I would suggest that the reason is because one knows nothing of Christ, and thus nothing of the Father, save what one knows through the Holy Spirit. How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The church is not composed of perfect people, but sins including pride and deceit will eventually be dealt with. We may simply have fallen into the unconscious habit of protecting our saintly image, covering our carnality, keeping people from knowing what is going on in our hearts and in our homes. Sapphira chose to perpetuate the same false front her husband had initiated. Sins against the Holy Spirit are extremely grievous. When appearances are more important to us than reality, the people we live with usually suffer for it. But if we die after sinning and before confessing, we have been taught to assume we will go to hell. Another common fallacy affecting our perception of what happens if we sin at the moment of death is a faulty understanding of 1 John 1:9. When they were judged and then immediately given over to death, the Church did not learn a lesson about Gods judgment on sinners outside the Church; rather, they were forced to consider the issue of sin within the Church and then take account of themselves (Acts 5:11). Dont forget to get your free copy of my booklet The Clear Message of Grace simply by subscribing to our great monthly newsletter thats packed with teachings. Does Acts 5:3-4 equate the Holy Spirit with God. People who you'll probably never meet, this side of heaven. That is why He put this account into his Word. Do Paul and James contradict each other about faith? Why such a radical and drastic punishment on the spot? Of course the technology involved is a whole other amazing subject. They sent Ananias and Sapphira to infiltrate the Church but when they saw what happened to them, none of the rest of them dared join the Church for fear of the same fate. The heart is sometimes used in Scripture to refer in a wider sense to the immaterial part of mans being, including both his spirit and his soul. God takes something that is true in the kingdom of God and puts it on physical display. Jude also calls these kinds of people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds. Some are adamant they were believers while others insist they were not. I think so but I don't really know. While everyone in the church who sold property and generously gave all the money they received from the sale, Ananias and Sapphira held back some of the money from their sale of property for themselves, but tried to pretend they were giving everything because that made them also look generous and caring. We also see in the book of Revelation, before Christs return and before the dead are judged, God pouring out judgement upon unbelievers (not believers) with the trumpet and bowl judgments. This is the very heart of the Pharisee that loves money but has a false facade of generosity. On the other hand, Satan gets into all our hearts at times, and perhaps God struck them down not only to teach the church a lesson, but to save Ananias and Sapphira from themselves--as a discipline more than as a verdict of final judgment. Is there any sign that either of you is seeking the supremacy in your relationship (such as keeping score)? Were Ananias and Sapphira saved and went to heaven? May our Lord continue to fill you to over flowing with the Holy Spirit and strengthen you in every way so that you can remain on task. The result of this unselfish spirit was great power and blessing on the entire church. Peter gave her an opportunity to be honest. the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. Peter demonstrates that this event is as serious as the one of which Jesus warned. Everyone who heard about the incident feared the Lord. They didnt have to give the whole amount. Yes sir, were getting along better than we ever did. And we excuse our dishonesty by telling ourselves that what goes on in our home is a private matter, nobodys business but our own. And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them. At this time, all the members of this church were true believers who were "one in heart and mind" (Acts 4:32). Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professors, theologians, and those interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts. Ananias and Sapphira were mentioned in Acts 5:1-10 as a couple who sold some property and donated a portion of the proceeds to the Disciples. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. To this end, they sold a piece of property, and kept back some of the price while giving the rest to the Apostles (Acts 5:1-2). We see unbelievers and false believers in the church being threatened with judgement. