he saved some. And as a result, many Christian homes are riddled with wrangling and strife. Evidently, Ananias and Sapphira had sold a piece of property for a certain sum and agreed between them to say they had sold it for a lesser sum while keeping the difference for their own use. They finally came up with a solution. We also see in the book of Revelation, before Christs return and before the dead are judged, God pouring out judgement upon unbelievers (not believers) with the trumpet and bowl judgments. 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). The Holy Spirit, God or both? At no point does Luke represent them as being those outside the Church; rather, they are seemingly portrayed as those being under the authority of the Apostles to the extent that Peter himself pronounces judgment over them. Thereafter, remains the final judgment upon resurrection. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. They wanted to be more than just members of the Body; they wanted to be prominent members of the Body. 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. If this be true, they were at that time "filled with the Holy Ghost.". It seems reading Scripture that the Early Church was continually the target of pagans, gnostics and religious Jews trying to corrupt the Gospel and lead people astray. The Bible is brutally honest in its recording of redemptive history. Ananias' name means "God is Gracious"; and his wife Sapphira's name (from which we get the word "sapphire") means "Fair . "[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. It is only by God's grace that we are spared today. When confronted, they stuck to their story, and when they were exposed they dropped dead of fear. The believers were truly grateful and loving towards each other as they began sharing their possessions and supporting those in need. Thank you for your obedience to Jesus. You have probably heard teaching about that Ananias and Sapphira were true believers, who were punished because of their sin of lying to God. They knew they belonged to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Never was that more obvious than in the story of Ananias and Sapphira. Who were the rest that didnt dare join the Church? To this end, they sold a piece of property, and kept back some of the price while giving the rest to the Apostles (Acts 5:1-2). Do Paul and James contradict each other about faith? Thanks for the email and the encouragement. Is Salvation only in the Mass? This is the level on which he thinks his thoughts, senses his feelings, and makes his choices. How can you avoid this tendency? Jude also calls these kinds of people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds. What's the difference between a power rail and a signal line? Only then will they be able to grow spiritually. The Biblical tale of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 is a strange one that leaves us with more questions than answers. How do I know that I truly trust Jesus for salvation. In support of this, one learns from Peter sees this present age as a time for judgment which will begin with the household of God (1 Pet 4:17). Richard, was a 1954 graduate of Wheaton College, and received his Th.M. Therefore, we could probably infer/deduce that Ananias and Sapphira were Christians who were very much involved in the Apostles' Christian movement. The need for each partner to come out looking better than his mate causes him to mask his true inner person, and so entrenches him more firmly in his wretched hypocrisy. 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 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? Lukethe Spirit-inspired historian who wrote the Book of Actstells us in Acts 5:1; But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession (Acts 5:1). By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. To conclude, God has a certain God-defined "threshold" for every situation involving a person's sin, and once she/he crosses that threshold then consequences of God's Anger to uphold justice will be brought forth. So we will allow the Spirit of Jesus Christ to work in us to bring us into His likeness. We see this most often through the healing miracles, but it is equally true of this judgment. And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. For example we don't even know if they were definitely born again believers. Out of the foxhole and into the the line of fire. When Ananias and Sapphira were offering sacrifices along with devout, genuine believers, it was essential that these early Christians recognized the severity of disobeying their oath to provide for the less-fortunate among them. This gives us a whole new perspective on suicide, also. They also need to be honest with God. "Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? Centred between two attacks from without (ch. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. This isnt far fetched as the Pharisees hated the Church, persecuted it and were desperately trying to destroy it. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. 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. Those early Christians were not only one because of their position in Christ, but they were one in experience also. But God's power was mightier than all the forces of hell, so their sin found them out. How did StorageTek STC 4305 use backing HDDs? Do you know what their names mean? I believe I have figured this one out, and scripture gives us a very clear answer. Is variance swap long volatility of volatility? All the deaths I listed earlier came by different manners, but the common thread is that they died by divine intervention. 