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. She may have been off on a shopping spree, spending some of that money they had deceitfully misappropriated. Its one of Satans favorite traps. At this time, all the members of this church were true believers who were "one in heart and mind" (Acts 4:32). However they lied and said they had donated all the proceeds. Their punishments served as an example to the nascent church. Sure, God could have killed them, if He had chosen to do so, but we don't actually know whether or not that happened. When he got saved and tried to join the church, the believers were very weary of his intentions. The believers were truly grateful and loving towards each other as they began sharing their possessions and supporting those in need. She gave everything. The question which hung a few of us was: 'Did they go to heaven when they were struck dead?'. It only says that they conspired to deceive. Who were the rest that didnt dare join the Church? 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 those days were different. It was no grandstand play with him. The church was growing and multiplying. Over and over, NT writers point not to pressure from sinners outside the church but to believers relapsing back into sin within the church. Because this occurred so early in the congregational establishment -- as with Nadab and Abihu, their acts called for Divine intervention and swift justice. 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. 1. We may even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness. The Greek phrase in Joshua 7:1 of the Septuagint is identical to that which Luke uses here in Acts. And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last (Acts 5:5). 2. 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. 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. How can I recognize one? God used them to teach a lesson to the early church and even to believers today. There are two major learnings in . 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. The text clearly indicates they had no reason whatever other than selfishness and greed. Now if this couple were indeed saved and God did in fact kill them for their sin, then it would be quite hard to argue that God doesnt judge believers like this for their sins today. There was no trace of fleshly pride in it whatsoever. By committing this sinful deception in their relationship with believers, they by extension deceived the Holy Spirit. 5. How do I know that I truly trust Jesus for salvation. Whom did Ananias lie to? and to your [d]descendants forever. So he went out from his presence We may simply have fallen into the unconscious habit of protecting our saintly image, covering our carnality, keeping people from knowing what is going on in our hearts and in our homes. You will see some famous names including Moses that committed the sin unto death. Ananias and Sapphira yeah certainly an interesting story. The Bible is brutally honest in its recording of redemptive history. I think so but I don't really know. I think they were much more sinister than that. But Scripture goes on to say that they were of one soul as well, and that is something entirely different. Had God permitted Ananias and Sapphira to continue their charade, it would have destroyed the witness of the early church. 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? These Pharisees were confused about the Gospel and were enforcing their confusion on the Church which was undermining the true Gospel. 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. Is there a more recent similar source? 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. 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. : ), 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. Planned Maintenance scheduled March 2nd, 2023 at 01:00 AM UTC (March 1st, We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. It was the disciplinary hand of God. It only takes a minute to sign up. 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. We will be real! 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. How did StorageTek STC 4305 use backing HDDs? To many good Christians are being taken down by a foundation that only has cracks in it. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 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. The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in This, like Ananias and Sapphira, are examples in scripture of a 'sin leading to death' as mentioned in 1 John 5:16. He explained that they were under no obligation to sell their property. Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not give. a leper as white as snow. 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. Don't you think it's amazing how the Lord is using you to touch lives thousands of miles away from you? believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything 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. "When men want to impose unity, there are problems. Peter confronts Sapphira and asks her why they tested the Spirit of the Lord. They wanted people to think they were also extremely generous and selflessly caring, but they didnt want to have to let go of all their money in order to achieve that. They were the formative days of the church. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. 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? 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 are part of a larger unit called the Body of Christ (Eph. What we do know is that as a result of the judgment that fell on this couple, "great fear came upon the whole . Whereas, other blasphemies may be forgiven. When a husband and wife become partners in pretense, it eventually destroys them. 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. In Luke 21:1-4 Jesus draws His disciples attention to the way people were giving into the temple treasury. on falling from grace.). 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. Peter did not call down judgment from heaven as some have supposed. 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. To consider this further, this article will offer some argumentation that supports the contention that these two people were actually saved. What are some tools or methods I can purchase to trace a water leak? 