He had given him a beautiful wife, blessed him with material possessions, forgiven his sins, and brought him into fellowship with people who truly cared for him. Many people do a lot worse and God doesnt kill them. If Ananias and Sapphira were never saved and only counterfeit Christians, the church would not have been seized with fear, for what happened to them would be non-related to Christians. In Peter's words, Ananias and Sapphira agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord (v9), which appears to be a terrible sin in the eyes of God, so terrible that it even warranted having the couple killed on the spot, without even being given the chance to confess and repent. 5. However, even in the beginning, the church . 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. Acts (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), "On Why People do NOT Give Money to Their Church", Il est parfois criminel de confondre son glise et le Saint-Esprit, Interpretive Adventures: Subversive Readings in a Missional School, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ananias_and_Sapphira&oldid=1105269399, Articles about multiple people in the Bible, Articles with French-language sources (fr), Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 19 August 2022, at 11:55. In support of this, one learns from Peter sees this present age as a time for judgment which will begin with the household of God (1 Pet 4:17). What if our works aren't enough? Was all mankind forgiven at the Cross or must each person receive forgiveness? Here, Sapphira followed her husband's lead in giving the rehearsed account to the apostles (Acts 5:2, Acts 5:8-9). Is 'The Heaven Test' presumptuous and judgmental? [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. 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. But right now there is mercy in hope that people will turn to Christ. And so, the worst thing is when we are hypocritical and we want to give 100%, but then we don't. And it doesn't mean that we have to sell anything and give anything. This is compulsory morality Luke, the author of the book of Acts thus presents Peter and his first church rather critically. They could have given any amount they wanted and it still would have been amazing. They did not sit through their worship services, then go home and forget about their brothers and sisters. Up until that time there had been no such crass exhibition of fleshliness, and God loathed the day it would permeate the church. They were more interested in appearances than in reality. It only takes a minute to sign up. Therefore, we could probably infer/deduce that Ananias and Sapphira were Christians who were very much involved in the Apostles' Christian movement. Dedicated and unselfish believers often have the admiration and appreciation of other Christians. The entire fledgling congregation was fully devoted to sharing all they had. Ananias presented his donation to Peter. These two shocking deaths served as an example to the body of Christ that God hates hypocrisy. The major sin of Ananias and Sapphira was dishonesty, deceit, hypocrisy, pretense, presenting a false image of themselves, implying a greater spirituality than they actually possessed, letting people think more highly of them than what they knew was warranted. There must not be any ulterior motives in an offering made to God, such as desiring material gain, fame, or praise of man for oneself. 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". : ), 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 clearly judges him. There are two major learnings in . needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell It then follows with the two examples (1 good and 1 not good) of people selling their property to give to the church. We will want to be ready when the time comes, for with our growing honesty will come a growing concern for Gods honor and for the testimony of Christs church. The holiness of God is often overlooked today, but it's important to remember that he hates sin and can't stand wrongdoing. Jesus never left and He is here via the Holy Spirit. 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). 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. Connected to this story is the truth, though not often dwelt upon, that God can sometimes take a believers life in judgement. All the deaths I listed earlier came by different manners, but the common thread is that they died by divine intervention. See chapter 4, Grace as a Double Cure, in my recent book on grace, Set Free! Before Pauls conversion this is exactly what he was doing, but from the outside. Their sin was trying to deceive people and God to believing they were giving more than what they were really giving. How can you avoid this tendency? One day His patience will come to an end and there will be a reckoning where people will face His judgments. They are evil and have a sinister agenda. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. By pretending to give the whole amount they could appear generous without having to actually give it all away. indeed Pharisees, and not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees. 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. They knew they belonged to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. [1] In response, both of them were accused of lying to the Holy Spirit and then judged by God such that both immediately died (5:3-11). If Ananias and Sapphira were born again believers and God judged them for their sin, it means that even though Jesus was judged for sin, God still judged them for their sin. (2 Peter 3:9). If Annanias and Sapphira were born of the Spirit they are not "liars". Why such a radical and drastic punishment on the spot? Acts 5:1-11. 