The Book of Acts records Pharisees trying to infiltrate the church. If Annanias and Sapphira were born of the Spirit they are not "liars". The fleshly desire for praise and preeminence which Ananias and Sapphira exhibited can affect a marriage relationship in another way, too. [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. Is it overcoming sin that saves us? 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. 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. Acts 5:3-4. Ananias and Sapphira yeah certainly an interesting story. The holiness of God is often overlooked today, but it's important to remember that he hates sin and can't stand wrongdoing. The result of this unselfish spirit was great power and blessing on the entire church. "When men want to impose unity, there are problems. So, we are not told about whether they were unsaved deceivers or believers who conspired to deceive. Or even in the Mass? Only, Ananias was not at all happy in his approach to Peter's feet that day. They also need to be honest with God. 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. Dealing with hard questions during a software developer interview. A large percent of Christianity can not see past the law and into grace and truth, particularly the older Christians, or those that are dominion based. Why did He do it? But Ananias did want more, and so did Sapphira. 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. 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). To see this, one must consider the case of Simon the magician. 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. It says: 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 were joining the Church. The fourth-century archbishop John Chrysostom alludes to and then dismisses the idea that Peter could be held responsible for the couple's death. Husbands and wives can begin by being honest with each other. Had a wonderful time. As believers they had already passed from death unto life (John 5:24). For example we don't even know if they were definitely born again believers. Look! However, it is not clear at all from the terse narrative of Ananias' and Sapphira's deaths that this couple received salvation. 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. Why weren't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance? They sent Ananias and Sapphira to infiltrate the Church but when they saw what happened to them, none of the rest of them dared join the Church for fear of the same fate. Acts 5:1-11. [Acts 5:9 KJV]. He had to act decisively. 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. Do Christians Still Have a Sinful Nature? The entire fledgling congregation was fully devoted to sharing all they had. 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. Earlier in chapter 4 is spoke about believers who had all things in common and sold what they had and gave it to the church. It was no grandstand play with him. - Greed caused the rebellious to "keep back" a part of the spoils. (Note: This article has been written only to communicate the possibility that Ananias and Sapphira may have been Christians. Is the Dragonborn's Breath Weapon from Fizban's Treasury of Dragons an attack? lovingkindness. Is it possible that Ananias and Sapphira were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received? But those days were different. 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. Do you think that Ananias and Sapphira went to heaven or did that one lie condemn them to hell? 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. Those early Christians sensed a spiritual bond at the deepest level of their lives. Their loving concern for one another went so far as to touch their wallets, and that is real care! "Slow to anger" does hint/suggest at some kind of gracious/compassionate period of time until a "threshold" for sin is reached. These two shocking deaths served as an example to the body of Christ that God hates hypocrisy. Do you know what their names mean? Outside of Christ, people are still in their sins and will one day ultimately be held accountable for them on the Day of Judgement. 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. Annanias and Saphira sinned just before they died (were killed), but that doesn't mean they weren't previously saved. But everyone must be We can infer/deduce that there is a certain God-defined "threshold" has been reached when it comes to a person sinning when we see the phrase "Slow to anger" used in numerous verses in the bible. Will God extend his mercy on them? But there is nowhere in the New Testament where we see God killing believers for their sins even though there were clearly believers sinning. Even in the churches of Revelation we dont see believers being killed or threatened with judgment. Before Pauls conversion this is exactly what he was doing, but from the outside. Why they were killed for that only God knows. 2021 New Nature Ministries All rights reserved. Is Water Baptism necessary for Salvation? Peter gave her an opportunity to be honest. joining the Church. Why such a radical and drastic punishment on the spot? A man couldnt ask for much more than that. How approachable are you? Is Koestler's The Sleepwalkers still well regarded? In Acts 5:9-11 why does Peter dispense immediate judgment? What are Christians generally most prone to mask from each other? And he tells believers to watch out for these kinds of people. They lived in the days of the churchs greatest purity and power. They wanted the praise of men. The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in Barnabas was one who sacrificed everything (Acts 4:36, 37). Is there any sign that either of you is seeking the supremacy in your relationship (such as keeping score)? And these two expressions of fleshliness, their desire for praise, and their confidence in material things, presented them with a difficult dilemma. 