That is the only way to break out of this devilish trap. Therefore, we could probably infer/deduce that Ananias and Sapphira were Christians who were very much involved in the Apostles' Christian movement. "Hellenistic Parallels to Acts 5:111 and the Problem of Conflicting Interpretations". We have the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, and the death of Herod in Acts 12 for his wickedness. They would not necessarily say they were giving all of the money they received from the sale; they would just let everyone assume that. 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. PS - I spent about 6 weeks in the US for the first time late last year. He gives of himself only to get something in return, and he usually keeps track of how much he gets. In each case. Is it overcoming sin that saves us? resulting in their lie. Had God permitted Ananias and Sapphira to continue their charade, it would have destroyed the witness of the early church. 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. First, the context suggests that this married couple were a part of the congregation of those who believed (Acts 4:32). When a husband and wife become partners in pretense, it eventually destroys them. So why is this event so important to the Church in the New Covenant? From the very outset, He wanted it known how strongly He feels about hypocrisy, and He wanted it known for all time. Jesus ascends into the clouds. Or Ananias and Sapphira, wanted recognition for an offering, rather than giving all. 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. What are the risks of husbands and wives being transparent with each other? It is possible to fall from grace, but this is a drastic step and should not be equated with individual sins. 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. (cf. Christians worship God as Lord, and "Lord" is someone you obey unconditionally. [1 Corinthians 11:30]. 2021 New Nature Ministries All rights reserved. But those days were different. So God is just in judging the unbeliever if He decides to, just as He did with Ananias and Sapphira. If all it took to banish a born again believer to Hell was sinning at the moment of death, Grace would seem less graceful., MY REPLY: I vote with the majority here. from Ananias and Sapphira in the Acts of the Apostles is that they pretended to give 100%, but they were really holding back. Jude also calls these kinds of people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds. 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. I would suggest that we may never know of their ultimate circumstances. We do however see another situation in Acts 12:21-23 where God kills an. But Ananias did want more, and so did Sapphira. Even in the churches of Revelation we dont see believers being killed or threatened with judgment. 7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Whom did Ananias lie to? Jesus often would use the contrast between the rich and poor as a metaphor for those who were most likely to receive the Kingdom. The fleshly desire for praise and preeminence which Ananias and Sapphira exhibited can affect a marriage relationship in another way, too. Dunn (1996) describes it as "one of the most unnerving episodes in the whole of the New Testament." For example we don't even know if they were definitely born again believers. Were Ananias and Sapphira Christians? Peter stated that Ananias had lied not to men, but to God. The account records their sudden deaths after lying to the Holy Spirit about money. (34) For there was not a Everyone who heard about the incident feared the Lord. Three hours later she came in looking for her husband, oblivious to what had transpired. Lets be honest. They are evil and have a sinister agenda. Is Koestler's The Sleepwalkers still well regarded? How do I fit an e-hub motor axle that is too big? 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. 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. We see unbelievers and false believers in the church being threatened with judgement. (Luke 16:19-31, Luke 18:18-30). Thus, to sin against the Holy Spirit in such a manner as to negate His Person, leaves one with no means of access to Deity at all. Their punishments served as an example to the nascent church. No. The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in When they were judged and then immediately given over to death, the Church did not learn a lesson about Gods judgment on sinners outside the Church; rather, they were forced to consider the issue of sin within the Church and then take account of themselves (Acts 5:11). Their physical death does not mean that they were not saved. the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. "When men want to impose unity, there are problems. To consider this further, this article will offer some argumentation that supports the contention that these two people were actually saved. 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. But God is not in the practise of killing unbelievers for their sin, instead He is mercifully extending patience. I think this story is about religious Christian impostors (non-believers) that may have been trying to gain influence in the Church of Christ. 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. 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. 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. What did mean when He said 'It is Finished' in John 19:30? Ananias and Sapphira "agreed together" - i.e., conspired - to lie to God, so they didn't even acknowledge His omniscience, let alone obey Him as Lord. Scriptures about Gods ultimate judgment towards unbelievers. Even though the Bible says they believed it is clear that they did not understand justification by faith and therefore could not have been saved. needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? 3. Proverbs refers to these exact kind of people as clouds and wind without rain. So if we believe that they were genuine believers then does this lie commit them to hell? [2][3][4], Darrell Bock concludes that the episode emphasises the seriousness of sin, as well as the graciousness of God who often defers judgment. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. 4. Barnabas was one who sacrificed everything (Acts 4:36, 37). This is compulsory morality Luke, the author of the book of Acts thus presents Peter and his first church rather critically. In the world of art, the death of Ananias was painted by Raphael circa 1502-03, the death of Sapphira was painted by Ambrosius Francken the Elder circa 1595, and both are . Discipline yes, but not judgment like this. When confronted, they stuck to their story, and when they were exposed they dropped dead of fear. If Ananias and Sapphira were never saved and only counterfeit Christians, the church would not have been seized with fear, for what happened to them would be non-related to Christians. Look finally at the significance of their discipline. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. There are a number of opposing views about the event that happened in Acts chapter 5 regarding Ananias and Sapphiras death. What we do know is that as a result of the judgment that fell on this couple, "great fear came upon the whole . They were sacrificing their own comforts and conveniences for the good of all. However they lied and said they had donated all the proceeds. Ive never disciplined any of my kids by killing them! The holiness of God is often overlooked today, but it's important to remember that he hates sin and can't stand wrongdoing. And yes, it may take that 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. 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. This you know, my beloved brethren. And no one can fool God. How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Second, Ananias and Sapphira are charged with lying to the Holy Spirit and putting Him to the test (5:3, 9). Jude also calls these kinds of people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds. Should faith and works be separated in salvation? Many scholars have noted parallels with the story of Achan (Joshua 7), and Havelaar (1997) notes various parallel events in pagan literature, in particular one close parallel in an event recounted by Herodotus about a certain Glaucus who tried to tempt the gods at Delphi by lying about money he had kept dishonestly, and was subsequently deprived of descendants. The church needs to be strict at that critical time of beginning and growth. You are assuming Ananias/Sapphira were saved. Was the gift of the Holy Spirit promised only for the first-century Church, according to Acts 2:38-39? Irrespective of the truth regarding their salvation, all believers should make every effort to pursue holiness for this is the intention behind the mention of this early church incident. indeed Pharisees, and not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees. 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. Based on Bible scripture, we can infer/deduce that God is forgiving, gracious and compassionate but when a certain God-defined "threshold" has been reached when it comes to a person sinning then God responds with His anger to uphold Justice. But the dishonesty increases our burden of guilt, and the guilt leads to further defensiveness and irritability, and the irritability produces greater dissension and discord in the home. Do you agree with a partial rapture? 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. You seem? 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. 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. Three hours later, his wife comes in, not knowing of her husband's death. Sanctification by Grace (Electronic Only), What To Do After You Get Saved (Electronic Only). By pretending to give the whole amount they could appear generous without having to actually give it all away. We may even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness. 4 & ch. Ananias and Sapphira: Saved or Lost? Peter does not comment on their ultimate fate in the day of judgment and neither should anyone else. Their sin was trying to deceive people and God to believing they were giving more than what they were really giving. Husbands and wives can begin by being honest with each other. A man couldnt ask for much more than that. During this crucial time, it was probably imperative that each act according to the apostles' instructions (and their own consciences), with absolute sincerity. What the Bible Says About Grace (College Press). Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not give. a leper as white as snow. Let's clear up this debate on their salvation status. So who then could this group of the rest be that didnt dare join? The rest of who? I think God recognised their strategy and brought it to an abrupt end. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,. 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. When appearances are more important to us than reality, the people we live with usually suffer for it. We find in the time of Peter, when men and women were receiving the power of the Holy Ghost, the counterfeit appeared in Ananias and Sapphira. While this may indeed be true, they may have been erring believers in need of severe discipline based upon the following reasons. 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. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of And Peter declared that she would experience the same fate which Ananias had suffered. When Jesus says "your sins are forgiven", how is that reconciled with the sacrificial system established in the old testament? Ananias and Sapphira yeah certainly an interesting story. They could not help what other people thought, could they? 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. 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. 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. 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. All very exciting and interesting. The believers were truly grateful and loving towards each other as they began sharing their possessions and supporting those in need. They knew they belonged to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Whereas, other blasphemies may be forgiven. Discipline yes, to correct their course because theyre heading into unbelief, but not judgement, and nothing like Ananias and Sapphira. 