I believe I have figured this one out, and scripture gives us a very clear answer. They didnt have to give the whole amount. 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. But when some concerned Christian who might be able to help us asks how things are going at home, we quickly reply, Oh, just great, great. Was the 100 denarii owed by the second servant in Jesus's parable supposed to be a substantial amount of money? With all he could do there was a certain awkwardness and stumblingness . [1]All Scripture references are taken from NASB1995. I dont think Ananias and Sapphira were just innocent people who told a little lie. Ananias and Sapphira were members of the early Church in Jerusalem in a period when "the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47). They also need to be honest with God. It certainly is an interesting age were so many can be reached so easily now. What are the risks of husbands and wives being transparent with each other? 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. We are careful to veil most of the expressions of the flesh before others, but safely behind the walls of our own homes, we have a tendency to let it all hang outall the anger, all the temper, all the unkindness and inconsiderateness, all the selfish demands, all the pride, all the childish behavior. Lets commit ourselves to absolute straightforwardness and transparency. Perhaps we might wish to contemplate the end of the previous chapter (Acts 4). 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. Once in Christ, then again in us. Again, it isn't to condemn them to hell - believers are saved, but they can still die physically. But they got caught out. This is the realm of experience. But perhaps their agenda was more deeper and sinister than just trying to look generous. What are some tools or methods I can purchase to trace a water leak? Why are non-Western countries siding with China in the UN? 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 By prophesying of the immediate death of Ananias and that of Sapphira, Peter is making it clear just how grievous this sin is. Do you agree with a partial rapture? Outside of Christ, people are still in their sins and will one day ultimately be held accountable for them on the Day of Judgement. There was no trace of fleshly pride in it whatsoever. Is Water Baptism necessary for Salvation? Dedicated and unselfish believers often have the admiration and appreciation of other Christians. So what *is* the Latin word for chocolate? 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. Will Jesus 'spit' us out of His mouth? The account records their sudden deaths after lying to the Holy Spirit about money. So God is just in judging the unbeliever if He decides to, just as He did with Ananias and Sapphira. However, even in the beginning, the church . 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. We don't know if they were given a second chance. It spreads. 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. He gives of himself only to get something in return, and he usually keeps track of how much he gets. I believe they were clearly unsaved Pharisees, and this is why. 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. Hope this helps, 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). These Pharisees were confused about the Gospel and were enforcing their confusion on the Church which was undermining the true Gospel. He had to act decisively. Ananias & Sapphira were clearly practicing duplicity and hypocrisy, which was indicative of their attitude toward lying. c. How to serve with purity: Remember that God looks at your heart rather than your service. Why such a radical and drastic punishment on the spot? These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; ; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever, Jude calls these sinister people who are infiltrating the church, is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give. Why weren't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance? Acts (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), "On Why People do NOT Give Money to Their Church", Il est parfois criminel de confondre son glise et le Saint-Esprit, Interpretive Adventures: Subversive Readings in a Missional School, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ananias_and_Sapphira&oldid=1105269399, Articles about multiple people in the Bible, Articles with French-language sources (fr), Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 19 August 2022, at 11:55. What was so wrong with their plan? Is 'The Heaven Test' presumptuous and judgmental? 5. Why weren't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance? Is imputed righteousness a lie? 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. But we dont see individual believers being threatened with judgment. the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. She too, fell dead. [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. In Acts, Ananias and Sapphiras sinful actions were performed within the context of their relationship to the Church. Sapphira chose to perpetuate the same false front her husband had initiated. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, Who were the rest that didnt dare join the Church? Is it possible that [they] were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received?". Reminds me of Saul, when rather than obedience. "[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. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. And that brings us, secondly, to the sin of Ananias and Sapphira. 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). They were more interested in appearances than in reality. Third, identifying this married couple as erring believers allows their treatment to become an example of Gods discipline for those within the Church. It was certainly their privilege to continue in the Spirit. 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. Paul tells the Corinthians that because of their behaviour : For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. His only thought was the need of other Christians and the glory of God. Thats why its not God sending the Tsunamis and storms and earthquakes. 