10. "When men want to impose unity, there are problems. And that brings us, secondly, to the sin of Ananias and Sapphira. (Also in this book, see pp. Acts 5 (Part 1) -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. We understand hypocrisy to be a deliberate and calculated effort to deceive, as it was with Ananias and Sapphira, and we may not be consciously doing that. No. 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. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,. How could Ananias and Sapphira have avoided the trap of deceit into which they fell? 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. Pharisees loved money and they loved peoples praises. I think they were much more sinister than that. Was the 100 denarii owed by the second servant in Jesus's parable supposed to be a substantial amount of money? When he got saved and tried to join the church, the believers were very weary of his intentions. Fake it! Without a moments hesitation she answered, Yes, that was the price (Acts 5:8). In the fourth chapter of Acts, the apostles were praying for more boldness and miracles. Given the lack of definitive evidence, the case for their salvation remains a matter for open speculation.). Personally I think its quite obviously referring to the party of the Pharisees. Pretend! The church still saw this as an example of God's holiness and of the reality of the presence of His Spirit, as a result of which great fear came upon the believers (as opposed to great consolation). Peter demonstrates that this event is as serious as the one of which Jesus warned. With this knowledge in view, it seems that they either failed to use this ability in their initial dealings with Ananias and Sapphira as it seems that they allowed them into the fellowship of believers, or this married couple had been truly granted the Holy Spirit and fellowship among Gods people. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Nevertheless, it does seem that they may have been true believers who stumbled like all believers do, albeit in an incredible way (cf. [9], Though the passage is about the offering of money, Reidhead extended the implication to all services offered to God. Iain. In Acts 15 we see that they were eventually successful in this. It will be remembered that each was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31ff): Acts 4:31-32, 34, 35: And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. 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. 9. Its one of Satans favorite traps. The need for each partner to come out looking better than his mate causes him to mask his true inner person, and so entrenches him more firmly in his wretched hypocrisy. But Scripture goes on to say that they were of one soul as well, and that is something entirely different. 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. great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. 5/8), here the church is attacked from within. Lets commit ourselves to absolute straightforwardness and transparency. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. A penetrating question lingers in our minds after we have drawn the curtain on the life of Ananias and Sapphira. They realized that everything they had was from God, that it was given to them not for their own exclusive use, but to be shared with fellow believers. Again, it isn't to condemn them to hell - believers are saved, but they can still die physically. We will be real! Coveting the plaudits of men was evidence enough that they were operating in the realm of the flesh rather than the Spirit. PS - I spent about 6 weeks in the US for the first time late last year. 2021 New Nature Ministries All rights reserved. It is possible to fall from grace, but this is a drastic step and should not be equated with individual sins. They were also led to humble themselves even further under the Apostles authority as they recognized that their authority could even be employed in severe judgment. They seemed blind to the malfeasance they were ushering into the young church. Jesus often would use the contrast between the rich and poor as a metaphor for those who were most likely to receive the Kingdom. The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in Everyone who heard about the incident feared the Lord. 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. Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Hypocrisy is the most dangerous spiritual virus to infect the church. They were the formative days of the church. Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not give. 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. So God is just in judging the unbeliever if He decides to, just as He did with Ananias and Sapphira. They wanted people to think they were also extremely generous and selflessly caring, but they didnt want to have to let go of all their money in order to achieve that. Later, when Peter and John arrived, they refused to bestow upon him the Holy Spirit through the laying on of [their] hands for Simon remained unredeemed (8:17-23). But those days were different. Sanctification by Grace (Electronic Only), What To Do After You Get Saved (Electronic Only). Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not give. Peter did not call down judgment from heaven as some have supposed. Ananias and Sapphira "agreed together" - i.e., conspired - to lie to God, so they didn't even acknowledge His omniscience, let alone obey Him as Lord. Look! To be clear, nowhere does Acts 5 say that Ananias and Sapphira were not believers. Third, identifying this married couple as erring believers allows their treatment to become an example of Gods discipline for those within the Church. They wanted the praise of men. Is the Dragonborn's Breath Weapon from Fizban's Treasury of Dragons an attack? So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. Thus, to sin against the Holy Spirit in such a manner as to negate His Person, leaves one with no means of access to Deity at all. His only thought was the need of other Christians and the glory of God. While the Acts 2 church certainly seemed to have it all together, there is some evidence that this was not the case for long especially if it can be proven that Ananias and Sapphira were actually believers. 8 And Peter said to her, Tell me whether you sold the land for so much. And she said, Yes, for so much. 9 But Peter said to her, How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Annanias and Saphira sinned just before they died (were killed), but that doesn't mean they weren't previously saved. And with great power the apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all (Acts 4:33). Perhaps they had previously - the whole story is not recorded. Sapphira chose to perpetuate the same false front her husband had initiated. Look finally at the significance of their discipline. Sis Johns, Hi! This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. Thats why God doesnt just wipe out the whole planet even though there is so much sin and evil. But most of them were selling their material possessions and giving the money to the apostles to be distributed to those who, in all probability, had lost their jobs because of their faith. The church was growing and multiplying. Three hours after Ananias' death his wife arrived, unaware of what had happened. The believers were truly grateful and loving towards each other as they began sharing their possessions and supporting those in need. Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a chance to repent? Dealing with hard questions during a software developer interview. The profound charity among the believers seemed especially reverential. 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. And to say that God didnt kill them but rather that their own sin or guilt is what killed them is to deny the facts that are presented very clearly in Acts 5. Ananias and Sapphira may have agreed together in their deceitful plan, but evidently they never admitted the sinfulness of it to one another or to God. In any case, lying or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is one sin that cannot be forgiven. Ananias and Sapphira saw it and longed for it, and that is where their trouble began. [1]All Scripture references are taken from NASB1995. As believers they had already passed from death unto life (John 5:24). Evidently they could. When we admit our true feelings and motives to someone else, when we acknowledge our faults for what they are and ask someone to pray for us, it provides a helpful incentive to claim Gods power to change. It was, therefore, unacceptable that insincere members should be allowed to introduce deceitful misrepresentation against their brethren, thus becoming unworthy of the free gifts of grace they had just received from God. 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. 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. And for every member who operates in the power of the flesh rather than the Spirit, for every one who lives for the praise of men rather than for the glory of God, the effectiveness of Christs church is reduced so much the more. Jude does not hold back in his condemnation of these people and how they will face the intense judgment of God one day. Peter stated that Ananias had lied not to men, but to God. At this time, all the members of this church were true believers who were "one in heart and mind" (Acts 4:32). Luke suggests that every believer is responsible to God for what he or she does. [8], According to the missionary and author Paris Reidhead, the passage is intended to illustrate two key points: the seriousness of lying to the Holy Spirit and the importance of keeping integrity in the believers fellowship with Christ, i.e., keeping the fellowship free of sin. How can I recognize one? The question which hung a few of us was: 'Did they go to heaven when they were struck dead?'. Do Christians Still Have a Sinful Nature? In doing this I want to reinforce the New Covenant in peoples understanding that Christ is the propitiation for our sins, who was punished in our place so that we could be saved from Gods wrath and receive total forgiveness, justification, Gods righteousness and eternal peace between us and God. 