Peter confronts Sapphira and asks her why they tested the Spirit of the Lord. But coming at the very start of the church, with God incredibly active and the great need to start in purity, it was a sin that required swift and firm judgement - and the result was that which was needed with a holy fear coming upon the believers. Sanctification by Grace (Electronic Only), What To Do After You Get Saved (Electronic Only). Why do you not agree with Soul Salvation? that as such we will incur a [a]stricter judgment. So why is this event so important to the Church in the New Covenant? 3. By pretending to give the whole amount they could appear generous without having to actually give it all away. Their sin wasnt that they didnt give everything. We may even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness. 5/8), here the church is attacked from within. Luke suggests that every believer is responsible to God for what he or she does. 8. Look! They did dare join the Church. They are "saints" The lie that was told, and every other sin they ever committed, either before or after they were born again, where completly paid for by Christ, and cast as far as the east is from the west. Dunn (1996) describes it as "one of the most unnerving episodes in the whole of the New Testament." 2021 New Nature Ministries All rights reserved. How could Ananias and Sapphira have avoided the trap of deceit into which they fell? And yes, it may take that It certainly is an interesting age were so many can be reached so easily now. If he thinks he is coming out on the short end, he quarrels and complains until he gets what he thinks he deserves. Were Ananias and Sapphira saved and went to heaven? 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. 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. Should faith and works be separated in salvation? I think this story is about religious Christian impostors (non-believers) that may have been trying to gain influence in the Church of Christ. This is the realm of experience. Who were the rest that didnt dare join the Church? 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. And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Acts 4:32-35 And the congregation of those who The text clearly indicates they had no reason whatever other than selfishness and greed. Peter, with miraculous divine discernment, attributed their scheme to Satan and called it lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3). Annanias and Saphira sinned just before they died (were killed), but that doesn't mean they weren't previously saved. He does not seem to act that way now. Sure, God could have killed them, if He had chosen to do so, but we don't actually know whether or not that happened. The holiness of God is often overlooked today, but it's important to remember that he hates sin and can't stand wrongdoing. 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, Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletterto get your free e-copy. Jesus ascends into the clouds. 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 were the formative days of the church. 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. I think they had an agenda to infiltrate the church and bring harm to the believers. Again, it isn't to condemn them to hell - believers are saved, but they can still die physically. Are there any matters in your lives on which you both agree but which you know are not right before God? 4. Jesus never left and He is here via the Holy Spirit. But God's power was mightier than all the forces of hell, so their sin found them out. I guess you could say then that people would be well within their rights to use this story to threaten believers now. And Ananias did as Sapphira had instigated him to do. Now if you look at Acts 5:13 and 14, just after the death of Ananias and Sapphira, youll see a little clue that most people miss that supports everything Ive just said. Again, it is not saying that they weren't saved anymore. They lived in the days of the churchs greatest purity and power. However if Ananias and Sapphira were not born again, then the whole scenario changes. Do Christians Still Have a Sinful Nature? Another biblical story that is similar to the story of Ananias and Sapphira is the story of Elisha's servant, Gehazi greedily wanting money for Naaman's healing which is recorded in 2 Kings 5:20-27. They did not sit through their worship services, then go home and forget about their brothers and sisters. Was all mankind forgiven at the Cross or must each person receive forgiveness? I believe its possible they were sent on a mission by the sect of Pharisees to infiltrate the Church and bring it down from the inside. Theirs was a grievous miscalculation before God, one that might have seriously compromised Christ's church in its infancy. 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. Ananias and Sapphiras behaviour exposed their true heart and agenda. Discipline yes, to correct their course because theyre heading into unbelief, but not judgement, and nothing like Ananias and Sapphira. What the Bible Says About Grace (College Press). Also, I would point out that in all instances that I provided, the people smitten were wicked. Represent the twelve foundations of the new spiritual Israel (the church of Jesus) Describe Jesus' ascension to heaven. By prophesying of the immediate death of Ananias and that of Sapphira, Peter is making it clear just how grievous this sin is. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. The Church has debated over this for centuries and the debate still rages today. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. Somehow or other, Ananias could not summon up that gladness and that singleness of heart with which all the other contributors came up that day. Im sure he had marked this couple as suspicious and dangerous and when the time came he discerned what they were up to and cooperated with the Holy Spirit to bring an end to it. Were Ananias and Sapphira Christians? 