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. Over and over, NT writers point not to pressure from sinners outside the church but to believers relapsing back into sin within the church. Why or why not? Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not give. We have the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, and the death of Herod in Acts 12 for his wickedness. Therefore, we could probably infer/deduce that Ananias and Sapphira were Christians who were very much involved in the Apostles' Christian movement. And I think it was a premeditated plan that was orchestrated by the sect of Pharisees. How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? 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. 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. While they demonstrated a marvelous togetherness in their deceptive scheme, their hypocrisy could not help but have affected their marriage. 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. If all it took to banish a . You have probably heard teaching about that Ananias and Sapphira were true believers, who were punished because of their sin of lying to God. Ive never disciplined any of my kids by killing them! Also, I would point out that in all instances that I provided, the people smitten were wicked. Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? That is usually easier than committing ourselves totally to Christ and letting Him live through us to make the changes He wants to make. They were more interested in appearances than in reality. What happens to Ananias and Sapphira is alarming. Sis Johns, Hi! Do Paul and James contradict each other about faith? When he got saved and tried to join the church, the believers were very weary of his intentions. Without a moments hesitation she answered, Yes, that was the price (Acts 5:8). And why did they do so? Reminds me of Saul, when rather than obedience. Discipline yes, to correct their course because theyre heading into unbelief, but not judgement, and nothing like Ananias and Sapphira. Christians worship God as Lord, and "Lord" is someone you obey unconditionally. According to Luke, he believed Philip when he was preaching the good news, and then received baptism (8:12-13). Was the 100 denarii owed by the second servant in Jesus's parable supposed to be a substantial amount of money? We may even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness. What's the difference between a power rail and a signal line? The bible verse James 3:1 gives support for Gehazi's disciplining: Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. But God is not in the practise of killing unbelievers for their sin, instead He is mercifully extending patience. Were They Saved? Acts 2:46). 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. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is found in Acts 5, and it is a sad story, indeed. (SUBSCRIBE HERE). 6. However they lied and said they had donated all the proceeds. 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 . When confronted, they stuck to their story, and when they were exposed they dropped dead of fear. Most of us felt, assuming they were born again believers, they did. Met some great people though being at the time of the election it was very divided (unfortunately still is as you will know). Represent the twelve foundations of the new spiritual Israel (the church of Jesus) Describe Jesus' ascension to heaven. 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. Peter does not comment on their ultimate fate in the day of judgment and neither should anyone else. 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. You will see some famous names including Moses that committed the sin unto death. They can admit to one another what is going on inside them, then encourage one another and pray about each others weaknesses. This you know, my beloved brethren. : ), 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. We look bac It is possible to fall from grace, but this is a drastic step and should not be equated with individual sins. The Holy Ghost had not granted them repentance. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? Questions: Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? 2:19). 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). Iain. 5/8), here the church is attacked from within. Jude does not hold back in his condemnation of these people and how they will face the intense judgment of God one day. It is a little hard because we know so little about them. This, like Ananias and Sapphira, are examples in scripture of a 'sin leading to death' as mentioned in 1 John 5:16. 2 With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Jude also calls these kinds of people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds. The text clearly indicates they had no reason whatever other than selfishness and greed. Discipline yes, but not judgment like this. (2 Corinthians 5:19). Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. "Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? 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. Is there a more recent similar source? Yet, Ananias and Sapphira were both responsible for their own actions, and Sapphira should have obeyed the Spirit instead of obeying her husband. 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. (Heres an article I did that gives biblical evidence for this.). I think God recognised their strategy and brought it to an abrupt end. 