And great fear came upon all who heard of it. There was no coercion involved. Rather, John is saying that a continuing confession of the fact that we ARE SINNERS (i.e., a repentant heart) is part of what keeps us within the grace of God. For example, Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus, sold a plot of land and donated the proceeds to the apostles. Questions: Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? Even though these people are in their churches Jude describes their characteristics as people who are not saved and under the pending judgment of God. In each case. 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. Thats why God doesnt just wipe out the whole planet even though there is so much sin and evil. The church was growing and multiplying. Ananias & Sapphira were clearly practicing duplicity and hypocrisy, which was indicative of their attitude toward lying. What happens to Ananias and Sapphira is alarming. Acts 4:32-35 And the congregation of those who Jesus and the disciples go onto the Mount of Olives. 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. Does Acts 5:3-4 equate the Holy Spirit with God. They wanted to be more than just members of the Body; they wanted to be prominent members of the Body. (33) Phony spirituality is contagious. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 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. The enemy wants to steal the glory and damage the testimony of a church or a revival. Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? No. 5. ", Leviticus 10:9: Do not drink wine or strong drink, neither you nor your sons with you, when you come into the tent of meeting, so that you will not die". They could not help what other people thought, could they? I would suggest that we may never know of their ultimate circumstances. A couple of reasons: First, their deathslike much in Actsserve as a sign. 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. Iain. 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. feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. But perhaps their agenda was more deeper and sinister than just trying to look generous. Thanks for the email and the encouragement. Its one of Satans favorite traps. Acts 5:1-11. Yeah I do find it awesome that a whole lot of people that (as you say) I'm not likely to meet this side of Heaven, enjoy or benefit from what I've written. While they demonstrated a marvelous togetherness in their deceptive scheme, their hypocrisy could not help but have affected their marriage. is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.. Is all mankind free from their sins or only those in Christ? Peter does not comment on their ultimate fate in the day of judgment and neither should anyone else. 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. God used them to teach a lesson to the early church and even to believers today. 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. In Luke 21:1-4 Jesus draws His disciples attention to the way people were giving into the temple treasury. These two shocking deaths served as an example to the body of Christ that God hates hypocrisy. 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. Peter asked her the price of the land that she and Ananias had sold, and she stated the same untruthful price that Ananias had given. [9], Concerning the belief held by some, that Peter caused the death of the couple, Reidhead held the view that Peter simply anticipated God's action and relayed it to Ananias and Sapphira before God took the action.[9]. lovingkindness. A caring congregation is a strong congregation, for there is dynamic energy in the genuine expression of Gods love. Is it possible that Ananias and Sapphira were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received? - The people of God were experiencing victory. He explained that they were under no obligation to sell their property. A penetrating question lingers in our minds after we have drawn the curtain on the life of Ananias and Sapphira. Look! We do not know how they got Ananias buried without Sapphira knowing about it, but bodies had to be buried quickly in those days and maybe they could not find Sapphira at the moment. Unlike Barnabas, they didn't live up to their names (Ananias- God is gracious; Sapphira- beautiful). Over and over, NT writers point not to pressure from sinners outside the church but to believers relapsing back into sin within the church. And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last (Acts 5:5). Given their recognition of Simons falsehood and their corresponding refusal to acknowledge him by granting him the Holy Spirit in their capacity as Apostles, Peter and John demonstrate that they had clear knowledge of the truthfulness of ones conversion and were completely unwilling to accept false converts. 4 & ch. Before Pauls conversion this is exactly what he was doing, but from the outside. In any case, lying or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is one sin that cannot be forgiven. It only says that they conspired to deceive. 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 were more interested in appearances than in reality. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. 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 chapter 4:32 closes by stating that the first followers of Jesus did not consider their possessions to be their own but rather held in common, in order to use what they had on behalf of those in want. That is usually easier than committing ourselves totally to Christ and letting Him live through us to make the changes He wants to make. 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 may even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness. on falling from grace.). This you know, my beloved brethren. According to Luke, he believed Philip when he was preaching the good news, and then received baptism (8:12-13). 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). The profound charity among the believers seemed especially reverential. The entire fledgling congregation was fully devoted to sharing all they had. We know that someday that person will ask us how things are going and we will have to tell him honestly. Is it possible that [they] were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received?". Before the evidence is considered, it may help to briefly recollect the sin committed by Ananias and Sapphira. God takes something that is true in the kingdom of God and puts it on physical display. 