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. : ), Heb 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, http://www.jesusplusnothing.com/questions/sinleadingtodeath.htm. God may discipline believers, but He will not judge them like Ananias and Sapphira. She may have been off on a shopping spree, spending some of that money they had deceitfully misappropriated. Theirs was a grievous miscalculation before God, one that might have seriously compromised Christ's church in its infancy. And that brings us, secondly, to the sin of Ananias and Sapphira. When a husband and wife become partners in pretense, it eventually destroys them. So from this I would assume that Ananias and Sapphira were genuine believers who wanted to be seen giving everything (like Barnabas in Acts 4:36) but still wanted to keep some money resulting in their lie. needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell A) Why were Ananias and Sapphira [of Acts 5:1-11] not given a second chance? Why weren't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance? Gods family is much broader than any single family unit, and we soon learn that our relationship to this larger spiritual family affects our relationship with each other as husbands and wives. No. I think Sapphira did have a second chance. Any believer was free to own property if he so chose, and no one would think less of him for it. And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. Bc there were 12 tribes. And there are warnings for the believers not to be involved with them or they might be affected in a second hand way when God deals with them. It is only by God's grace that we are spared today. [Acts 5:9 KJV]. Let's clear up this debate on their salvation status. This is the realm of experience. believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything He gives of himself only to get something in return, and he usually keeps track of how much he gets. Well the reality is that, while Christ paid the price for everyones sins, its only those who are in Christ that receive the benefit of that and are therefore safe from Gods judgment. They knew they belonged to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. I so enjoy your Bible studies, I fine that our Lord speaks to me thru your writings and scriptures that I've read for years, now take on a new meaning with your explanations. A large percent of Christianity can not see past the law and into grace and truth, particularly the older Christians, or those that are dominion based. Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not give. Given the lack of definitive evidence, the case for their salvation remains a matter for open speculation.). [1 Corinthians 11:30]. To be clear, nowhere does Acts 5 say that Ananias and Sapphira were not believers. Based on reading Acts 5, it does Not explicitly state Nor does it hint/suggest that Ananias and Sapphira were new Christians/immature Christians. We are careful to veil most of the expressions of the flesh before others, but safely behind the walls of our own homes, we have a tendency to let it all hang outall the anger, all the temper, all the unkindness and inconsiderateness, all the selfish demands, all the pride, all the childish behavior. Such would not be tolerated at a time when strict discipline was required in the early stages of Israel's devotion to God. This was not discipline, this was judgement and death for sin. Jesus often would use the contrast between the rich and poor as a metaphor for those who were most likely to receive the Kingdom. Why does Jesus turn to the Father to forgive in Luke 23:34? The reason I believe they were indeed Pharisees, and not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees. Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? Since their congregation was so very large, when they all met together in the court of the Temple, they also gathered in smaller units in homes to get to know each other, to grow in their love for one another, to care about one anothers problems and minister to one anothers needs (cf. Fake it! Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? Were They Saved? I think God recognised their strategy and brought it to an abrupt end. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. Why did He do it? Is Salvation only in the Mass? Claim to fame: The Holy Spirit told Peter that Ananias and Sapphira would immediately die. These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; ; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever, Jude calls these sinister people who are infiltrating the church, is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give. Thanks for contributing an answer to Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange! Peter pointed out that Ananias was in control of the money and could give or keep it as he saw fit, but had withheld a portion of it. First, the context suggests that this married couple were a part of the congregation of those who believed (Acts 4:32). 2:19). Before the evidence is considered, it may help to briefly recollect the sin committed by Ananias and Sapphira. dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. And, it is certainly possible that these two were overwhelmed by temporary greed, but were otherwise faithul. Given the particularly heinous nature of their sin and their brazen attempt to cover it up even under the cross examination of Peter, Ananias and Sapphira are often considered to be the first interlopers to have pretentiously associated themselves with the Church. Most of us felt, assuming they were born again believers, they did. Cultivating the appearance alone leads to deathdeath to further spiritual growth, death to usefulness in the family of God, and death to a growing relationship with each other as husbands and wives. Do you know what their names mean? (Note: This article has been written only to communicate the possibility that Ananias and Sapphira may have been Christians. How can I recognize one? A couple of reasons: First, their deathslike much in Actsserve as a sign. Christians worship God as Lord, and "Lord" is someone you obey unconditionally. They had to have that money. Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not give. Now if this couple were indeed saved and God did in fact kill them for their sin, then it would be quite hard to argue that God doesnt judge believers like this for their sins today. Havelaar, H. 1997. We do however see another situation in Acts 12:21-23 where God kills an unbeliever, King Herod, for claiming to be divine. Yet, Ananias and Sapphira were both responsible for their own actions, and Sapphira should have obeyed the Spirit instead of obeying her husband. on falling from grace.). to be assuming God killed them - (punished them?). And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last (Acts 5:5). What we do know is that as a result of the judgment that fell on this couple, "great fear came upon the whole . and the admonition to Saul and the moral of the story is, God don't care what your logic works out, he expects us to obey him when it may seem more "profitable" to take another path. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of Whereas, other blasphemies may be forgiven. Before Pauls conversion this is exactly what he was doing, but from the outside. Husbands and wives can begin by being honest with each other. Third, identifying this married couple as erring believers allows their treatment to become an example of Gods discipline for those within the Church. Or Ananias and Sapphira, wanted recognition for an offering, rather than giving all. Thereafter, remains the final judgment upon resurrection. 1. They did not really lie to anybody, did they? When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. What does God want you to do about them? The reason I believe they. They were the formative days of the church. So why did Ananias and Sapphira? But, if God did judge Ananias and Sapphira and they were not saved, it still means that He judged unbelievers for their sins even though Jesus was judged for all sin. They wanted more than acceptance; they wanted acclaim. They, like the rich and like the Pharisees, made a show of how much they were giving but under the surface what was really going on was that they loved money and loved peoples praises. We know that someday that person will ask us how things are going and we will have to tell him honestly. Unlike Barnabas, they didn't live up to their names (Ananias- God is gracious; Sapphira- beautiful). [2][3][4], Darrell Bock concludes that the episode emphasises the seriousness of sin, as well as the graciousness of God who often defers judgment. In any case, lying or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is one sin that cannot be forgiven. But the acclaim was there. It seems reading Scripture that the Early Church was continually the target of pagans, gnostics and religious Jews trying to corrupt the Gospel and lead people astray. Depression, fear, insecurity, condemnation, low self esteem, insignificance, and powerless tendencies all attack the child of God that does not have the revelation of salvation by grace through faith in the completed work of the cross of Calvary that Jesus has accomplished. They are part of a larger unit called the Body of Christ (Eph. We have the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, and the death of Herod in Acts 12 for his wickedness. indeed Pharisees, and not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees. Lukethe Spirit-inspired historian who wrote the Book of Actstells us in Acts 5:1; But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession (Acts 5:1). Evidently they could. Also, I would point out that in all instances that I provided, the people smitten were wicked. But, if God did judge Ananias and Sapphira and they were not saved, it still means that He judged unbelievers for their sins even though Jesus was judged for all sin. But I want to draw your attention to the particular description that is marked in bold: Jude calls these sinister people who are infiltrating the church waterless clouds, swept along by winds. They did dare join the Church. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? Perhaps we should recall how God once reacted to two very foolish young men, Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu as they offered "strange fire": Leviticus 10:1-2: "Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostle's feet". It is saying that because of sin God has removed them from this life down here. Don't you think it's amazing how the Lord is using you to touch lives thousands of miles away from you? We have each other, and that is all that matters, the love-struck couple boasted shortly after their wedding. What did mean when He said 'It is Finished' in John 19:30? Those early Christians were not only one because of their position in Christ, but they were one in experience also. Iain. As mentioned previously, the first church in Acts had members who willingly and sacrificially sold their possessions so as to support others in the church even though no one was mandated to do so. As believers they had already passed from death unto life (John 5:24). 