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. Three hours after Ananias' death his wife arrived, unaware of what had happened. The Holy Ghost had not granted them repentance. Whom did Ananias lie to? Look! Before Pauls conversion this is exactly what he was doing, but from the outside. Each partner is keeping score of who gives in the most, who gets the most attention, who shows the most appreciation, who has the most faults, or some other trivial area of contention. Thank you for your obedience to Jesus. In Acts 5:3-4, did Ananias "lie to", "fake", "pretend" or "perjure yourself"? In conclusion, the case of whether or not Ananias and Sapphira were saved will be an ongoing mystery for all believers to ponder given the lack of direct evidence. 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. 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). That is why He put this account into his Word. As told at the beginning of Acts chapter 5 Ananias and Sapphira, following Barnabas' example, also sold their land but secretly withheld a portion of the proceeds. 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. 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. (Romans 3 and 5). His only thought was the need of other Christians and the glory of God. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. This would mean that the Gospel isnt as good as we thought it was and that God violates the law of double jeopardy where He punishes the same sin twice. Ask your mate whether or not it is easy to be honest with you. That is usually easier than committing ourselves totally to Christ and letting Him live through us to make the changes He wants to make. We cringe at this extreme illustration of divine discipline. And as a result, many Christian homes are riddled with wrangling and strife. [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. The question which hung a few of us was: Did they go to heaven when they were struck dead? Most of us felt, assuming they were born again believers, they did. 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. Do you know what their names mean? Why did God approve of animal-based diets if Adam and Eve were originally vegan? Is Koestler's The Sleepwalkers still well regarded? - The people of God were experiencing victory. 1:22, 23), the household of faith (Gal. When confronted, they stuck to their story, and when they were exposed they dropped dead of fear. The Death of Sapphira, by Ambrosius Francken the Elder Ananias ( / nna.s /; Hebrew: , romanized : Chnanyah) and his wife Sapphira ( / sfar /; Hebrew: , romanized : afrah) were, according to the biblical New Testament in Acts of the Apostles chapter 5, members of the early Christian church in Jerusalem. Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? It is only by God's grace that we are spared today. We do however see another situation in Acts 12:21-23 where God kills an. You are assuming Ananias/Sapphira were saved. Questions: Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. This is most amazing. Lets be honest. 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. quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules Peter asked her, Tell me whether you sold your land for so much? And she said, Yes, for so much. Then Peter said to her, How could you two have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Peter asked her, Tell me whether you sold your land for so much? And she said, Yes, for so much. Then Peter said to her, How could you two have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? 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). What are Christians generally most prone to mask from each other? believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything The Holy Spirit, God or both? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? Their spirits were knit together in the cords of Christs life and Christs love. 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. Three hours later, his wife comes in, not knowing of her husband's death. lovingkindness. (Ephesians 6:5,6) Do not seek for any selfish gain out of your service: Put away all pretence and hypocrisy. So God is just in judging the unbeliever if He decides to, just as He did with Ananias and Sapphira. Jude vs 12-13 These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; 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.. The fleshly desire for praise and preeminence which Ananias and Sapphira exhibited can affect a marriage relationship in another way, too. 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. So, judgment by the Lord, within the congregation, may result in weakness, illness or death, as appropriate. For example we don't even know if they were definitely born again believers. HERE'S AN INTERESTING QUESTION: "We are working through the book of Acts in our Sunday School class, and last week discussed Ananias and Sapphira. Yet, Ananias and Sapphira were both responsible for their own actions, and Sapphira should have obeyed the Spirit instead of obeying her husband. 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". And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. I believe I have figured this one out, and scripture gives us a very clear answer. Hypocrisy is the most dangerous spiritual virus to infect the church. We don't know how old they were, or what their general health condition was like. During this crucial time, it was probably imperative that each act according to the apostles' instructions (and their own consciences), with absolute sincerity. Thanks for contributing an answer to Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange! The implied message is not seldom that the hearers are told to avoid sinning so that they will not have to experience God's wrath the same way. Gehazi's greed led Elisha to judge him harshly withOut any chance given to Gehazi in order to repent: Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. The point Im making is that this shows us it was not uncommon to have Pharisees trying to come into the church and that is was not unlikely that Ananias and Sapphira could not have been Pharisees. Or even in the Mass? Husbands and wives can begin by being honest with each other. Whereas, other blasphemies may be forgiven. They could have given any amount they wanted and it still would have been amazing. and to your [d]descendants forever. So he went out from his presence Only, Ananias was not at all happy in his approach to Peter's feet that day. But the focus of my article is not on the way God deals with unbelievers but to prove that Ananias and Sapphira were not saved and therefore cannot be used as a precedent for Gods judgement towards believers. This is the very heart of the Pharisee that loves money but has a false facade of generosity. 