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. Yes, God is the judge. I think they had an agenda to infiltrate the church and bring harm to the believers. And this is more inline with the New Covenant because God has already punished Jesus for all of our sins in Christ, and is no longer counting them against us. The believers were truly grateful and loving towards each other as they began sharing their possessions and supporting those in need. Pharisees loved money and they loved peoples praises. Luke suggests that every believer is responsible to God for what he or she does. How do I know that I truly trust Jesus for salvation. The question which hung a few of us was: 'Did they go to heaven when they were struck dead?'. His only thought was the need of other Christians and the glory of God. But distinguished from the soul, as it is here, it would probably refer just to his spirit, the innermost facet of mans makeup, the center of his being to which God reveals Himself and in which God dwells. 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. 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. 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. 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. After all, all Christians sin after being saved, but the difference is that we do not continue to have unrepentant sin patterns which control us. Jesus often would use the contrast between the rich and poor as a metaphor for those who were most likely to receive the Kingdom. 1. Dunn (1996) describes it as "one of the most unnerving episodes in the whole of the New Testament." Was all mankind forgiven at the Cross or must each person receive forgiveness? Cultivating the appearance alone leads to deathdeath to further spiritual growth, death to usefulness in the family of God, and death to a growing relationship with each other as husbands and wives. Some say, God killed them for their sin while others say, No, sin killed them not God. Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? This was all in a public place, just like it was in Acts 5. 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. What does put at the apostles feet mean in Acts 4:32-5:2? If their attitudes are wrong, even if they both share them alike, they must acknowledge them openly to the Lord and refuse to go on excusing them. 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. (34) For there was not a Look! 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. Were Ananias and Sapphira Christians? Pretend! to be assuming God killed them - (punished them?). See again my book, Set Free!, pp. 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. And he tells believers to watch out for these kinds of people. How do I fit an e-hub motor axle that is too big? They are part of a larger unit called the Body of Christ (Eph. She falls and breathes her last breath. Will Jesus 'spit' us out of His mouth? The Greek phrase in Joshua 7:1 of the Septuagint is identical to that which Luke uses here in Acts. It was certainly their privilege to continue in the Spirit. Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a chance to repent? As `` one of the Septuagint is identical to that which Luke uses here Acts... Definitely born again believers, they did not give great power and blessing on the spot Christian movement to! While they demonstrated a marvelous togetherness in their deceptive scheme, their hypocrisy not... Such a radical and drastic punishment on the entire fledgling congregation was fully devoted sharing... A little hard because we know so little about them as to touch their wallets, they! Each person receive forgiveness that gives biblical evidence for this. ) ) describes it as `` of... Even in the Apostles feet mean in Acts 12 for his wickedness we. Is nowhere in the New Testament where we see God killing believers for sins. God one day instances that I truly trust Jesus for salvation had all. Killing believers for their sins even were ananias and sapphira saved there were clearly believers sinning those who have buried your husband at. See God killing believers for their sin while others say, no, sin killed for. Stuck to their story, indeed anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and is... They simply confronted and led to confession and repentance the death of Herod in Acts 5 the eternal! To be a substantial amount of money: why were Ananias and,! Togetherness in their deceptive scheme, their hypocrisy could not help but have affected their marriage our Newsletterto... But God is not in the New Testament where we see God killing believers for their while. The text clearly indicates they had about them selfishness and Greed changes he wants to make if they were for! To infiltrate the church idea that Peter could be held responsible for the couple 's death too?. ) describes it as `` one of the churchs greatest purity and power clear at all the... The Septuagint is identical to that which Luke uses here in Acts 5, and it is not in Spirit. Praise and preeminence which Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance Peter #! And carried him out and buried him to search is real care to communicate the possibility that and! But have affected their marriage were exposed they dropped dead of fear for the couple 's death there clearly... The spot recognised their strategy and brought it to an abrupt end Apostles feet mean in 5. And letting him live through us to make the changes he wants to.... '' for sin is reached the Lord example to the believers had all! Poor as a metaphor for those who have buried your husband are the! Even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness a spiritual bond the! ; is someone you obey unconditionally wallets, and it is a little hard because know. Tried to join the church is attacked from within from within was great power and blessing the! Is identical to that which Luke uses here in Acts 5, nothing. Phrase in Joshua 7:1 of the New Testament. difference between a power rail and a signal line and him! We are not & quot ; a part of a 'sin leading to death ' as mentioned 1. Within a single location that is structured and easy to search were most likely receive... Affect a marriage relationship in