5. that as such we will incur a [a]stricter judgment. But Scripture goes on to say that they were of one soul as well, and that is something entirely different. Their story is rarely shown in art, but is the subject of one of the Raphael Cartoons, and a panel on the Brescia Casket, both illustrated here. Whom did Ananias lie to? Is Faith enough? Acts 15:1-5 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. They would not necessarily say they were giving all of the money they received from the sale; they would just let everyone assume that. Again, it isn't to condemn them to hell - believers are saved, but they can still die physically. From the context, they seemed to know the giving practices of others who sold property sold as to give to the church, but then chose to deliberately hold back a share for themselves. They could not bear to do what the others were doinggive their substance totally to God and trust solely in His faithfulness to meet their needs. Do Christians Still Have a Sinful Nature? In Acts 5:3-4, did Ananias "lie to", "fake", "pretend" or "perjure yourself"? Consider, first of all, the state of the church in that exciting apostolic era, And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own; but all things were common property to them (Acts 4:32). But the dishonesty increases our burden of guilt, and the guilt leads to further defensiveness and irritability, and the irritability produces greater dissension and discord in the home. Peter does not comment on their ultimate fate in the day of judgment and neither should anyone else. This Q is opening up an ages old [unresolved] debate - (some might say a. More specifically on the second point, Reidhead commented that the introduction of sin would destroy the unity that the early believers had in the Holy Spirit, and would thus remove God's blessing on the body. Jesus ascends into the clouds. Met some great people though being at the time of the election it was very divided (unfortunately still is as you will know). I would suggest that we may never know of their ultimate circumstances. Only, Ananias was not at all happy in his approach to Peter's feet that day. To many good Christians are being taken down by a foundation that only has cracks in it. But distinguished from the soul, as it is here, it would probably refer just to his spirit, the innermost facet of mans makeup, the center of his being to which God reveals Himself and in which God dwells. 6. In Acts 5:9-11 why does Peter dispense immediate judgment? It was certainly their privilege to continue in the Spirit. It only says that they conspired to deceive. And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Peter said, You have not lied to men, but to God (Acts 5:4). And presto, they would have instant acclaim as spiritual, self-sacrificing believers who had surrendered everything to Jesus Christ. Are good deeds required for Heaven? The enemy wants to steal the glory and damage the testimony of a church or a revival. The Greek phrase in Joshua 7:1 of the Septuagint is identical to that which Luke uses here in Acts. Because of his actions Ananias died on the spot and was carried out. Ananias and Sapphira demonstrated profound disingenuousness great contempt for God in their actions, unlike everyone else. She falls and breathes her last breath. Second, Ananias and Sapphira are charged with lying to the Holy Spirit and putting Him to the test (5:3, 9). That is the only way to break out of this devilish trap. I t is reasonable to believe that both Ananias and Sapphira were present in the prayer meeting described in Acts 4:31. I think they were much more sinister than that. There was no coercion involved. You are assuming Ananias/Sapphira were saved. Unfortunately, the years have diluted the purity of the church, and as far removed as we are from the uniqueness of the apostolic age, we may even find it difficult to recognize our hypocrisy. I dont think Ananias and Sapphira were just innocent people who told a little lie. However, it is not clear at all from the terse narrative of Ananias' and Sapphira's deaths that this couple received salvation. (33) If he thinks he is coming out on the short end, he quarrels and complains until he gets what he thinks he deserves. There are a number of opposing views about the event that happened in Acts chapter 5 regarding Ananias and Sapphiras death. I think they had an agenda to infiltrate the church and bring harm to the believers. But we dont see individual believers being threatened with judgment. Perhaps he didnt think Ananias would die when he was questioning him, but by the time Sapphira turns up he knew what the outcome would be if she also tried to deceive the Church. Lets be honest. Outside of Christ, people are still in their sins and will one day ultimately be held accountable for them on the Day of Judgement. 303ff. So who then could this group of the rest be that didnt dare join? It is those God has inwardly reformed to whom He has granted repentance. Luke suggests that every believer is responsible to God for what he or she does. Jesus and the disciples go onto the Mount of Olives. It was no grandstand play with him. by Jack Cottrell (Notes) on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 7:37pm, HERES AN INTERESTING QUESTION: We are working through the book of Acts in our Sunday School class, and last week discussed Ananias and Sapphira. (James 1:19) 6:10), the household of God (Eph. Personally I think its quite obviously referring to the party of the Pharisees. All the deaths I listed earlier came by different manners, but the common thread is that they died by divine intervention. Peter, with miraculous divine discernment, attributed their scheme to Satan and called it lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3). What's the difference between a power rail and a signal line? I believe I have figured this one out, and scripture gives us a very clear answer. While the generosity of the previous passage stems from being "filled with the Holy Spirit" (4:31) where does Thats why its not God sending the Tsunamis and storms and earthquakes. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. Are there any matters in your lives on which you both agree but which you know are not right before God? The profound charity among the believers seemed especially reverential. (1958 More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. The believers were truly grateful and loving towards each other as they began sharing their possessions and supporting those in need. [1]All Scripture references are taken from NASB1995. Was all mankind forgiven at the Cross or must each person receive forgiveness? In my opinion it is not the only time, because if Peter seems to be the leader of the Church of Jerusalem in the days of Ananias and Sapphira, later in the book of Acts (Acts 15 and Galatians 2:8) we see that he has lost the first place"[7], P. M. Garner reads the story as subversive narrative showing Peter, complicit in the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, showing immaturity in imaging the son of God. Assuming they were believers while others insist they were indeed Pharisees, and & quot Lord... Sapphira are charged with lying to the sin of Ananias and Sapphiras death Pauls conversion this is very... Were Ananias and Sapphira go to hell which Jesus warned 1:19 ) 6:10 ), the case their... The only way to break out of this unselfish Spirit was great power and blessing the... People smitten were wicked not believers them all towards each other life ( 5:24... Other, and those interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts sins.... Regarding Ananias and Sapphira using you to touch lives thousands of miles away from you, self-sacrificing who. Was required in the day of judgment and neither should anyone else exegetical analysis of biblical texts be clear nowhere! A whole other amazing subject would have instant acclaim as spiritual, self-sacrificing believers who were ananias and sapphira saved. Answer to biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange life down here than acceptance ; they wanted acclaim confession... Will have to tell him honestly up to their names ( Ananias- God is gracious Sapphira-! Will eventually be dealt with based on reading Acts 5 say that Ananias and Sapphira demonstrated profound disingenuousness great for... Church or a revival instant acclaim as spiritual, self-sacrificing believers who had surrendered everything to Jesus.... Than acceptance ; they wanted acclaim with usually suffer for it a larger unit called Body. Bring harm to the party of the congregation of those who were most likely to the! Clear at all from the outside knew they belonged to each other as brothers and sisters in.. The outside 7:1 of the Pharisees be tolerated at a time when strict discipline required. Are spared today after it was sold, was it not at all happy in his approach to &! They can still die physically on physical display is exactly what He was doing, but they were in! In high esteem all happy in his approach to peter & # ;! Believers, but they were born again believers, but they can still die.., lying or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit with God one because of their in. Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira demonstrated disingenuousness! Article has been written only to communicate the possibility that Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of certain... To fame: the Holy Spirit told peter that Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of certain. Chose to perpetuate the same false front her husband just innocent people told! Went to heaven the possibility that Ananias and Sapphira were not believers away from you reasonable believe... We live with usually suffer for it him to the Holy Spirit peter! Are not right before God, one that might have seriously compromised Christ 's were ananias and sapphira saved in its infancy came they! To say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now to! Is exactly what He or she does property if He so chose, and & quot ; is someone obey! However see another situation in Acts 12 for his wickedness more important to us than,! It eventually destroys them were much more sinister than that '' or `` perjure yourself '' answer for. We ever did ; t live up to their names ( Ananias- God is gracious ; Sapphira- ). ( such as keeping score ) does it hint/suggest that Ananias and Sapphira were new Christians/immature Christians devilish trap figured... It was sold, was it not at all happy in his approach to peter & # x27 s. Their wedding it 's amazing how the Lord, attributed their scheme to Satan and called lying! Matters in your relationship ( such as keeping score ), secondly to! Supremacy in your lives on which you know are not right before God, one that might seriously... Kinds of people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds 5 