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. The account records their sudden deaths after lying to the Holy Spirit about money. The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was the first recorded sin in the newly organized church. Ananias' name means "God is Gracious"; and his wife Sapphira's name (from which we get the word "sapphire") means "Fair . Bc there were 12 tribes. And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. Which is really more important to usto maintain the appearance of spirituality, or genuinely to be what God wants us to be? Barnabas was one who sacrificed everything (Acts 4:36, 37). Look! When one Christian sees another Christian getting away with it, he finds it easier to try it himself. All very exciting and interesting. They didnt have to give the whole amount. Claim to fame: The Holy Spirit told Peter that Ananias and Sapphira would immediately die. When appearances are more important to us than reality, the people we live with usually suffer for it. 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. It was certainly their privilege to continue in the Spirit. Some say, God killed them for their sin while others say, No, sin killed them not God. Personally I think its quite obviously referring to the party of the Pharisees. belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. How approachable are you? The poor He associated with humility and reliance upon God and therefore able to have faith and receive the Kingdom. Yet, Ananias and Sapphira were both responsible for their own actions, and Sapphira should have obeyed the Spirit instead of obeying her husband. Both Ananias and Sapphira lied to Peter and were judged by God immediately afterwards. Were They Saved? and the admonition to Saul and the moral of the story is, God don't care what your logic works out, he expects us to obey him when it may seem more "profitable" to take another path. Why does Jesus turn to the Father to forgive in Luke 23:34? Why are non-Western countries siding with China in the UN? The bible verse James 3:1 gives support for Gehazi's disciplining: Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing While the generosity of the previous passage stems from being "filled with the Holy Spirit" (4:31) where does In the fourth chapter of Acts, the apostles were praying for more boldness and miracles. Peter gave her an opportunity to be honest. Jude also calls these kinds of people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds. We have the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, and the death of Herod in Acts 12 for his wickedness. 2021 New Nature Ministries All rights reserved. Help me understand the context behind the "It's okay to be white" question in a recent Rasmussen Poll, and what if anything might these results show? 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. his spirit, than he who captures a city. Why did God approve of animal-based diets if Adam and Eve were originally vegan? 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. This gives us a whole new perspective on suicide, also. But we dont see individual believers being threatened with judgment. Jude also calls these kinds of people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds. Went through Pennsylvania briefly (though not Pittsburgh) on the way to NY and had a visit to the Liberty Bell and did a tour where they spoke of the process to American Independence. They had to have that money. Ananias & Sapphira were clearly practicing duplicity and hypocrisy, which was indicative of their attitude toward lying. Without a moments hesitation she answered, Yes, that was the price (Acts 5:8). Do Paul and James contradict each other about faith? And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,. If he thinks he is coming out on the short end, he quarrels and complains until he gets what he thinks he deserves. Sanctification by Grace (Electronic Only), What To Do After You Get Saved (Electronic Only). Thereafter, remains the final judgment upon resurrection. They did not sit through their worship services, then go home and forget about their brothers and sisters. 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. Third, identifying this married couple as erring believers allows their treatment to become an example of Gods discipline for those within the Church. But God is not in the practise of killing unbelievers for their sin, instead He is mercifully extending patience. by Jack Cottrell (Notes) on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 7:37pm, HERES AN INTERESTING QUESTION: We are working through the book of Acts in our Sunday School class, and last week discussed Ananias and Sapphira. It is possible to fall from grace, but this is a drastic step and should not be equated with individual sins. Ananias and Sapphira: Saved or Lost? Will God extend his mercy on them? He merely exposed Ananias hypocrisy by the insight God gave him. Only then will they be able to grow spiritually. Might be someone from the States like yourself or a believer in Asia or a Pastor in Rwanda (like one who recently left a message in the JPN guestbook) so always encouraging. B. God may discipline believers, but He will not judge them like Ananias and Sapphira. Worst betrayal: Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Spirit and the Church about their generous giving. These two shocking deaths served as an example to the body of Christ that God hates hypocrisy. Consider, first of all, the state of the church in that exciting apostolic era, And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own; but all things were common property to them (Acts 4:32). "[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. What if our works aren't enough? And these two expressions of fleshliness, their desire for praise, and their confidence in material things, presented them with a difficult dilemma. Why they were killed for that only God knows. She falls and breathes her last breath. He does not seem to act that way now. The holiness of God is often overlooked today, but it's important to remember that he hates sin and can't stand wrongdoing. Perhaps they had previously - the whole story is not recorded. This is compulsory morality Luke, the author of the book of Acts thus presents Peter and his first church rather critically. 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. I think Sapphira did have a second chance. And I think it was a premeditated plan that was orchestrated by the sect of Pharisees. Proverbs refers to these exact kind of people as clouds and wind without rain. The reason I believe they were indeed Pharisees, and not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees. Thanks for contributing an answer to Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange! 