but by experience. The benefit of any experience is in measure to our having God's thoughts about it. Experience should never be given greater weight than the revealed truth of God, but it is through experience the truth of God is practically learned. With respect to the young men in the book of Acts, we observe very important moral lessons being taught.
Hypocrisy
Ananias and Sapphira were exposed by Peter as having lied to the Holy Spirit. Outwardly their devotion was greater than it was inwardly. In a word, they were guilty of hypocrisy. Who of us can plead exemption from this? We must walk in self-judgment because of our subtle, treacherous hearts. God unmistakably expressed His mind with respect to this evil among the people of God. There were young men present who were eye-witnesses of God's solemn judgment upon the two who were guilty of the leaven of the Pharisees (Luke 12:1).
And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.... Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
Acts 5:5-11.
In a day when the saints of God are encouraged to speak of themselves and their involvement in the Lord's service, may we take heed to the sobering lesson of Ananias and Sapphira who were smitten by God for their pretense of doing and giving more than they actually were. No doubt these young men never forgot this experience. What a preserving effect this incident should have on us when tempted to exaggerate or call attention to our feeble efforts to serve the Lord. "He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory." John 7:18.
These young men had firsthand experience in the Lord's work—burying two hypocrites. This was needful work and it is still needful today to bury our pretensions to any level of spirituality or achievement. If we are filled with a sense of accomplishment because of our service, we have little understood the Lord's words, "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do." Luke 17:10.