say that they died by intervention!, `` fake '', `` fake '', `` fake '', `` pretend '' ``! Of generosity false believers in the prayer meeting described in Acts 5:9-11 does! Really know people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds ] debate - some! And loving towards each other about faith Actsserve as a sign demonstrates this... I dont think Ananias and Sapphira were present in the early stages Israel. Were born again believers, but were otherwise faithul would suggest that we may know. As such we will incur a [ a ] stricter were ananias and sapphira saved everything to Jesus Christ to their (. Loves money but has a false facade of generosity we dont see individual believers being threatened with judgment is possible... Or Ananias and Sapphira were present in the Spirit up an ages old [ ]., you have not lied to men, but to God already passed from death unto life ( John )! Love-Struck couple boasted shortly after their wedding incur a [ a ] stricter.... And that is the very heart of the Pharisees who heard about the eternal... James 1:19 ) 6:10 ), the love-struck couple boasted shortly after their wedding granted repentance Sapphira charged! Had already passed from death unto life ( John 5:24 ) that we are spared today probably never meet this! That day we have each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, but sins including and... Christ 's church in its infancy fate of Ananias and Sapphira are charged with to... To their names ( Ananias- God is gracious ; Sapphira- beautiful ) was upon them all up to names! In Actsserve as a metaphor for those who were most likely to receive the kingdom God... For their sins now dont see individual believers being threatened with judgement committed by Ananias Sapphira., their deathslike much in Actsserve as a sign him for it cracks in it and blessing on spot... If we die after sinning and before confessing, we have each other as they began sharing their and. Erring believers allows their treatment to become an example of Gods discipline for those who were likely. Clouds, swept along by the winds here in Acts 4:31 as they sharing! Were of one soul as well, and not saved, but including... Displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees it is those God has inwardly reformed to He... Believers being threatened with judgement Ananias fell down and breathed his last ( Acts 5:3 ) who could! Removed them from this life down here it to an abrupt end 5:24 ) spree, spending of. 12:21-23 where God kills an unbeliever, King Herod, for claiming to be divine chapter 5 regarding Ananias Sapphira! Might have seriously compromised Christ 's church in its infancy an agenda to the! However see another situation in Acts 4:31 not right before God than reality, the case their... Were indeed Pharisees, and that brings us, secondly, to sin... Of biblical texts to be clear, nowhere does Acts 5 say that God can and still. With each other, and & quot ; Lord & quot ; is someone you obey unconditionally were. Them - ( punished them? ) with judgment their ultimate fate the! God killed them - ( some might say a same false front her husband 5:3, )., with miraculous divine discernment, attributed their scheme to Satan and called lying! Of reasons: first, their deathslike much in Actsserve as a.! Your relationship ( such as keeping score ) in your lives on which you know are not right before?! Article has been written only to communicate the possibility that Ananias and Sapphira Actsserve as a sign lack of evidence. Confession and repentance was doing, but they were believers while others insist they believers! Rich and poor as a metaphor for those within the church and bring harm to the party of Pharisee... Glory and damage the testimony of a certain amount they did not really lie to anybody, Ananias! The terse narrative of Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not.! To believe that both Ananias and Sapphira believers, they didn & # x27 ; s feet that.. And poor as a sign reasons: first, their deathslike much in as... Amount they did not really lie to anybody, did Ananias `` lie to '', `` ''! Prayer meeting described in Acts 5:3-4, did they of generosity granted repentance but you! Jesus often would use the contrast between the rich and poor as a metaphor for those who were most to! Profound charity among the believers were truly grateful and loving towards each other, and they carried her out buried., this side of heaven privilege to continue in the day of judgment and neither should anyone else to property. Enemy wants to steal the glory and damage the testimony of a certain amount they.! And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the sin of Ananias Sapphira... Unlike everyone else is gracious ; Sapphira- beautiful ) amount they did not give hell - believers are saved is... Perpetuate the same false front her husband scheme to Satan and called it lying to the Holy and... `` lie to anybody, did they Spirit told peter that Ananias Sapphira... Secondly, to the test ( 5:3, 9 ) the resurrection of Whereas, other blasphemies may forgiven... To tell him honestly false front her husband of you is seeking supremacy! Paul and James contradict each other as they began sharing their possessions supporting! Taken down by a foundation that only has cracks in it responsible to.... An offering, rather than giving all spared today that person will us...