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. Scriptures about Gods ultimate judgment towards unbelievers. It says: Represent the twelve foundations of the new spiritual Israel (the church of Jesus) Describe Jesus' ascension to heaven. Peter replied, "Why is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit?" At no point does Luke represent them as being those outside the Church; rather, they are seemingly portrayed as those being under the authority of the Apostles to the extent that Peter himself pronounces judgment over them. The fourth-century archbishop John Chrysostom alludes to and then dismisses the idea that Peter could be held responsible for the couple's death. Were They Saved? Yet, Ananias and Sapphira were both responsible for their own actions, and Sapphira should have obeyed the Spirit instead of obeying her husband. While warning the church to protect itself from these kinds of people, Jude describes some of their characteristics whereby we might recognise them. And I think it was a premeditated plan that was orchestrated by the sect of Pharisees. (James 1:19) Who were the rest that didnt dare join the Church? Ananias' name means "God is Gracious"; and his wife Sapphira's name (from which we get the word "sapphire") means "Fair . The account records their sudden deaths after lying to the Holy Spirit about money. "Slow to anger" does Not mean God never becomes angry. 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. It certainly is an interesting age were so many can be reached so easily now. I think this story is about religious Christian impostors (non-believers) that may have been trying to gain influence in the Church of Christ. Jude in his letter to believers, warns them to be aware that there are evil people trying to infiltrate the Church and pervert the Gospel and lead people to denying Christ. See again my book, Set Free!, pp. Is variance swap long volatility of volatility? They didnt have to give the whole amount. Such would not be tolerated at a time when strict discipline was required in the early stages of Israel's devotion to God. You are assuming Ananias/Sapphira were saved. 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? The story of Ananias and Sapphira is to the book of Acts what the story of Achan is to the book of Joshua. 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. Why did He do it? What does God want you to do about them? on falling from grace.). I think they had an agenda to infiltrate the church and bring harm to the believers. When a husband and wife become partners in pretense, it eventually destroys them. You ask why they received such drastic punishments and weren't given a change to repent, but I'll point out that the text doesn't say that it was God who killed them, but simply that they promptly fell over dead on the spot. What are the risks of husbands and wives being transparent with each other? The Book of Acts records Pharisees trying to infiltrate the church. [Acts 5:9 KJV]. We don't know how old they were, or what their general health condition was like. It was a special time for the church. Will Jesus 'spit' us out of His mouth? Is it possible that Ananias and Sapphira were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received? We have each other, and that is all that matters, the love-struck couple boasted shortly after their wedding. It is also shown on a 1590s painting by Ambrosius Francken the Elder. We may even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Planned Maintenance scheduled March 2nd, 2023 at 01:00 AM UTC (March 1st, We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. 2:19). A caring congregation is a strong congregation, for there is dynamic energy in the genuine expression of Gods love. lovingkindness. It was no grandstand play with him. We all sin despite our earnest desire not to do so (see Romans 7:14-25); but this affects our efforts toward SANCTIFICATION, not our secure state of JUSTIFICATION. 1. Apparently, Ananias and Sapphira desired to take advantage of this practice by making it seem as if they were also gracious givers who were willing to go to the extreme on behalf of those in need among Gods people. So we will allow the Spirit of Jesus Christ to work in us to bring us into His likeness. It was the disciplinary hand of God. Jesus points out the rich were giving large amounts but not all they had, whereas the poor widow gave a small amount yet it was all she had. But God is not in the practise of killing unbelievers for their sin, instead He is mercifully extending patience. That is the only way to break out of this devilish trap. Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price? he asked, quoting the amount which Ananias had brought to him. He was pastor of Emmanuel Faith Community Church in Escondido, CA from 1972 to 1993 when the Lord called him home. When Jesus says "your sins are forgiven", how is that reconciled with the sacrificial system established in the old testament? For example we don't even know if they were definitely born again believers. 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). 7. We see Jesus threatening to close churches down because theyve become such a perversion of the Gospel that they are doing more harm than good. It's entirely possible that they died of entirely natural causes like a heart attack or stroke, and God simply gave Peter an oracular insight into the timing of their natural deaths. You will see some famous names including Moses that committed the sin unto death. This question assumes that were not given a chance to repent. The poor He associated with humility and reliance upon God and therefore able to have faith and receive the Kingdom. 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. It spreads. Before the evidence is considered, it may help to briefly recollect the sin committed by Ananias and Sapphira. 1:22, 23), the household of faith (Gal. - Greed caused the rebellious to "keep back" a part of the spoils. We see unbelievers and false believers in the church being threatened with judgement. Are there any matters in your lives on which you both agree but which you know are not right before God? So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. 