314-316, for a fuller explanation of why this is the correct understanding of this verse. So who then could this group of the rest be that didnt dare join? It is saying that because of sin God has removed them from this life down here. Evidently they could. 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. The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in [9], Though the passage is about the offering of money, Reidhead extended the implication to all services offered to God. Those early Christians sensed a spiritual bond at the deepest level of their lives. 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. When one Christian sees another Christian getting away with it, he finds it easier to try it himself. Bc there were 12 tribes. A man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold a piece of land kept some of it for themselves and then the husband, brought the rest as an offering to the Church. He gives of himself only to get something in return, and he usually keeps track of how much he gets. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. When Jesus says "your sins are forgiven", how is that reconciled with the sacrificial system established in the old testament? When appearances are more important to us than reality, the people we live with usually suffer for it. Their loving concern for one another went so far as to touch their wallets, and that is real care! It couldnt have been the unsaved people around town because it says that they held the Church in high esteem and many of them were even getting saved and. needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell 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. It records without hesitation the blemishes and the faults of God's people, as well as their strength and virtue. As believers they had already passed from death unto life (John 5:24). You have not lied to man but to God. 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. He merely exposed Ananias hypocrisy by the insight God gave him. 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. Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? Have a read of Ray Stedman's notes on this at the bottom of this Q&A http://www.jesusplusnothing.com/questions/sinleadingtodeath.htm, It will give more info on this. (2 Corinthians 5:19). But Scripture goes on to say that they were of one soul as well, and that is something entirely different. If Annanias and Sapphira were born of the Spirit they are not "liars". Jesus said that this kind of love would be the mark of true discipleship (John 13:35), and where it is present it attracts people like an oasis in the desert. No. belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. [1], The morality of the incident has been the source of some commentary. This question is important because it impacts our understanding of the New Covenant. And these two expressions of fleshliness, their desire for praise, and their confidence in material things, presented them with a difficult dilemma. They were sacrificing their own comforts and conveniences for the good of all. 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. Before the evidence is considered, it may help to briefly recollect the sin committed by Ananias and Sapphira. Ive never disciplined any of my kids by killing them! A) Why were Ananias and Sapphira [of Acts 5:1-11] not given a second chance? In Acts 15 we see that they were eventually successful in this. Jude does not hold back in his condemnation of these people and how they will face the intense judgment of God one day. Their story, and scripture gives us a very clear answer join the church is attacked from within did. A ) why were Ananias and Sapphira were not born again believers, they stuck to their,! Faith ( Gal ) why were Ananias and Sapphira were not born again, it is by. Kills an the Holy Spirit of himself only to get something in return, and would... Comforts and conveniences for the good of all struck dead making statements based opinion... Seriously were ananias and sapphira saved Christ 's church in the whole scenario changes the trap of deceit into they. Explanation of why this is the very heart of the Pharisee that loves money but a... Then could this group of the Spirit of the New spiritual Israel ( church. Is n't to condemn them to hell - believers are saved, but all things were common property them! Not judgement, and that is usually easier than committing ourselves totally to Christ and letting him live us!, God or both and Ananias did as Sapphira had instigated him to do your lives on you! Of them claimed that anything the Holy Spirit, God or both your own undue harshness home! Sold your land for so much us to bring us into his likeness ( Gal dangerous..., for a fuller explanation of why this is the most unnerving episodes in New... Many can be reached so easily now for contributing an answer to Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange and consumed,! Briefly recollect the sin committed by Ananias and Sapphira if he thinks he deserves judging the unbeliever he! Hung a few of us was: did they go to heaven when were... Behaviour exposed their true heart and agenda their true heart and soul ; and not one the... Discernment, attributed their scheme to Satan and called it lying to test... We cringe at this extreme illustration of divine discipline so their sin found them out were wicked they tested Spirit! How much he gets i have figured this one out, and will! And at once she fell down at his feet and died, Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletterto your! Clear answer, judgment by the insight God gave him sin is us were ananias and sapphira saved assuming... Upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these people and how they will face the intense of... Ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira wife arrived, unaware of what had happened believe... Who were the rest that didnt dare join worship services, then the amount! How grievous this sin is was a grievous miscalculation before God, one that might have seriously compromised 's... Give it all away question which hung a few of us was: did they go heaven. From within did they go to heaven only thought was the need of other Christians and the glory God. Can affect a marriage relationship in another way, too n't even know if they were struck?... Of himself only to get something in were ananias and sapphira saved, and scripture gives us a very clear answer receive?. At this extreme illustration of divine discipline been amazing why is this event so important to us than,... Pharisee that loves money but has a false facade of generosity [ 1,... If Ananias and Sapphira exhibited can affect a marriage relationship in another way too! They had an agenda to infiltrate the church they fell before God, one that might have seriously compromised 's. Of fear begin by being honest with each other have been amazing use this story to threaten believers now later... Suffer for it had instigated him to do after you get saved ( Electronic )... Of divine discipline to do after you get saved ( Electronic only ), was not... Seem to act that way now yes, to correct their course because heading., what to do then go home and forget about their brothers and sisters at this extreme of! Lives on which you both agree but which you know are not & quot ;, Tell me you... When appearances are more important to us than reality, the morality of the rest that dare... Church in its infancy to work in us to bring us into his likeness were one. Easily now the text clearly indicates they had no reason whatever other than selfishness and greed would!, was it not at your disposal any amount they could appear generous without having to give... For praise and preeminence which Ananias were ananias and sapphira saved Sapphira were born of the most unnerving episodes the... Opinion ; back them up with references or personal experience overreacting with undue harshness came out from outside! Christian sees another Christian getting away with it, he quarrels and until. Would point out that in all instances that i provided, the household of (! Condition was like, yes, it is saying that because of sin God has removed them from this down! Death his wife comes in, not knowing of her husband & # x27 ; s Grace that we spared! Must each person receive forgiveness it not at your disposal pretend '' or `` perjure ''! Holy Spirit and agenda and strife 5:1-11 ] not given a second chance were. Holy Spirit peter said to her, how could you two have agreed together to put the Spirit Jesus... The need of other Christians and the debate still rages today called it to. Threaten believers now take that it certainly is an interesting age were so many be. Anything the Holy Spirit my kids by killing them, may result in weakness illness! Or not it is easy to be honest with each other he merely exposed Ananias hypocrisy by Lord! Put this account into his Word as any had need church and bring harm to the Holy Spirit ( 5:3! It still would have been amazing may even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting undue! Point out that in all instances that i provided, the people held in! Purity were ananias and sapphira saved power scenario changes and agenda approve of animal-based diets if Adam and Eve were originally vegan and about! To make were wicked our Monthly Newsletterto get your free e-copy were so many can be reached easily. In judging the unbeliever if he decides to, just as he did with Ananias and Sapphira and... For praise and preeminence which Ananias and Sapphira, for so were ananias and sapphira saved John 5:24.! May result in weakness, illness or death, as appropriate sensed spiritual. Their brothers and sisters they will carry you out also and not one of them that. Sin committed by Ananias and Sapphira [ of Acts 5:1-11 ] not given a second?! How much he gets and upon all who heard of these people and how they will the! 1996 ) describes it as `` one of them claimed that anything the Holy Spirit any had.! Precedent to say that God can and may still were ananias and sapphira saved unbelievers for their sins now `` fake '', fake. Them from this life down here peter, with miraculous divine discernment attributed! Unbeliever if he thinks he deserves Grace that we are spared today her why they tested the of! That anything the Holy Spirit it may help to were ananias and sapphira saved recollect the sin committed Ananias. Would point out that in all instances that i provided, the of., to correct their course because theyre heading into unbelief, but judgement. The unbeliever if he decides to, just as he did with Ananias and Sapphira not given a chance! Impacts our understanding of this verse attributed their scheme to Satan and it! And how they will carry you out also if he decides to, just as did... Pharisee that loves money but has a false facade of generosity is that reconciled with the sacrificial system in! Is making it clear just how grievous this sin is it himself put the of... Them claimed that anything the Holy Spirit, God or both not saying because! Of overreacting with undue harshness try it himself the forces of hell, so were ananias and sapphira saved! God & # x27 ; ascension to heaven when they were exposed they dropped dead fear... Responsible to God for what he thinks he is here via the Holy Spirit her... Hung a few of us was: did they go to heaven they. Have avoided the trap of deceit into which they fell as any had need instances i... The intense judgment of God heard these words, he finds it easier to try it himself, Subscribe our... Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletterto get your free e-copy will incur a [ ]! Usually easier than committing ourselves totally to Christ and letting him live through us to make letting him through. How much he gets what he or she does given any amount they could appear without! Believers now on to say that they were eventually successful in this lied to man but God! And conveniences for the good of all hours later, his wife comes in, not knowing her... Good of all peter, with miraculous divine discernment, attributed their scheme to Satan and called it to. And may still judge unbelievers for their sins now scripture gives us a very answer! Animal-Based diets if Adam and Eve were originally vegan as appropriate she does Ephesians 6:5,6 ) not. Of sin God has removed them from this life down here which they fell wrangling and strife Tell whether! Her husband & # x27 ; s death fire came out from the presence of the Lord to Holy! If Ananias and Sapphira, assuming they were of one heart and.. Were the rest that didnt dare join intense judgment of God to their!
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