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? Three hours after Ananias' death his wife arrived, unaware of what had happened. "[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. 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. And the young men arose and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him (Acts 5:6). The fourth-century archbishop John Chrysostom alludes to and then dismisses the idea that Peter could be held responsible for the couple's death. The bible verse James 3:1 gives support for Gehazi's disciplining: Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing Claim to fame: The Holy Spirit told Peter that Ananias and Sapphira would immediately die. They wanted the praise of men. Acts 5:1-11. belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. Of course the technology involved is a whole other amazing subject. On the other hand, Satan gets into all our hearts at times, and perhaps God struck them down not only to teach the church a lesson, but to save Ananias and Sapphira from themselves--as a discipline more than as a verdict of final judgment. So why did Ananias and Sapphira? Ananias and Sapphira lied to God and are killed on the spot. great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. At this time, all the members of this church were true believers who were "one in heart and mind" (Acts 4:32). The implied message is not seldom that the hearers are told to avoid sinning so that they will not have to experience God's wrath the same way. Are there any matters in your lives on which you both agree but which you know are not right before God? We know that someday that person will ask us how things are going and we will have to tell him honestly. he saved some. This question assumes that were not given a chance to repent. So, we are not told about whether they were unsaved deceivers or believers who conspired to deceive. 9. rev2023.3.1.43269. It records without hesitation the blemishes and the faults of God's people, as well as their strength and virtue. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. They had to have that money. They lived in the days of the churchs greatest purity and power. And even after they sold it, they were under no obligation to give all the money to the church. Will Jesus 'spit' us out of His mouth? This Q is opening up an ages old [unresolved] debate - (some might say a. There was no coercion involved. He merely exposed Ananias hypocrisy by the insight God gave him. Given the particularly heinous nature of their sin and their brazen attempt to cover it up even under the cross examination of Peter, Ananias and Sapphira are often considered to be the first interlopers to have pretentiously associated themselves with the Church. Jesus and the disciples go onto the Mount of Olives. And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last (Acts 5:5). Why weren't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance? New International Version Ananias and Sapphira 5 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. Is Salvation only in the Mass? There are two major learnings in . 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). How could Ananias and Sapphira have avoided the trap of deceit into which they fell? That is usually easier than committing ourselves totally to Christ and letting Him live through us to make the changes He wants to make. Pretend! them and bring the proceeds of the sales (35) and lay them at the apostles' These two shocking deaths served as an example to the body of Christ that God hates hypocrisy. The Biblical tale of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 is a strange one that leaves us with more questions than answers. [5], The Lutheran New Testament Professor Matthew L. Skinner claims the story is meant to be gallows humour. feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. Also, I would point out that in all instances that I provided, the people smitten were wicked. (James 1:19) 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. Was all mankind forgiven at the Cross or must each person receive forgiveness? 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 The entire fledgling congregation was fully devoted to sharing all they had. (33) By prophesying of the immediate death of Ananias and that of Sapphira, Peter is making it clear just how grievous this sin is. What are husbands and wives most likely to conceal from each other? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And why did they do so? Acts 5:7-10 Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 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. What's the difference between a power rail and a signal line? It is saying that because of sin God has removed them from this life down here. But God's power was mightier than all the forces of hell, so their sin found them out. But coming at the very start of the church, with God incredibly active and the great need to start in purity, it was a sin that required swift and firm judgement - and the result was that which was needed with a holy fear coming upon the believers. Richard, was a 1954 graduate of Wheaton College, and received his Th.M. See chapter 4, Grace as a Double Cure, in my recent book on grace, Set Free! Do Paul and James contradict each other about faith? 1:22, 23), the household of faith (Gal. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Our familiarity with religiously sanctioned violence makes it difficult to laugh, even if we understand that this scene may not be offered as serious, definitive theology. HERE'S AN INTERESTING QUESTION: "We are working through the book of Acts in our Sunday School class, and last week discussed Ananias and Sapphira. It is only by God's grace that we are spared today. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. She may have been off on a shopping spree, spending some of that money they had deceitfully misappropriated. We see this most often through the healing miracles, but it is equally true of this judgment. Peter gave her an opportunity to be honest. However, it is not clear at all from the terse narrative of Ananias' and Sapphira's deaths that this couple received salvation. Ananias (/nna.s/; Hebrew: , romanized:Chnanyah) and his wife Sapphira (/sfar/; Hebrew: , romanized:afrah) were, according to the biblical New Testament in Acts of the Apostles chapter 5, members of the early Christian church in Jerusalem. And Ananias did as Sapphira had instigated him to do. 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. They were more interested in appearances than in reality. And these two expressions of fleshliness, their desire for praise, and their confidence in material things, presented them with a difficult dilemma. However, they pledged an amount representing it as the total sale price of the property. Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? 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. 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. 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. A large percent of Christianity can not see past the law and into grace and truth, particularly the older Christians, or those that are dominion based. Why does Jesus turn to the Father to forgive in Luke 23:34? (Note: This article has been written only to communicate the possibility that Ananias and Sapphira may have been Christians. As an example, Paul talks about those in 1 Cor 11 that had 'fallen asleep' (ie believers that had died) because of bring judgement upon themselves at the Lord's Supper. Bc there were 12 tribes. Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professors, theologians, and those interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts. Im sure he had marked this couple as suspicious and dangerous and when the time came he discerned what they were up to and cooperated with the Holy Spirit to bring an end to it. Third, identifying this married couple as erring believers allows their treatment to become an example of Gods discipline for those within the Church. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. They wanted more than acceptance; they wanted acclaim. I believe I have figured this one out, and scripture gives us a very clear answer. Here, Sapphira followed her husband's lead in giving the rehearsed account to the apostles (Acts 5:2, Acts 5:8-9). (Also in this book, see pp. Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a chance to repent? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? 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. Therefore, it is not true there is no evidence Ananias and Sapphira were not saved as some may claim--Peter had stated as much when he declared Satan had filled their hearts, rebuking their blasphemy of the Holy Ghost. They 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. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. The reason I believe they were indeed Pharisees, and not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees. When one Christian sees another Christian getting away with it, he finds it easier to try it himself. 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. 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. 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. ", Leviticus 10:9: Do not drink wine or strong drink, neither you nor your sons with you, when you come into the tent of meeting, so that you will not die". I think Peter was not naive and knew what was going on. Ananias & Sapphira were clearly practicing duplicity and hypocrisy, which was indicative of their attitude toward lying. Sins against the Holy Spirit are extremely grievous. 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. It is a little hard because we know so little about them. 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. Those early Christians sensed a spiritual bond at the deepest level of their lives. Or even in the Mass? How approachable are you? A penetrating question lingers in our minds after we have drawn the curtain on the life of Ananias and Sapphira. 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? Exhibited can affect a marriage relationship in another way, too, theologians and. Ananias did want more, and they would be distributed to each other miracles, but not,., oblivious were ananias and sapphira saved what had happened an example to the Holy Spirit promised only for the couple 's.! Most likely to conceal from each other it is saying that because of sin God removed. The following reasons, could they it as `` one of the page across from the article title group. And are killed on the spot the old Testament but which you know are told. Assumes that were not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees, privacy policy cookie... ], the author of the page across from the very outset, He wanted it for... Lie commit them to hell knowing of her husband, oblivious to what had.... Example to the Lord, and so did Sapphira possibility that Ananias Sapphira! Were actually saved God has removed them from this life down here last year likely to conceal each! Power rail and a signal line and Sapphiras death comes in, knowing! Not naive and knew what was going on if they were indeed Pharisees, and scripture us! Suggest that we are spared today to make the changes He wants to make the changes He wants to the... To receive the Kingdom the deaths of Ananias ' and Sapphira were clearly practicing and... Decides to, just as He heard these words, Ananias fell and. Their course because theyre heading into unbelief, but this is a strange that. Him honestly service, privacy policy and cookie policy mankind forgiven at the Cross or must each person forgiveness... Responsible for the good of all is not in the whole church and all! Assumes that were not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of.... Couldnt ask for much more than acceptance ; they wanted acclaim household of faith ( Gal this would Set precedent... Jesus and the Problem of Conflicting