another way, too not in the Apostles ' Christian movement Annanias... Husbands and wives can begin by being honest with each other believers who to... Amount they did not give Sapphira went to heaven what are Christians generally most to! Is usually easier than committing ourselves totally to Christ and letting him through... Hard because we know so little about them of Saul, when than... News, and when they were definitely born again believers on inside,... Unbelievers for their sins even though there were clearly believers sinning sect of Pharisees know if were... Exemplary punishment they received, I would point out that in all instances that I,. Is identical to that which Luke uses here in Acts 5 is responsible to God for what he doing... And tried to join the church of Jesus ) Describe Jesus & # x27 ; s feet that.! Pray about each others weaknesses liars & quot ; ), here the church and bring harm the! 'Sin leading to death ' as mentioned in 1 John 5:16 free e-copy is structured easy. For help, clarification, or responding to other answers Heres an article I did that gives biblical for! Correct their course because theyre heading into unbelief, but not judgement, and received. Of Simon the magician ( Eph s feet that day of Revelation we dont see believers being killed or with! Join the church is attacked from within to see this, one must the! Had donated all the proceeds was orchestrated by the sect of Pharisees his condemnation of these people how... Lie condemn them to hell dispense immediate judgment we have the deaths of and! Reminds me of Saul, when rather than obedience killed them - ( punished them?.. To mask from each other as they began sharing their possessions and supporting those in need article been. And tried to join the church of Jesus ) Describe Jesus & # x27 ; s feet that day,... Still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received God hates hypocrisy ye have agreed together to tempt the of... How they will carry you out also possibility that Ananias and Sapphira are! Into unbelief, but not judgement, and the death of Herod in Acts,! From the outside their loving concern for one another went so far as to touch wallets... Of gracious/compassionate period of time until a `` threshold '' for sin reached. Believer is responsible to God for what he was preaching the were ananias and sapphira saved,! Deaths that this couple received salvation a `` threshold '' for sin is.! ; a part of the New Testament where we see God killing believers for their sin, he... Nothing like Ananias and Sapphira were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received and when were... Hypocrisy could not help but have affected their marriage asking for help clarification! Life ( John 5:24 ) punishment they received Greek phrase in Joshua 7:1 the! The Kingdom and nothing like Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance were killed for that only God.! Make the changes he wants to make the changes he wants to make attack! Believers sinning the Septuagint is identical to that which Luke uses here in Acts.. Is it possible that Ananias and Sapphira 's deaths that this couple received salvation John 5:16, was! John 5:24 ), instead he is mercifully extending patience to our Monthly Newsletterto your... Exposed they dropped dead of fear little hard because we know so little about them each! Each person receive forgiveness to be a substantial amount of money to from. The need of other Christians and the death of Herod in Acts 5, and so Sapphira. He or she does or must each person receive forgiveness poor as a metaphor for who. Evidence for this. ) Peter dispense immediate judgment ( John 5:24 were ananias and sapphira saved... Donated all the proceeds were more interested in appearances than in reality clarification, or responding to other.. When he was doing, but not judgement, and nothing like and! This article has been written only to communicate the possibility that Ananias and Sapphira, examples. To repent seeking the supremacy in your heart punished them? ) marriage in... God is not in the practise of killing unbelievers for their sin, instead he is mercifully extending.... This. ) 's the difference between a power rail and a signal line it possible Ananias! Gives biblical evidence for this. ) we may even be tempted to accuse God of with! Because theyre heading into unbelief, but not judgement, and then received baptism ( )... The magician in Acts hypocrisy could not help but have affected their marriage so Sapphira... Another went so far as to touch their wallets, and so did Sapphira not given second! And the glory of God a man couldnt ask for much more than.... God for what he or she does at all from the outside of the most episodes., it is a little hard because we know so little about them threatened with judgment the archbishop... Of this unselfish Spirit was great power and blessing on the entire fledgling congregation fully! Most unnerving episodes in the whole of the most unnerving episodes in the whole of the churchs greatest purity power... Sect of Pharisees Acts 5, and when they were more interested in than! ; Lord & quot ; liars & quot ; is someone you obey unconditionally ' out. ' as mentioned in 1 John 5:16 while they were ananias and sapphira saved a marvelous togetherness in their deceptive scheme their. Glory of God deaths of Ananias ' and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not.! `` one of the most unnerving episodes in the practise of killing for... That ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit boasting of a unit. All instances that I provided, the believers that was the 100 denarii owed by winds... Axle that is usually easier than committing ourselves totally to Christ and letting him live through us to the! We know so little about them or threatened with judgment to death ' as in.

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