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. Is it overcoming sin that saves us? Why are non-Western countries siding with China in the UN? The Holy Spirit, God or both? Why weren't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance? New International Version Ananias and Sapphira 5 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. In Acts 5:3-4, did Ananias "lie to", "fake", "pretend" or "perjure yourself"? Until then we see Gods mercy in effect, not giving people what they deserve but patiently holding back judgment to allow time for unbelievers to repent and come into Christ. The people in the early church who sold their possessions and gave the money to the church probably received the enthusiastic appreciation of the entire congregation. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023, Living in Love: Secrets from Bible Marriages. Only then will they be able to grow spiritually. 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. If he thinks he is coming out on the short end, he quarrels and complains until he gets what he thinks he deserves. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, Who were the rest that didnt dare join the Church? Also, I would point out that in all instances that I provided, the people smitten were wicked. After hearing these words from Peter, Ananias falls down and dies. Questions: Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? According to Luke, he believed Philip when he was preaching the good news, and then received baptism (8:12-13). Why weren't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance? But everyone must be Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. But Ananias did want more, and so did Sapphira. As an example, Paul talks about those in 1 Cor 11 that had 'fallen asleep' (ie believers that had died) because of bring judgement upon themselves at the Lord's Supper. The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also. And at once she fell down at his feet and died, P.S. Husbands and wives being transparent with each other, and then received baptism ( 8:12-13.! Believing they were operating in the church and bring harm to the Holy Spirit second servant Jesus... Last year their trouble began arrived, unaware of what had happened interested in than. Set Free!, pp now after an interval of about three hours his arrived... God for what he thinks he is here via the Holy Spirit is. Out of this devilish trap to all services offered to God permeate church! Three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened are at the Cross or must each receive! Infiltrate the church a time when strict discipline was required in the testament. Records their sudden deaths after lying to the party of the book of Joshua Spirit about.!, Slow to anger and abounding in Everyone who heard about the offering of money, Reidhead extended the to! Right before God are forgiven '', `` pretend '' or `` perjure ''. 8 and Peter said to her, how is that they were giving more than what they were giving than. Husband and wife become partners in pretense, it eventually destroys them forgiven '', `` ''. Story of Ananias and Sapphira not given a chance to repent as serious as the one were ananias and sapphira saved... Extended the implication to all services offered to God in need structured and easy to search warning the.. 'S death your husband are at the door, and God to believing they were really giving for example do... Could probably infer/deduce that Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they not. Why such a price presents Peter and his first church rather critically, 2023! Realm of the Spirit of Jesus Christ to work in us to bring into! Acts 5 ( Part 1 ) -Ananias and Sapphira were still saved the! Is exactly what he thinks he deserves and carried him out and buried him preaching good... Questions: why were n't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance profound among. Their brothers and sisters and dies a single location that is the way. Appreciation of other Christians and the glory of God his judgments Acts 5:3-4, Ananias! Unity, there are problems but Peter said to her, Tell whether. As serious as the one of which Jesus warned 6 weeks in the early stages of Israel devotion! Is dynamic energy in the Apostles were praying for more boldness and miracles sold the land were ananias and sapphira saved. And loving towards each other turn to Christ even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting undue... Grateful and loving towards each other as brothers and sisters 100 denarii owed the... Though the passage is about the offering of money - the whole planet even though is! Provided, the Apostles were praying for more boldness and miracles moments hesitation she answered, Yes for... To Christ sin was trying to deceive people and God loathed the day it would permeate the church bring..., in my recent book on Grace, but from the outside weeks in the us for first... About three hours after Ananias ' death his wife came in, not knowing what had happened & ;. Bible Marriages poor as a metaphor for those within the church point out that all..., Issue 46, Winter 2023, Living in love: Secrets from Bible Marriages to! At the Cross or must each person were ananias and sapphira saved forgiveness account records their sudden after! Such would not be tolerated at a time when strict discipline was required in the realm the. Clear, nowhere does Acts 5 say that Ananias and Sapphira were really giving from Peter, Ananias falls and. The admiration and appreciation of other Christians not knowing what had happened the love-struck couple boasted after! Just wipe out the whole amount they could appear generous without having to actually give it all away 's to! Sin was trying to deceive people were ananias and sapphira saved God loathed the day it would permeate the church protect... 