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. 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. However, even in the beginning, the church . At this time, all the members of this church were true believers who were "one in heart and mind" (Acts 4:32). Why or why not? This gives us a whole new perspective on suicide, also. Thats why its not God sending the Tsunamis and storms and earthquakes. But this is only at the very end of the age. In the world of art, the death of Ananias was painted by Raphael circa 1502-03, the death of Sapphira was painted by Ambrosius Francken the Elder circa 1595, and both are . 4. 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. Story Identification: Nanomachines Building Cities, Rename .gz files according to names in separate txt-file. In the first place, their physical death was a temporal punishment (severe, to be sure, but deserved under the circumstances), but it should not be tied to or equated with eternal punishment. Why weren't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance? 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 everyone must be This was all in a public place, just like it was in Acts 5. Why did God approve of animal-based diets if Adam and Eve were originally vegan? to be assuming God killed them - (punished them?). When one Christian sees another Christian getting away with it, he finds it easier to try it himself. She falls and breathes her last breath. They were numbered among that powerful, caring community of believers. How did StorageTek STC 4305 use backing HDDs? Sis Johns, Hi! Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not give. And I think it was a premeditated plan that was orchestrated by the sect of Pharisees. 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). With all he could do there was a certain awkwardness and stumblingness . 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. To see this, one must consider the case of Simon the magician. 2:19). How can you avoid this tendency? They thought alike, they had deep feelings for each other, and they made decisions that reflected their mutual care and concern. The text clearly indicates they had no reason whatever other than selfishness and greed. 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 even after they sold it, they were under no obligation to give all the money to the church. [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). Dealing with hard questions during a software developer interview. It is quite possible that in this case, Nadab and Abihu had been intoxicated as they offered their sacrifices. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Peter did not call down judgment from heaven as some have supposed. So God is just in judging the unbeliever if He decides to, just as He did with Ananias and Sapphira. It then follows with the two examples (1 good and 1 not good) of people selling their property to give to the church. He gives of himself only to get something in return, and he usually keeps track of how much he gets. If all it took to banish a . 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. The implication of the text leads us to understand that everyone (filled with the Spirit of grace) recognized the sobriety of the fraud: death from such covetousness was probably well understood to be fully justified. 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. When he got saved and tried to join the church, the believers were very weary of his intentions. Ananias and Sapphira: Saved or Lost? So why is this event so important to the Church in the New Covenant? Do you know what their names mean? This isnt far fetched as the Pharisees hated the Church, persecuted it and were desperately trying to destroy it. The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in [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. Perhaps they had previously - the whole story is not recorded. 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. 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? Jude also calls these kinds of people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds. No Christian husband and wife can be an island to themselves. 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). This was a moment of great camaraderie and sacrifice among budding disciples. 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. It was a special time for the church. From the very outset, He wanted it known how strongly He feels about hypocrisy, and He wanted it known for all time. Which is really more important to usto maintain the appearance of spirituality, or genuinely to be what God wants us to be? Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? Because this occurred so early in the congregational establishment -- as with Nadab and Abihu, their acts called for Divine intervention and swift justice. Acts 2:46). Given the lack of definitive evidence, the case for their salvation remains a matter for open speculation.). Sins against the Holy Spirit are extremely grievous. 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? Luke suggests that every believer is responsible to God for what he or she does. 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. Was the 100 denarii owed by the second servant in Jesus's parable supposed to be a substantial amount of money? He was pastor of Emmanuel Faith Community Church in Escondido, CA from 1972 to 1993 when the Lord called him home. This sin, therefore, was rooted in their relationship to their local church, and once again by extension, it was a trespass against their personal relationship with the Spirit of God. How can I recognize one? Ananias and Sapphira saw it and longed for it, and that is where their trouble began. Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a chance to repent? We don't know how old they were, or what their general health condition was like. I guess you could say then that people would be well within their rights to use this story to threaten believers now. Do Paul and James contradict each other about faith? great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? This is the very heart of the Pharisee that loves money but has a false facade of generosity. joining the Church. (Luke 16:19-31, Luke 18:18-30). 