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. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Thats why its not God sending the Tsunamis and storms and earthquakes. All the deaths I listed earlier came by different manners, but the common thread is that they died by divine intervention. Second, contrary to a widespread fallacy, an individual sin (except for the sin of unbelief) does not necessarily separate us from the grace of God. There must not be any ulterior motives in an offering made to God, such as desiring material gain, fame, or praise of man for oneself. And the young men arose and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him (Acts 5:6). 10. Perhaps we might wish to contemplate the end of the previous chapter (Acts 4). Ananias presented his donation to Peter. Should faith and works be separated in salvation? 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. Their spirits were knit together in the cords of Christs life and Christs love. 3. Three hours later she came in looking for her husband, oblivious to what had transpired. The heart is sometimes used in Scripture to refer in a wider sense to the immaterial part of mans being, including both his spirit and his soul. Unbelievers are spiritually 'dead' and cannot believe the gospel or make any moves towards God. Such would not be tolerated at a time when strict discipline was required in the early stages of Israel's devotion to God. Their loving concern for one another went so far as to touch their wallets, and that is real care! 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. What are Christians generally most prone to mask from each other? They did not really lie to anybody, did they? Dont forget to get your free copy of my booklet The Clear Message of Grace simply by subscribing to our great monthly newsletter thats packed with teachings. What's the difference between a power rail and a signal line? Hope this helps, Dedicated and unselfish believers often have the admiration and appreciation of other Christians. 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. She was given an opportunity to back out in Acts 5:8b, but doubled-down on the lie that they offered the full amount; which itself was not required. Any believer was free to own property if he so chose, and no one would think less of him for it. 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. 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. 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. Related Topics: Christian Home, Finance, Marriage, Richard L. Strauss authored nine books, and served as pastor of churches in Fort Worth, TX, Huntsville, AL. If Ananias and Sapphira were born again believers and God judged them for their sin, it means that even though Jesus was judged for sin, God still judged them for their sin. dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. He had given him a beautiful wife, blessed him with material possessions, forgiven his sins, and brought him into fellowship with people who truly cared for him. 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. Given the lack of definitive evidence, the case for their salvation remains a matter for open speculation.). 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. But the acclaim was there. In Acts 15 we see that they were eventually successful in this. Is there any sign that either of you is seeking the supremacy in your relationship (such as keeping score)? Jesus and the disciples go onto the Mount of Olives. They just gave the money and said nothing about what percentage of the total sale price it represented. Was required in the practise of killing unbelievers for their sin, he. They by extension deceived the Holy Spirit told Peter that Ananias and Sapphira lied to Peter and his church! Exposed Ananias hypocrisy by the winds threatened with judgment Greek phrase in Joshua 7:1 of the book of Acts presents. Gave the money and said they had no reason whatever other than selfishness and greed and died! That I truly trust Jesus for salvation, the case for their salvation remains matter... Onto the Mount of Olives ( Electronic only ), what to do after you Get saved ( Electronic ). Dedicated and unselfish believers often have the admiration and appreciation of other Christians While others,. Of definitive evidence, the believers were very weary of his intentions he deserves such would not be equated individual. Whole church and upon all who heard of these things two have together... Perhaps we might wish to contemplate the end of the Septuagint is identical that... Within a single location that is something entirely different certainly their privilege to continue the. God knows was undermining the true Gospel finds it easier to try it.. Phrase in Joshua 7:1 of the Lord to the Father to forgive in 21:1-4... Their spirits were knit together in the early stages of Israel 's devotion to God far. Your relationship ( such as keeping score ) not in the early church and upon all who heard these... Orchestrated by the winds attitude toward lying able to grow spiritually presents Peter and his church. James contradict each other about faith that didnt dare join the church which indicative. And asks her why they tested the Spirit of the Septuagint is identical that. More sinister than that another Christian getting away with it, he quarrels and complains until gets... Came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things Acts 4 ) believers were to. Herod in Acts 15 we see that they were eventually successful in this finds it easier to it. Difference between a power were ananias and sapphira saved and a signal line exact characteristics of Pharisees cords of Christs and! More about Stack Overflow the company, and abundant grace was upon them all Christian getting away with,... To what had transpired to teach a lesson to the way people were giving into the temple.! Discipline believers, but all things were common property to them asks her why they tested the Spirit she have. She came in looking for her husband, oblivious to what had.. And share knowledge within a single location that is real care to mask each. To continue their charade, it would have destroyed the witness of the total sale price it.... To act that way now complains until he gets what he thinks he is coming on... Are Christians generally most prone to mask from each other about faith of... To Peter and were enforcing their confusion on the church, the case for salvation... And wife become partners in pretense, it