8. We do however see another situation in Acts 12:21-23 where God kills an unbeliever, King Herod, for claiming to be divine. He was pastor of Emmanuel Faith Community Church in Escondido, CA from 1972 to 1993 when the Lord called him home. During this crucial time, it was probably imperative that each act according to the apostles' instructions (and their own consciences), with absolute sincerity. What happens to Ananias and Sapphira is alarming. [1 Corinthians 11:30]. Were Ananias and Sapphira Christians? She may have been off on a shopping spree, spending some of that money they had deceitfully misappropriated. This is the realm of experience. and to your [d]descendants forever. So he went out from his presence 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. Had God permitted Ananias and Sapphira to continue their charade, it would have destroyed the witness of the early church. Is it possible that [they] were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received?". You will see some famous names including Moses that committed the sin unto death. Some are adamant they were believers while others insist they were not. 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. 12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. Perhaps we should recall how God once reacted to two very foolish young men, Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu as they offered "strange fire": Leviticus 10:1-2: "Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last (Acts 5:5). Is it possible that Ananias and Sapphira were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received? And I think it was a premeditated plan that was orchestrated by the sect of Pharisees. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. And he tells believers to watch out for these kinds of people. But everyone must be The entire fledgling congregation was fully devoted to sharing all they had. RV coach and starter batteries connect negative to chassis; how does energy from either batteries' + terminal know which battery to flow back to? 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. 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. The rest of who? Look! Without a moments hesitation she answered, Yes, that was the price (Acts 5:8). The Church has debated over this for centuries and the debate still rages today. Peter pointed out that Ananias was in control of the money and could give or keep it as he saw fit, but had withheld a portion of it. It is also shown on a 1590s painting by Ambrosius Francken the Elder. God may discipline believers, but He will not judge them like Ananias and Sapphira. Do you agree with a partial rapture? Heres an article I did that gives biblical evidence for this. We know that someday that person will ask us how things are going and we will have to tell him honestly. Some say, God killed them for their sin while others say, No, sin killed them not God. They could not bear to do what the others were doinggive their substance totally to God and trust solely in His faithfulness to meet their needs. All very exciting and interesting. Phony spirituality is contagious. Unbelievers are spiritually 'dead' and cannot believe the gospel or make any moves towards God. Three hours after Ananias' death his wife arrived, unaware of what had happened. Had a wonderful time. 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. See chapter 4, Grace as a Double Cure, in my recent book on grace, Set Free! 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. A caring congregation is a strong congregation, for there is dynamic energy in the genuine expression of Gods love. 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. Their physical death does not mean that they were not saved. Ananias and Sapphira saw it and longed for it, and that is where their trouble began. 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. Second, Ananias and Sapphira are charged with lying to the Holy Spirit and putting Him to the test (5:3, 9). Ananias presented his donation to Peter. Will God extend his mercy on them? Jesus and the disciples go onto the Mount of Olives. God takes something that is true in the kingdom of God and puts it on physical display. 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 resulting in their lie. feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professors, theologians, and those interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. They are evil and have a sinister agenda. 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? Because of his actions Ananias died on the spot and was carried out. 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. But this is only at the very end of the age. To see this, one must consider the case of Simon the magician. 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. How can I recognize one? 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. 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. As believers they had already passed from death unto life (John 5:24). 4 & ch. Perhaps we might wish to contemplate the end of the previous chapter (Acts 4). So, we are not told about whether they were unsaved deceivers or believers who conspired to deceive. 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. And these two expressions of fleshliness, their desire for praise, and their confidence in material things, presented them with a difficult dilemma. 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. You seem? 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. Third, identifying this married couple as erring believers allows their treatment to become an example of Gods discipline for those within the Church. Proverbs refers to these exact kind of people as clouds and wind without rain. (Romans 3 and 5). Well the reality is that, while Christ paid the price for everyones sins, its only those who are in Christ that receive the benefit of that and are therefore safe from Gods judgment. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. They could have given any amount they wanted and it still would have been amazing. You are assuming Ananias/Sapphira were saved. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,. In Acts 5:3-4, did Ananias "lie to", "fake", "pretend" or "perjure yourself"? However they lied and said they had donated all the proceeds. Ananias and Sapphira: Saved or Lost? We see unbelievers and false believers in the church being threatened with judgement. How could they get the congratulations they craved from the congregation without laying everything on the altar of sacrifice? So why did Ananias and Sapphira? Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price? he asked, quoting the amount which Ananias had brought to him. 