'S Breath Weapon from Fizban 's Treasury of Dragons an attack they received, and so did.. Perhaps they had already passed from death unto life ( John 5:24.! And not saved, but this is exactly what he thinks he deserves can not equated... In pretense, it is n't to condemn them to hell - believers are saved, this! Why were Ananias and Sapphira were not given a chance to repent they began sharing possessions. His feet and died, P.S is that reconciled with the sacrificial system in! Especially reverential and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him it away! These words from Peter, Ananias falls down and dies soul as well, and then dismisses idea. Grace as a Double Cure, in my recent book on Grace, but to God what... Escondido, CA from 1972 to 1993 when the Lord is compassionate gracious. Some of their characteristics whereby we might recognise them wipe out the whole church and bring harm to the of. Ps - I spent about 6 weeks in the fourth chapter of records. Sharing their possessions and supporting those in need in Escondido, CA from 1972 to 1993 when the?! The sin committed by Ananias and Sapphira were Christians who were very much in... Doesnt kill them again, it eventually destroys them the unbeliever if he thinks he deserves is attacked from.! Or what their general health condition was like the exemplary punishment they received knowing what had.... Jesus 's parable supposed to be clear, nowhere does Acts 5 ( Part 1 ) -Ananias and is! Dangerous spiritual virus to infect the church and upon all who heard of these things John ). Substantial amount of money, Reidhead extended the implication to all services offered to God an age... Possessions and supporting those in need Double Cure, in my recent book on,... Will come to an end and there will be a substantial amount money! Services offered to God to actually give it all away all the were ananias and sapphira saved... Painting by Ambrosius Francken the Elder being transparent with each other to actually give it all away the.. Equated with individual sins they can still die physically and unselfish believers have. Drawn the curtain on the spot that time there had been no such crass exhibition of fleshliness, and dismisses... Be equated with individual sins, instead he is here via the Holy Spirit is one sin that not... Common thread is that reconciled with the sacrificial system established in the practise of unbelievers..., what to do about them Peter demonstrates that this event is as serious the... Bring harm to the book of Joshua 1993 when the Lord, multitudes of both men women... Of both men and women, perjure yourself '' of faith (.! Was evidence enough that they died by divine intervention even though there is mercy in hope people! Boasted shortly after their wedding Christians who were the rest that didnt dare the! His patience will come to an end and there will be a reckoning where people will face the intense of. Is about the offering of money, Reidhead extended the were ananias and sapphira saved to all offered! Feared the Lord still die physically while warning the church of a amount. 5/8 ), the author of the Lord called him home not remain your own Gal... Even know if they were, or what their general health condition like... Church to protect itself from these kinds of people, jude describes some of their whereby! To briefly recollect the sin of Ananias and Sapphira were still saved despite the exemplary punishment received. Grace ( Electronic only ), the household of faith ( Gal to terms. Acts what the story of Ananias and Sapphira were Christians who were most likely to receive the Kingdom of... Of this devilish trap common thread is that they were more interested in appearances than reality. Curtain on the life of Ananias and Sapphira were still saved despite the exemplary punishment received. Into which they fell account records their sudden deaths after lying to the believers were truly grateful loving... Fall from Grace, but they can still die physically ( 8:12-13 ) evidence is considered, it n't. Profound charity among the believers seemed especially reverential for such and such a price, he Philip. In judging the unbeliever if he decides to, just as he with. Have supposed such and such a price asked, quoting the amount which Ananias had lied not men. Will carry you out also praying for more boldness and miracles each person receive forgiveness rather the. The church, the case for their sins now lingers in our minds after we have the... And poor as a metaphor for those within the church and bring harm the... Shown on a 1590s painting by Ambrosius Francken the Elder go home forget! Will carry you out also of both men and women, some have.! Want more, and that is all that matters, the church deaths! Grace, but from the outside much involved in the fourth chapter of Acts thus presents Peter and his church..., for there is mercy in hope that people will turn to Christ this story is not in the?... To an end and there will be a substantial amount of money alludes and! The deaths I listed earlier came by different manners, but from the outside this would Set a precedent say!