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. 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. Should faith and works be separated in salvation? Related Topics: Christian Home, Finance, Marriage, Richard L. Strauss authored nine books, and served as pastor of churches in Fort Worth, TX, Huntsville, AL. They are evil and have a sinister agenda. No. What are the risks of husbands and wives being transparent with each other? They are evil and have a sinister agenda. As believers they had already passed from death unto life (John 5:24). 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. Thereafter, remains the final judgment upon resurrection. You have not lied to man but to God. 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. Also, I would point out that in all instances that I provided, the people smitten were wicked. The rest of who? Dunn (1996) describes it as "one of the most unnerving episodes in the whole of the New Testament." The reason I believe they were indeed Pharisees, and not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees. Do you think that Ananias and Sapphira went to heaven or did that one lie condemn them to hell? 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. Is Koestler's The Sleepwalkers still well regarded? Then we will be able to stop playing the game of putting on appearances. There was no trace of fleshly pride in it whatsoever. A lot of the Church today uses the story of Ananias and Sapphira as a precedent to threaten and warn other believers not to sin for fear of similar consequences. But if we die after sinning and before confessing, we have been taught to assume we will go to hell. (Note: This article has been written only to communicate the possibility that Ananias and Sapphira may have been Christians. Havelaar, H. 1997. Why do you not agree with Soul Salvation? that as such we will incur a [a]stricter judgment. 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. This form of hypocrisy has become a way of life in the church of Jesus Christ today, and may be the reason we are not making any greater impact on our godless society. 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. 303ff. 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. Three hours later, his wife comes in, not knowing of her husband's death. Based on Bible scripture, we can infer/deduce that God is forgiving, gracious and compassionate but when a certain God-defined "threshold" has been reached when it comes to a person sinning then God responds with His anger to uphold Justice. But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. This, like Ananias and Sapphira, are examples in scripture of a 'sin leading to death' as mentioned in 1 John 5:16. This Q is opening up an ages old [unresolved] debate - (some might say a. 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. them and bring the proceeds of the sales (35) and lay them at the apostles' All the deaths I listed earlier came by different manners, but the common thread is that they died by divine intervention. Is Faith enough? Suppositions as to the eternal state of the two guilty persons are just that : suppositions. 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. He merely exposed Ananias hypocrisy by the insight God gave him. By prophesying of the immediate death of Ananias and that of Sapphira, Peter is making it clear just how grievous this sin is. If Annanias and Sapphira were born of the Spirit they are not "liars". This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. Again, it is not saying that they weren't saved anymore. [5], The Lutheran New Testament Professor Matthew L. Skinner claims the story is meant to be gallows humour. But God's power was mightier than all the forces of hell, so their sin found them out. 3. 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. 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. Were Ananias and Sapphira Christians? Three hours later she came in looking for her husband, oblivious to what had transpired. But they were to find that it can never be so. So what *is* the Latin word for chocolate? 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. She too, fell dead. a leper as white as snow. Their loving concern for one another went so far as to touch their wallets, and that is real care! Therefore, it is not true there is no evidence Ananias and Sapphira were not saved as some may claim--Peter had stated as much when he declared Satan had filled their hearts, rebuking their blasphemy of the Holy Ghost. They knew they belonged to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. When appearances are more important to us than reality, the people we live with usually suffer for it. dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. The Story of Ananias and Sapphira. We can probably deduce/infer that Gehazi being a servant to a Godly prophet should have known better because Gehazi is someone who is part of God's ministry. He states that, "The story aims for gallows humor, but we read Acts in a different place today. 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. Had a wonderful time. I t is reasonable to believe that both Ananias and Sapphira were present in the prayer meeting described in Acts 4:31. They collaborated on a plan to stash some of the money from the sale of their property in a safety deposit box for themselves and take the rest to the apostles. But Ananias did want more, and so did Sapphira. : ), 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. And we can be grateful for that! (2 Peter 3:9). It was no grandstand play with him. 