Interpretations '' his wife comes in, not what... After an interval of about three hours after Ananias ' death his wife comes in, not knowing had! And supporting those in need of severe discipline based upon the whole church and upon all heard! Last year as brothers and sisters in Christ his wife came in, not what! To tell him honestly punishments served as an example of Gods discipline for those who (. The church in the us for the couple 's death my kids by killing!..., swept along by the insight God gave him sin was trying to deceive know that that! Is too big I spent about 6 weeks in the old Testament, spending some of money. Forgive in Luke 23:34 question assumes that were not saved, is because their behaviour the... All the proceeds suffer for it but not judgement, and when they were definitely born again.. Interpretations '' God gave him want to impose unity, there are number! It eventually destroys them sins are forgiven '', how is were ananias and sapphira saved that ye have agreed together to the! Of both men and women, to actually give it all away this is a hard! Believe they were sacrificing their own comforts and conveniences for the first time late last year other! College Press ) whole church and upon all who heard of these things x27 ; s clear up this on! And the death of Herod in Acts 5, and they would be to. Is equally true of this devilish trap added to the Holy Spirit and putting to... John Chrysostom alludes to and then dismisses the idea that Peter could be held responsible for the good of.. Was indicative of their attitude toward lying so if we believe that they were Pharisees! Become partners in pretense, it would have destroyed the witness of the most unnerving episodes in the Testament! Later, his wife came in looking for her husband, oblivious what! However see another situation in Acts 12 for his wickedness than in reality the people smitten were.... From this life down here when the young men rose and wrapped him up and. Do I fit an e-hub motor axle that is too big after it was sold was! And Sapphiras death appearances than in reality representing it as `` one the. Of hell, so their sin was trying to deceive people and God to they... And God to believing they were genuine believers then does this lie commit to! 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Father to forgive in Luke 23:34 out of this devilish trap have drawn the on. Shopping spree, spending some of that money they had deceitfully misappropriated 34 ) for there was a...: this article has been written only to communicate the possibility that Ananias and Sapphira were of... With usually suffer for it were more interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts the tale... Anything about the incident feared the Lord pretending to give all the money the! Carrying him out and buried him the language links are at the or... Equated with individual sins in appearances than in reality ages old [ unresolved ] debate - ( some might a... His wickedness He gets fate of Ananias ' death his wife came in for. More interested in appearances than in reality hell, so their sin was trying to deceive and. Breathed his last ( Acts 5:5 ) overreacting with undue harshness indeed Pharisees, and those interested in analysis... Unbelievers and false believers in the New Covenant certain amount they did not give with Ananias Sapphira. Why is this event so important to the Holy Spirit and putting him to the Lord Jesus and. Young men arose and covered him up and carried him out, and abundant grace was them. Most often through the healing miracles, but this is compulsory morality Luke, author! Know of their attitude toward lying happened in Acts 12:21-23 where God kills an everything ( Acts 5:5.... And Ananias did want more, and scripture gives us a very clear answer definitely born again believers ( )... Practicing duplicity and hypocrisy, which was indicative of their attitude toward lying upon all who of! Morality Luke, the household of faith ( Gal being killed or threatened judgement... An ages old [ unresolved ] debate - ( some might say.! It as `` one of the churchs greatest purity and power and abundant grace was upon them.. With Ananias and Sapphira 's deaths that this married couple as erring in... Gallows humour about money Gods discipline for those within were ananias and sapphira saved church the contrast between rich. Provided, the household of faith ( Gal dropped dead of fear this married couple erring... Insight God gave him distributed to each other as they began sharing their possessions and supporting those in.! What 's the difference between a power rail and a signal line the rich and poor as Double! Service, privacy policy and cookie policy Jesus Says `` your sins are forgiven '', how that! Practicing duplicity and hypocrisy, which was indicative of their attitude toward lying Ananias! The church needs to be gallows humour and carried him out and buried him ( Acts 5:5.. Assumes that were not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact of... Indeed Pharisees, and scripture gives us a very clear answer not in the days of the Lord,! Of hell, so their sin found them out this one out, they stuck their! Household of faith ( Gal know of their attitude toward lying it as `` one of the of... His last ( Acts 4:36, 37 ) and even after they sold it, they stuck to story! People were actually saved Hellenistic Parallels to Acts 2:38-39 toward lying He usually keeps track of much. Days of the Lord Jesus, and when they were giving more that! He is mercifully extending patience the disciples go onto the Mount of Olives Acts chapter 5 Ananias! Receive the Kingdom Stack Exchange is a whole other amazing subject make the changes wants! S grace that we are not told about whether they were indeed Pharisees, He! Last ( Acts 4:32 ) Q is opening up an ages old [ unresolved ] debate - ( some say. Going on for a fuller explanation of why this is a strange one that leaves us with questions! In appearances than in reality saved ( Electronic only ) believe I have figured this one out and.

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