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Job was a man described by God as blameless; a man of integrity, fearing the Lord, and staying away from evil.
In his first test, he lost all his children and possessions, but he responded to God with worship and acknowledgment of God’s sovereign hand, even in calamity.
For a second time, the accuser of the brethren seeks permission to attack Job’s flesh and bone, having maintained his integrity after the first test.
Again, God approved that Satan do with Job as he pleased, but must spare his life.
Satan gave Job painful sores all over his body, from the bottom of his feet to the top of his head.
Job’s wife assumes the role of temptress and delivers to Job Satan’s threat that Job would curse God: “Curse God and die.”
But Job proves himself worthy by responding thus, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”
Some characteristics of the Early Church include unity, generosity with one another, and shared living.
A man named Joseph set an example; he sold a field and brought the money to the Apostles to sustain the growing disciples’ community (Acts 4:36).
Ananias and Sapphira mirrored Joseph but were untruthful about the money received for the land.
As Ananias presented the money to the Apostles, Peter rebuked him for lying to the Holy Spirit and for allowing Satan to fill his heart. Ananias immediately fell and died.
His sin was not about the small amount of their gift or the low percentage he gave.
The money was theirs, but they conspired to deceive the church leaders, and it consequently resulted in an instant death penalty.
God’s instant judgment on the couple instilled the fear of God among the growing church community.