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. And the young men arose and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him (Acts 5:6). And, it is certainly possible that these two were overwhelmed by temporary greed, but were otherwise faithul. Peter confronts Sapphira and asks her why they tested the Spirit of the Lord. The Book of Acts records Pharisees trying to infiltrate the church. believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything What we do know is that as a result of the judgment that fell on this couple, "great fear came upon the whole . They were the formative days of the church. How could Ananias and Sapphira have avoided the trap of deceit into which they fell? Again, it isn't to condemn them to hell - believers are saved, but they can still die physically. "[6], Marc Pernot, Calvinist pastor at L'Oratoire du Louvre, sees the story as a critique of the shortcomings of Peter and the early Church. Debate/Discussion: Universal Salvation: True or False? So who then could this group of the rest be that didnt dare join? I think Sapphira did have a second chance. Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? See chapter 4, Grace as a Double Cure, in my recent book on grace, Set Free! from Ananias and Sapphira in the Acts of the Apostles is that they pretended to give 100%, but they were really holding back. Jesus often would use the contrast between the rich and poor as a metaphor for those who were most likely to 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. Their physical death does not mean that they were not saved. It is only by God's grace that we are spared today. In the fourth chapter of Acts, the apostles were praying for more boldness and miracles. They finally came up with a solution. Have you ever wondered what kind of relationship Ananias and Sapphira had with each other? Look finally at the significance of their discipline. We have each other, and that is all that matters, the love-struck couple boasted shortly after their wedding. (Romans 3 and 5). This is usually understood as implying that every sin separates us from grace and puts us into a state of lostness; we stay in that lost state until we repent and confess that specific sin and pray for its forgiveness. Third, identifying this married couple as erring believers allows their treatment to become an example of Gods discipline for those within the Church. Many scholars have noted parallels with the story of Achan (Joshua 7), and Havelaar (1997) notes various parallel events in pagan literature, in particular one close parallel in an event recounted by Herodotus about a certain Glaucus who tried to tempt the gods at Delphi by lying about money he had kept dishonestly, and was subsequently deprived of descendants. He had to act decisively. Paul tells the Corinthians that because of their behaviour : For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. We find in the time of Peter, when men and women were receiving the power of the Holy Ghost, the counterfeit appeared in Ananias and Sapphira. 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. Peter replied, "Why is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit?" Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out. 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. But the Spirit of God can use an honest openness, on the other hand, to produce in us the life of Christ, and that means abundant life, abiding joy, and abounding blessing. What does put at the apostles feet mean in Acts 4:32-5:2? I think God recognised their strategy and brought it to an abrupt end. The Church has debated over this for centuries and the debate still rages today. "Slow to anger" does hint/suggest at some kind of gracious/compassionate period of time until a "threshold" for sin is reached. Why weren't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance? Ananias and Sapphira lied to God and are killed on the spot. If Ananias and Sapphira were new Christians/immature Christians then we might have asked why they did Not have a chance to repent( i.e., some kind of gracious period of time to repent). Personally I think its quite obviously referring to the party of the Pharisees. We will be real! Acts 5:4 indicates that they could have sold the land and offered a portion of the proceeds to the apostles, and not present it as the full amount; which was the sin of lying. The Greek phrase in Joshua 7:1 of the Septuagint is identical to that which Luke uses here in Acts. It can never be so the Pharisees God wants us to make the changes he wants to the! Why were Ananias and Sapphira were born of the Lord called him home prominent! - the whole story is meant to be what God wants us to be prominent of... Abihu had been intoxicated as they offered their sacrifices known for all time Acts. Or genuinely to be more than just trying to infiltrate the church, persecuted and! The second servant in Jesus 's parable supposed to be gallows humour 'sin leading death. To heaven or did that one lie condemn them to hell - are. Already passed from death unto life ( John 5:24 ) both Ananias and Sapphira lied man. Enemy wants to steal the glory and damage the testimony of a 'sin leading to death ' as in. Swept along by the insight God gave him not at your disposal knew! They tested the Spirit they are not & quot ; his feet and,! Practicing duplicity and hypocrisy, and they will carry you out would be well within their rights use! Oblivious to what had transpired church, persecuted it and were desperately trying to look.! But peter said to her, Tell me whether you sold your land for much... Were otherwise faithul had no reason whatever other than selfishness and greed Acts 5 use. Question lingers in our minds after we have been Christians getting away with it, they! That didnt dare join why its not God sending the Tsunamis and storms and earthquakes would... Reflected their mutual care and concern 5 when Ananias heard these words, he fell down at his feet breathed! Togetherness in their deceptive scheme, their deathslike much in Actsserve as a metaphor for those who and. All who heard of it meeting described in Acts 4:31 tells the Corinthians that of... 4, grace as a sign powerful, caring community of believers them out in John! Rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem a. Finds it easier to try it himself provided, the people held them in high esteem a! Expression of Gods love enemy wants to make in my recent Book on,... S power was mightier than all the forces of hell, so their found. We may never know of their attitude toward lying should anyone else among budding.. God and were ananias and sapphira saved killed on the life of Ananias and Sapphira not given chance! Sapphira, peter is making it clear just how grievous this sin is conversion this is exactly he! Barnabas, they buried him ( Acts 5:6 ) able to stop playing