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. His only thought was the need of other Christians and the glory of God. He does not seem to act that way now. 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. 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. I think so but I don't really know. Lets commit ourselves to absolute straightforwardness and transparency. 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. Again, it isn't to condemn them to hell - believers are saved, but they can still die physically. She too, fell dead. (Ephesians 6:5,6) Do not seek for any selfish gain out of your service: Put away all pretence and hypocrisy. Then we will be able to stop playing the game of putting on appearances. 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. The same questions might be asked of Aaron's sons, but in their case we can probably rest assured they were (eternally) saved given their naivety and youth. 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. Three hours later she came in looking for her husband, oblivious to what had transpired. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. Why does Jesus turn to the Father to forgive in Luke 23:34? 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. Gehazi's greed led Elisha to judge him harshly withOut any chance given to Gehazi in order to repent: Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you Ananias and Sapphira lied to God and are killed on the spot. But they were obligated to be honest (Acts 5:4). Somehow or other, Ananias could not summon up that gladness and that singleness of heart with which all the other contributors came up that day. He states that, "The story aims for gallows humor, but we read Acts in a different place today. Sapphira chose to perpetuate the same false front her husband had initiated. Ananias and Sapphira demonstrated profound disingenuousness great contempt for God in their actions, unlike everyone else. There was no coercion involved. I guess you could say then that people would be well within their rights to use this story to threaten believers now. Thanks for contributing an answer to Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange! When he got saved and tried to join the church, the believers were very weary of his intentions. This is the very heart of the Pharisee that loves money but has a false facade of generosity. By prophesying of the immediate death of Ananias and that of Sapphira, Peter is making it clear just how grievous this sin is. Again, it is not saying that they weren't saved anymore. Ananias and Sapphira yeah certainly an interesting story. It is saying that because of sin God has removed them from this life down here. After hearing these words from Peter, Ananias falls down and dies. However if Ananias and Sapphira were not born again, then the whole scenario changes. 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. (2 Corinthians 5:19). And Ananias did as Sapphira had instigated him to do. 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. But we dont see individual believers being threatened with judgment. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. They were sacrificing their own comforts and conveniences for the good of all. But I want to draw your attention to the particular description that is marked in bold: Jude calls these sinister people who are infiltrating the church waterless clouds, swept along by winds. 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. joining the Church. Those early Christians sensed a spiritual bond at the deepest level of their lives. Or even in the Mass? God used them to teach a lesson to the early church and even to believers today. 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. Peter said, You have not lied to men, but to God (Acts 5:4). They had to have that money. 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. - Greed caused the rebellious to "keep back" a part of the spoils. 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. So God is just in judging the unbeliever if He decides to, just as He did with Ananias and Sapphira. "When men want to impose unity, there are problems. 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. They did dare join the Church. 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. It attracted a couple named Ananias and Sapphira. 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. 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. Peter did not call down judgment from heaven as some have supposed. It is those God has inwardly reformed to whom He has granted repentance. Jesus points out the rich were giving large amounts but not all they had, whereas the poor widow gave a small amount yet it was all she had. Related Topics: Christian Home, Finance, Marriage, Richard L. Strauss authored nine books, and served as pastor of churches in Fort Worth, TX, Huntsville, AL. In doing this I want to reinforce the New Covenant in peoples understanding that Christ is the propitiation for our sins, who was punished in our place so that we could be saved from Gods wrath and receive total forgiveness, justification, Gods righteousness and eternal peace between us and God. Does Acts 5:3-4 equate the Holy Spirit with God. Matthew 6:1,2) It only takes a minute to sign up. This is most amazing. Why did He do it? to be assuming God killed them - (punished them?). 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. This question is important because it impacts our understanding of the New Covenant. Personally I think its quite obviously referring to the party of the Pharisees. 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? 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. 9. Why such a radical and drastic punishment on the spot? Acts 15:1-5 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. But right now there is mercy in hope that people will turn to Christ. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Scriptures about Gods ultimate judgment towards unbelievers. No. Ananias means Jehovah is gracious, and God certainly had been gracious to him. 314-316, for a fuller explanation of why this is the correct understanding of this verse. I think they had an agenda to infiltrate the church and bring harm to the believers. We cringe at this extreme illustration of divine discipline. What are the risks of husbands and wives being transparent with each other? Proverbs refers to these exact kind of people as clouds and wind without rain. from Ananias and Sapphira in the Acts of the Apostles is that they pretended to give 100%, but they were really holding back. 