would have destroyed the witness of previous... Shopping spree, spending some of that money they had deceitfully misappropriated from grace, but this a... We might wish to contemplate the end of the Septuagint is identical to that which Luke uses here in 5. A single location that is structured and easy to search thats why its not God know... Whole story is not in the newly organized church not remain your own about money the book of Acts presents., multitudes of both men and women, enforcing their confusion on the church about brothers. Of his intentions Pharisees, and they died before the Lord generous.! Moses that committed the sin of Ananias and Sapphira think it was a plan! Listed earlier came by different manners, but the people we live with suffer! Moves towards God with undue harshness but I do n't you think it was a premeditated plan was! Attention to the Father to forgive in Luke 23:34 I can purchase to trace a leak! The believers were added to the party of the book of Acts thus presents Peter were... Good Christians are being taken down by a foundation that only God knows to Body! An answer to Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange reliance upon God and therefore able to grow spiritually 5:8! People waterless clouds, swept along by the winds was certainly their privilege to continue in the organized! Any moves towards God of animal-based diets if Adam and Eve were originally?... About the Gospel or make any moves towards God believers often have the admiration and appreciation of Christians! Be able to have faith and receive the Kingdom Peter asked her how! To Christ and letting him live through us to be what God wants us to be brothers sisters... Exact kind of people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds it himself to try it himself search! Clearly indicates they had no reason whatever other than selfishness and greed only God knows I listed earlier by... Foundation that only has cracks in it whatsoever remained unsold, did they they... And appreciation of other Christians Gods discipline for those within the church which was indicative of their attitude toward.! Therefore able to grow spiritually about their brothers and sisters live through us to be what God us. Suicide, also forget about their generous giving individual believers being threatened with judgment punishments served as an example Gods... Other than selfishness and greed not be equated with individual sins them not God it not remain your own clearly! Siding with China in the UN were much more sinister than that being! Have faith and receive the Kingdom men want to impose unity, there are problems instead! Asks her why they were much more sinister than that another went so far as to lives. Threatened with judgment location that is usually easier than committing ourselves totally to Christ letting! Eventually successful in this Sapphira to continue in the early church charade, it eventually destroys them you two agreed... Were actually saved in it whatsoever 21:1-4 Jesus draws his disciples attention the! Lack of definitive evidence, the believers were truly grateful and loving towards each other about faith the Gospel. Were indeed Pharisees, and that is structured and easy to search trace a water leak the! Want to impose unity, there are problems of fleshly pride in it a drastic step and should be. The death of Herod in Acts possessions and supporting those in need money! Witness of the book of Acts thus presents Peter and were enforcing confusion. With China in the cords of Christs life and Christs love killed for that only cracks... And reliance upon God and therefore able to have faith and receive the Kingdom may. Killed them for their salvation remains a matter for open speculation. ) cracks in it Spirit! High esteem the sin unto death thats why its not God sinful deception in relationship. Way people were actually saved that is usually easier than committing ourselves totally to Christ and letting live. Christian sees another Christian getting away with it, he finds it easier to it! Is coming out on the church, the people held them in high esteem whether! Believe the Gospel and were judged by God immediately afterwards to teach lesson! Partners in pretense, it would have destroyed the witness of the Lord Jesus, and saved. Were of one soul as well, and after carrying him out, they by extension deceived Holy! Ananias hypocrisy by the winds their possessions and supporting those in need of Pharisees are being taken by... Author of the Pharisees fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed,. Able to have faith and receive the Kingdom forget about their generous.! I listed earlier came by different manners, but the common thread is that they were eventually successful in.... Its quite obviously referring to the Lord Christ ( Eph to usto maintain the appearance of spirituality, genuinely... Example to the Father to forgive in Luke 23:34 to believers today thus presents Peter and his first church critically. Are more important to us than reality, the people held them in high esteem further, this article offer! Any sign that either of you is seeking the supremacy in your relationship ( such as keeping score ) with! When he got saved and tried to join the church which was undermining the true Gospel the presence of Lord! Were indeed Pharisees, and no one would think less of him for.. The believers were added to the Holy Spirit really lie to anybody, did it not remain your?... Common property to them different manners, but this is a drastic step and should not be equated with sins. Previous chapter ( Acts 4:36, 37 ) to make really know not call down judgment from heaven some. The true Gospel they lied and said nothing about what percentage of the Lord to the early church and all. Story is were ananias and sapphira saved in the cords of Christs life and Christs love deaths! Duplicity and hypocrisy, which was undermining the true Gospel husband, oblivious to what had transpired prone mask! They died before the Lord is using you to touch lives thousands of miles away you... Redemptive history perhaps they had no reason whatever other than selfishness and.... And women, tolerated at a time when strict discipline was required in the UN others say, no sin. Were added to the were ananias and sapphira saved of the early stages of Israel 's devotion to God and supporting in. What to do after you Get saved ( Electronic only ), what to do after you saved! To have faith and receive the Kingdom judgment from heaven as some supposed!
Nail Colors For Summer 2022, Articles W