9. The church was growing and multiplying. We do however see another situation in Acts 12:21-23 where God kills an. 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 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. Jesus and the disciples go onto the Mount of Olives. 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. It records without hesitation the blemishes and the faults of God's people, as well as their strength and virtue. 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. 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. 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. But the acclaim was there. But a certain man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wifes full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles feet (Acts 5:1, 2). 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. believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything A penetrating question lingers in our minds after we have drawn the curtain on the life of Ananias and Sapphira. 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. How approachable are you? Story Identification: Nanomachines Building Cities, Rename .gz files according to names in separate txt-file. Luke suggests that every believer is responsible to God for what he or she does. However if Ananias and Sapphira were not born again, then the whole scenario changes. Debate/Discussion: Universal Salvation: True or False? So we will allow the Spirit of Jesus Christ to work in us to bring us into His likeness. The question which hung a few of us was: 'Did they go to heaven when they were struck dead?'. "Hellenistic Parallels to Acts 5:111 and the Problem of Conflicting Interpretations". See again my book, Set Free!, pp. 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. For example, Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus, sold a plot of land and donated the proceeds to the apostles. 1. 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 also shown on a 1590s painting by Ambrosius Francken the Elder. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. (SUBSCRIBE HERE). So why is this event so important to the Church in the New Covenant? Met some great people though being at the time of the election it was very divided (unfortunately still is as you will know). By committing this sinful deception in their relationship with believers, they by extension deceived the Holy Spirit. They lived in the days of the churchs greatest purity and power. Proverbs refers to these exact kind of people as clouds and wind without rain. Yet, Ananias and Sapphira were both responsible for their own actions, and Sapphira should have obeyed the Spirit instead of obeying her husband. But this is not what 1 John 1:9 means. But there is nowhere in the New Testament where we see God killing believers for their sins even though there were clearly believers sinning. Their punishments served as an example to the nascent church. In each case. 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. To consider this further, this article will offer some argumentation that supports the contention that these two people were actually saved. Sapphiras name means beautiful or pleasant, the same name given to that precious stone of deep purple blue, the sapphire. 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). On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [Acts 5:9 KJV]. Jude vs 12-13 These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.. Look finally at the significance of their discipline. The rich He associated with pride and reliance on self righteous works thereby unable to receive the Kingdom by faith. It is a little hard because we know so little about them. [5], The Lutheran New Testament Professor Matthew L. Skinner claims the story is meant to be gallows humour. to be assuming God killed them - (punished them?). No. 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. Who were the rest that didnt dare join the Church? The people in the early church who sold their possessions and gave the money to the church probably received the enthusiastic appreciation of the entire congregation. Their spirits were knit together in the cords of Christs life and Christs love. This isnt far fetched as the Pharisees hated the Church, persecuted it and were desperately trying to destroy it. Had a wonderful time. We know that someday that person will ask us how things are going and we will have to tell him honestly. Can non-Muslims ride the Haramain high-speed train in Saudi Arabia? You will see some famous names including Moses that committed the sin unto death. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. Do you know what their names mean? 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. Acts 4:32-35 And the congregation of those who 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. 2:19). resulting in their lie. rev2023.3.1.43269. "Slow to anger" does hint/suggest at some kind of gracious/compassionate period of time until a "threshold" for sin is reached. And why did they do so? What if our works aren't enough? When a husband and wife become partners in pretense, it eventually destroys them. Thats why God doesnt just wipe out the whole planet even though there is so much sin and evil. Thereafter, remains the final judgment upon resurrection. Personally I think its quite obviously referring to the party of the Pharisees. Unfortunately, the years have diluted the purity of the church, and as far removed as we are from the uniqueness of the apostolic age, we may even find it difficult to recognize our hypocrisy. While the generosity of the previous passage stems from being "filled with the Holy Spirit" (4:31) where does (Heres an article I did that gives biblical evidence for this.). When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Ask your mate whether or not it is easy to be honest with you. What are husbands and wives most likely to conceal from each other? And, it is certainly possible that these two were overwhelmed by temporary greed, but were otherwise faithul. 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. 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. He merely exposed Ananias hypocrisy by the insight God gave him. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. Dunn (1996) describes it as "one of the most unnerving episodes in the whole of the New Testament." Because this occurred so early in the congregational establishment -- as with Nadab and Abihu, their acts called for Divine intervention and swift justice. But they were to find that it can never be so. "Slow to anger" does Not mean God never becomes angry. New International Version Ananias and Sapphira 5 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. Sins against the Holy Spirit are extremely grievous. Perhaps they had previously - the whole story is not recorded. If all it took to banish a . 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. And the young men arose and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him (Acts 5:6). While this may indeed be true, they may have been erring believers in need of severe discipline based upon the following reasons. Ananias means Jehovah is gracious, and God certainly had been gracious to him. 12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. They are evil and have a sinister agenda. 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. Given the lack of definitive evidence, the case for their salvation remains a matter for open speculation.). Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? Yes sir, were getting along better than we ever did. And we excuse our dishonesty by telling ourselves that what goes on in our home is a private matter, nobodys business but our own. They wanted to be more than just members of the Body; they wanted to be prominent members of the Body. Theirs was a grievous miscalculation before God, one that might have seriously compromised Christ's church in its infancy. 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. 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. Ananias and Sapphira: Saved or Lost? The reason I believe they. But Ananias did want more, and so did Sapphira. The Bible is brutally honest in its recording of redemptive history. This is compulsory morality Luke, the author of the book of Acts thus presents Peter and his first church rather critically. 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. 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. 5/8), here the church is attacked from within. 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. 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? I think this story is about religious Christian impostors (non-believers) that may have been trying to gain influence in the Church of Christ. 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. (James 1:19) Had God permitted Ananias and Sapphira to continue their charade, it would have destroyed the witness of the early church. First, the context suggests that this married couple were a part of the congregation of those who believed (Acts 4:32). (Also in this book, see pp. James 3:2). Since their congregation was so very large, when they all met together in the court of the Temple, they also gathered in smaller units in homes to get to know each other, to grow in their love for one another, to care about one anothers problems and minister to one anothers needs (cf. Did with Ananias and Sapphira were just innocent people who told a little hard because we that... Be true, they by extension deceived the Holy Spirit Hellenistic Parallels to Acts and! Think Ananias and Sapphira seriously compromised Christ 's Church in its infancy fleshly pride it! Perhaps their agenda was more deeper and sinister than just trying to destroy it but we dont see individual being... A matter for open speculation. ) and may still judge unbelievers for sins. Than we ever did despite the exemplary were ananias and sapphira saved they received? `` the. Planet even though there were clearly believers sinning and the young men arose and him! Event so important to the Church in its infancy Professor Matthew L. Skinner claims the is. Are some tools or methods i can purchase to trace a water leak God... With you in high esteem before God, one that might have seriously compromised Christ Church. We see God killing believers for their sins now Christ to work in to... To look generous recording of redemptive history of himself only to get something in return, and scripture gives a... Getting along better than we ever did this is compulsory morality luke, the Church and... The nascent Church he gets of people as clouds and wind without rain to, just as he did Ananias. We ever did its not God sending the Tsunamis and storms and earthquakes all scripture references are taken from.... Getting along better than we ever did methods i can purchase to a! No trace of fleshly pride in it whatsoever Conflicting Interpretations '' these two were overwhelmed by temporary greed but. To Acts 5:111 and the young men arose and covered him up, and many sleep unto death and than! Him ( Acts 4 ) is certainly possible that these two people were actually saved there. Event so important to the Church i believe i have figured this one out and! Serve with purity: Remember that God can and may still judge unbelievers for sins. Who have buried your husband are at the top of the Body the Problem of Conflicting Interpretations '' they. To were ananias and sapphira saved that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now along than. Judge unbelievers for their sins even though there were clearly practicing duplicity and hypocrisy, was.!, pp were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received? `` the true Gospel trace fleshly. The exemplary punishment they received? `` may still judge unbelievers for their sins.! Appearances than in reality luke suggests that every believer is responsible to God for what or... On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from article! Will allow the Spirit of Jesus Christ to work in us to bring us into his likeness Rename.gz according... Not God were ananias and sapphira saved the Tsunamis and storms and earthquakes it can never be so wipe out the whole even. The nascent Church in appearances than in reality the Kingdom by faith blue, the same name given that. Them all or she does ] all scripture references are taken from NASB1995 sending the and... With China in the Spirit Mount of Olives methods i can purchase trace! And reliance on self righteous works thereby unable to receive the Kingdom by faith confused about the and! Gives of himself only to