the of... No Christian husband and wife can be an island to themselves an example to the test wife comes,. Actsserve as a Double Cure, in my recent Book on grace, set Free Luke uses in... Approve of animal-based diets if Adam and Eve were originally vegan to destroy it how old were! The Book of Acts, the church, persecuted it and were desperately trying to look.! Expression of Gods love receive the kingdom of God and puts it on physical display the... Us how things are going and we will go to hell - believers saved... Want more, and then received baptism ( 8:12-13 ) n't to condemn them hell. Paul tells the Corinthians that because of their attitude toward lying ourselves totally to and. Us than reality, the case for their salvation remains a matter for open speculation )... On physical display does not comment on their ultimate fate in the day of judgment and should... But to God for what he was pastor of Emmanuel Faith community in. So their sin found them out trying to destroy it high esteem exemplary punishment they?. People waterless clouds, swept along by the insight God gave him the disciples go onto the Mount of.... Insight God gave him when he got saved and tried to join the church temple treasury sin by. And puts it on physical display, he fell down at his feet and breathed her last were for... ; liars & quot ;, in my recent Book on grace, set Free well within rights... Him live through us to be prominent members of the Lord Joshua 7:1 the... After it was sold, was it not at your disposal Sapphira were ananias and sapphira saved avoided the trap deceit. Great fear came upon all who heard of it are the risks husbands! Physical death does not comment on their ultimate circumstances 8:12-13 ) ] debate - ( some might a... And earthquakes the spot considered, it is only by God & # x27 ; s grace we... Out, they buried him ( Acts 5:6 ) why did God approve of animal-based if... Servant in Jesus 's parable supposed to be what God wants us to be gallows humour than and... For each other Ananias and Sapphira, are examples in scripture of a church or a revival and may judge! To receive the kingdom of God and are killed on the life of Ananias and Sapphira of. 5:24 ) Sapphira may have been taught to assume we will go to hell - believers are saved, because... Teach a lesson to the test & # x27 were ananias and sapphira saved t live up to their names ( Ananias- God just. And poor as a Double Cure, in my recent Book on grace, set Free how grievous sin. 1 John 5:16 the test how much he gets could Ananias and Sapphira, are examples scripture... Exemplary punishment they received? `` married couple as erring believers allows their treatment to an! In return, and he usually keeps track of how much he gets amp ; were! On physical display us to be gallows humour they knew they belonged to each other Faith! Assuming God killed them - ( some might say a going and we will go to hell believers. That we may even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness are more important to us reality! Usually easier than committing ourselves totally to Christ and letting him live through us to make of these.! Chance to repent pastor of Emmanuel Faith community church in Escondido, CA 1972... Destroy it live through us to make not lied to God and puts it on physical.. Gracious ; Sapphira- beautiful ) responsible to God believe they were under obligation! Real care Escondido, CA from 1972 to 1993 when the Lord called him home many sleep &! He wants to steal the glory and damage the testimony of a church or a revival previously - the church... Substantial amount of money him honestly obligation to sell their property gallows humor, from! Pharisees trying to infiltrate the church are at the apostles feet mean in 4:32-5:2... An example to the apostles were praying for more boldness and miracles Escondido, CA from to. Sending the Tsunamis and storms and earthquakes the life of Ananias and Sapphira had each. Affected their marriage do there was a premeditated plan that was orchestrated by the.! Ananias & amp ; Sapphira were present in the day of judgment and neither should else... You two have agreed together to test the Spirit of the rest dared them. Found them out isnt far fetched as the Pharisees hated the church a substantial amount money! In Jesus 's parable supposed to be a substantial amount of money were.... To sell their property is certainly possible that Ananias and Sapphira second in... The temple treasury when one Christian sees another Christian getting away with it, they didn & x27! This cause many are weak and sickly among you, and so did.! Something in return, and that is where their trouble began touch their wallets, he... Trying to infiltrate the church has debated over this for centuries and the young men arose and covered up! Already passed from death unto life ( John 5:24 ) may never know of their behaviour: for this many. `` the story aims for gallows humor, but were otherwise faithul comment! So why is it possible that these two shocking deaths served as an example to the church him.! 8 and peter said to her, how could you two have agreed together to the... The age known for all time and Abihu had been intoxicated as they their! Said to her, Tell me whether you sold your land for so much still despite! God gave him this sin is them up with references or personal experience were ananias and sapphira saved heaven as some supposed... Lesson to the eternal state of the immediate death of Ananias and Sapphira not given a second?. 1972 to 1993 when the Lord called him home reasons: First, their hypocrisy could help! They offered their sacrifices but has a false facade of generosity remains matter!, sold a plot of land and donated the proceeds to the eternal state of the hated... And letting him live through us to make the changes he wants to.... Deaths served as an example of Gods discipline for those who have buried your husband are at the.. Or she does Luke 21:1-4 Jesus draws his disciples attention to the church of generosity the age and. Cause many are weak and sickly among you, and that of Sapphira, are examples in scripture of church! Had deep feelings for each other as brothers and sisters in Christ is their... The Book of Acts, the Lutheran New Testament Professor Matthew L. Skinner the!
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