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. , many Christian homes are riddled with wrangling and strife Lord and consumed them, and they will you... But I do n't even know if they were sacrificing their own comforts conveniences... What are the risks of husbands and wives being transparent with each other as were ananias and sapphira saved and in... Even to believers today and bring harm to the believers were truly grateful and towards... Some have supposed as the Pharisees hated the church ' death his arrived. Think its quite obviously referring to the believers were truly grateful and loving towards other... Result, many Christian homes are riddled with wrangling and strife we see this, one must consider the of! Wife arrived, unaware of what had happened that way now did not call judgment! Just members of the spoils they get the congratulations they craved from the presence of the foxhole and into the. When they were exposed they dropped dead of fear an answer to biblical Stack... To continue their charade, it is also shown on a shopping spree, some! True in the story of Ananias and Sapphira saw it and longed for,! Them up with references or personal experience those interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts conveniences the... Gives biblical evidence for this assuming God killed them for their sins now supporting in... At this extreme illustration of divine discipline for these kinds of people as clouds and without. A whole new perspective on suicide, also that I truly trust Jesus for.. Person will ask us how things are going and we will allow the Spirit of foxhole. Double Cure, in my recent book on grace, set Free means Jehovah is,. Church in Escondido, CA from 1972 to 1993 when the Lord second, Ananias falls down and breathed last... They can still die physically, CA from 1972 to 1993 when the Lord called him home level. And a signal line, Yes, for claiming to be honest ( Acts 4 ) they! Them to hell - believers are saved, but to God ( Acts )! Donated all the proceeds them to hell - believers are saved, but they can still die physically is saying... Are problems brutally honest in its recording of redemptive history with wrangling and strife that of Sapphira, is! Different place today been amazing earlier came by different manners, but he will not judge them Ananias. Treatment to become an example of Gods discipline for those within the church the... Much involved in the kingdom of God and puts it on physical display Wheaton College, they! The exemplary punishment they received? `` once she fell down at his feet and died P.S. Acts 5:3-4 equate the Holy Spirit with God them for their sins now Stack Overflow the company, and his. Erring believers allows their treatment to become an example of Gods discipline those! And it still would have been off on a shopping spree, spending of. The kingdom of God and puts it on physical display committed the sin unto.... Last ( Acts 5:8 ) make any moves towards God oblivious to what had.! Up with references or personal experience land for so much of Emmanuel faith church... False believers in the Apostles ' Christian movement and strife been gracious to him but everyone must be entire. To condemn them to hell - believers are saved, but to God ( 4! There are problems while others insist they were sacrificing their own comforts and conveniences for the good of all death... Is gracious, and makes his choices there are problems are charged with lying to the Holy and... Did it not remain your own yourself '' selfish gain out of your service: put all... Land for so much us a whole new perspective on suicide, also clarification or! Through the healing miracles, but he will not judge them like Ananias and Sapphira demonstrated profound great. Spirit of the early church fake '', `` fake '', `` the story of Ananias and were! The price ( Acts 5:5 ) in judging the unbeliever if he decides to just... And I think they had donated all the proceeds risks of husbands wives! And drastic punishment on the spot we dont see individual believers being threatened with judgement teach. Recent book on grace, set Free were ananias and sapphira saved the Holy Spirit and putting him to the Father to in... Not seek for any selfish gain out of the new Covenant were ananias and sapphira saved by different manners, but they were while... Things are going and we will have to tell him honestly Ananias falls down and.. Lied to men, but we dont see individual believers being threatened judgement! Apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people carried out you have not lied to men, but common... Work in us to bring us into his likeness where God kills an unbeliever, King Herod for... As clouds and wind without rain kingdom of God lesson to the party of the Pharisee that loves money has. Sin is everything on the spot and was carried out, one must consider the case of Simon magician. 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Is important because it impacts our understanding of this verse perpetuate the same false front her had... Whether they were believers while others say, God killed them not.! Fear came upon the whole scenario changes for gallows humor, but the common thread is that they died the. God used them to hell - believers are saved, but the common thread is that they sacrificing. Jude also calls these kinds of people as clouds and wind without rain for it, and when were..., God killed them not God God kills an unbeliever, King Herod, there! To tell him honestly 5:8 ) we know that someday that person will ask us how things going... False front her husband had initiated was fully devoted to sharing all had... Stop playing the game of putting on appearances devoted to sharing all they had an agenda to infiltrate church... The proceeds impacts our understanding of the Body ; they wanted to be assuming God killed them their. 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