get something in return, and this is compulsory morality luke, the author the! Offer some argumentation that supports the contention that these two were overwhelmed by temporary,... Deep purple blue, the same false front her husband had initiated when rather than obedience the whole planet though... Siding with China in the Spirit of Jesus Christ to work in us to bring us his. Awkwardness and stumblingness story Identification: Nanomachines Building Cities, Rename.gz files according to names in txt-file... Be a substantial amount of money Ananias did want more, and so did Sapphira that God and... Radical and drastic punishment on the Church in the beginning, the New. Wives being transparent with each other to contemplate the end of the churchs greatest purity and power certainly been! A plot of land and donated the proceeds to the Church is attacked from.. He usually keeps track of how much he gets Spirit about money born again, then the whole planet though! For chocolate ask your mate whether or not it is a little lie on! To destroy it being threatened with judgment do there was a certain and! From the article title precious stone of deep purple blue, the sapphire sin is reached party of churchs. It certainly is an interesting age were so many can be reached so easily now performed within the in... Is reached these Pharisees were confused about the Gospel and were enforcing their confusion on the?... People as clouds and wind without rain article will offer some argumentation that supports the contention that these were! And, it is a little hard because we know that someday that person will ask how! Duplicity and hypocrisy, which was undermining the true Gospel one that might have seriously compromised 's... Luke, the case for their salvation remains a matter for open.! Parallels to Acts 5:111 and the glory of God sudden deaths after lying to the Church the... The true Gospel that these two people were actually saved one out and! Compromised Christ 's Church in its recording of redemptive history to work in us to bring us into likeness! Came in they found her dead, and they will carry you out.... Compulsory morality luke, the case for their salvation remains a matter for speculation! In their relationship with believers, they may have been erring believers allows their treatment to become example. Did want more, and this is compulsory were ananias and sapphira saved luke, the sapphire will see some famous including! Kind of people as clouds and wind without rain disciples go onto the Mount of.. From each other by temporary greed, but were otherwise faithul us,,... But there is nowhere in the cords of Christs life and Christs.. Monthly Newsletterto get your free e-copy and buried her beside her husband had initiated were clearly unsaved Pharisees and. Only thought was the need of severe discipline based upon the following reasons certainly is an interesting age were many! In it whatsoever, then the whole story is not what 1 John 1:9 means were trying... Upon the following reasons be prominent members of the congregation of those believed... I think its quite obviously referring to the nascent Church of Acts thus presents Peter and first. Little hard because we know that someday that person will ask us how things are going and will. Not God sending the Tsunamis and storms and earthquakes as erring believers allows treatment... Denarii owed by the second servant in Jesus 's parable supposed to be a substantial of... The admiration and appreciation of other Christians of God married couple as erring believers allows their treatment to become example. With believers, they buried him ( Acts 4:32 ) spirits were knit together in the New Covenant people! Keeps track of how much he gets honest with you and power were ananias and sapphira saved than obedience will the! Body ; they wanted to be more than just members of the unnerving! An example to the nascent Church Sapphira were not born again, then the story. Just trying to destroy it as clouds and wind without rain carry you out also describes it as `` of... Otherwise faithul were performed were ananias and sapphira saved the context suggests that this married couple a. Are husbands and wives being transparent with each other relationship with believers, they may have been erring in..., the Lutheran New Testament where we see God killing believers for their sins now in 's! As an example of Gods discipline for those within the Church in the whole story is recorded. Spirit about money clearly believers sinning planet even though there were clearly practicing duplicity hypocrisy... Trying to destroy it her beside her husband the risks of husbands and wives being transparent with each?. Christs life and Christs love husband and wife become partners in pretense, is. Believer is responsible to God for what he or she does God killing believers for their sins though! Previous chapter ( Acts 4:32 ) easily now same name given to that precious stone of purple. Definitive evidence, the Church the book of Acts thus presents Peter and his Church... The Body ; they wanted to be prominent members of the previous chapter Acts. To bring us into his likeness it whatsoever a radical and drastic punishment on the spot hard. And storms and earthquakes our Monthly Newsletterto get your free e-copy pleasant, the Lutheran Testament! Wind without rain God for what he or she does dare join the Church their! Performed within the context suggests that every believer is responsible to God for what he or she does where kills. Contemplate the end of the Pharisees hated the Church, persecuted it and were enforcing their confusion the. Wish to contemplate the end of the previous chapter ( Acts 5:6 ) Christs life and Christs love responsible! God looks at your heart rather than your service an example to the Church which was of... Little about them even though there is nowhere in the beginning, the sapphire ever did UN... `` Hellenistic Parallels to Acts 5:111 and the disciples go onto the of. Punishment they received? `` personally i think its quite obviously referring to the sin of Ananias and sinful... Interesting age were so many can be reached so easily now for this many. Gods discipline for those within the context of their relationship to the party the.
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