Might be someone from the States like yourself or a believer in Asia or a Pastor in Rwanda (like one who recently left a message in the JPN guestbook) so always encouraging. They did not sit through their worship services, then go home and forget about their brothers and sisters. That is usually easier than committing ourselves totally to Christ and letting Him live through us to make the changes He wants to make. 303ff. In the fourth chapter of Acts, the apostles were praying for more boldness and miracles. Look! Acts 5:1-42. ) They were also led to humble themselves even further under the Apostles authority as they recognized that their authority could even be employed in severe judgment. 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. God may discipline believers, but He will not judge them like Ananias and Sapphira. Outside of Christ, people are still in their sins and will one day ultimately be held accountable for them on the Day of Judgement. It records without hesitation the blemishes and the faults of God's people, as well as their strength and virtue. Personally I think its quite obviously referring to the party of the Pharisees. We may even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness. We do however see another situation in Acts 12:21-23 where God kills an unbeliever, King Herod, for claiming to be divine. Discipline yes, but not judgment like this. (Heres an article I did that gives biblical evidence for this.). He merely exposed Ananias hypocrisy by the insight God gave him. We look bac Is it possible that Ananias and Sapphira were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received? I t is reasonable to believe that both Ananias and Sapphira were present in the prayer meeting described in Acts 4:31. 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. (Ephesians 6:5,6) Do not seek for any selfish gain out of your service: Put away all pretence and hypocrisy. Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a chance to repent? A penetrating question lingers in our minds after we have drawn the curtain on the life of Ananias and Sapphira. 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. While they demonstrated a marvelous togetherness in their deceptive scheme, their hypocrisy could not help but have affected their marriage. 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. 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. Is Salvation only in the Mass? They were more interested in appearances than in reality. 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. Is there any sign that either of you is seeking the supremacy in your relationship (such as keeping score)? 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. They lived in the days of the churchs greatest purity and power. They were more interested in appearances than in reality. Therefore, we could probably infer/deduce that Ananias and Sapphira were Christians who were very much involved in the Apostles' Christian movement. If he thinks he is coming out on the short end, he quarrels and complains until he gets what he thinks he deserves. I think they had an agenda to infiltrate the church and bring harm to the believers. Third, identifying this married couple as erring believers allows their treatment to become an example of Gods discipline for those within the Church. In Acts 5:9-11 why does Peter dispense immediate judgment? them and bring the proceeds of the sales (35) and lay them at the apostles' Is Faith enough? The Book of Acts records Pharisees trying to infiltrate the church. How can you avoid this tendency? They wanted people to think they were also extremely generous and selflessly caring, but they didnt want to have to let go of all their money in order to achieve that. Let's clear up this debate on their salvation status. He explained that they were under no obligation to sell their property. Acts 5:3-4. Have a read of Ray Stedman's notes on this at the bottom of this Q&A http://www.jesusplusnothing.com/questions/sinleadingtodeath.htm, It will give more info on this. 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). Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not give. It is also shown on a 1590s painting by Ambrosius Francken the Elder. At this time, all the members of this church were true believers who were "one in heart and mind" (Acts 4:32). And he tells believers to watch out for these kinds of people. Was the 100 denarii owed by the second servant in Jesus's parable supposed to be a substantial amount of money? Those early Christians sensed a spiritual bond at the deepest level of their lives. Phony spirituality is contagious. needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell Three hours later she came in looking for her husband, oblivious to what had transpired. Jesus often would use the contrast between the rich and poor as a metaphor for those who were most likely to receive the Kingdom. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. 2021 New Nature Ministries All rights reserved. 7. Luke, in Acts 2:37-47, presents the first church as a utopia devoted to the love of God and each other, so much so that members began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. When one considers this initial expression of the church alongside the corruption in the Corinthian Church and many of the other churches spoken of in the New Testament (NT), one is forced to consider the cause. PS - I spent about 6 weeks in the US for the first time late last year. Don't you think it's amazing how the Lord is using you to touch lives thousands of miles away from you? 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. 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. The Holy Ghost had not granted them repentance. We don't know if they were given a second chance. Look! And yes, it may take that (Luke 16:19-31, Luke 18:18-30). How do I fit an e-hub motor axle that is too big? 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. But Scripture goes on to say that they were of one soul as well, and that is something entirely different. Peter did not call down judgment from heaven as some have supposed. The bible verse James 3:1 gives support for Gehazi's disciplining: Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing We cringe at this extreme illustration of divine discipline. So who then could this group of the rest be that didnt dare join? There are a number of opposing views about the event that happened in Acts chapter 5 regarding Ananias and Sapphiras death. These two shocking deaths served as an example to the body of Christ that God hates hypocrisy. She was given an opportunity to back out in Acts 5:8b, but doubled-down on the lie that they offered the full amount; which itself was not required. It is only by God's grace that we are spared today. 314-316, for a fuller explanation of why this is the correct understanding of this verse. Peter does not comment on their ultimate fate in the day of judgment and neither should anyone else. Thereafter, remains the final judgment upon resurrection. Each partner is keeping score of who gives in the most, who gets the most attention, who shows the most appreciation, who has the most faults, or some other trivial area of contention. Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 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. James 3:2). We know that someday that person will ask us how things are going and we will have to tell him honestly. 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. Evidently they could. In the first place, their physical death was a temporal punishment (severe, to be sure, but deserved under the circumstances), but it should not be tied to or equated with eternal punishment. 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). And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, 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. Hope this helps, It was a special time for the church. What was so wrong with their plan? If all it took to banish a . You have not lied to man but to God. 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And the young men arose and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him (Acts 5:6). And that brings us, secondly, to the sin of Ananias and Sapphira. Before Pauls conversion this is exactly what he was doing, but from the outside. Unlike Barnabas, they didn't live up to their names (Ananias- God is gracious; Sapphira- beautiful). 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. However, it is not clear at all from the terse narrative of Ananias' and Sapphira's deaths that this couple received salvation. But this is only at the very end of the age. 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 think they were much more sinister than that. Only then will they be able to grow spiritually. Their punishments served as an example to the nascent church. 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. Jesus makes it clear that there is no forgiveness for the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, in this life or the next, Matthew 12:31-32 and Mark 3:28-29. [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. And no one can fool God. 1:22, 23), the household of faith (Gal. Suppositions as to the eternal state of the two guilty persons are just that : suppositions. The rich He associated with pride and reliance on self righteous works thereby unable to receive the Kingdom by faith. Such would not be tolerated at a time when strict discipline was required in the early stages of Israel's devotion to God. If this be true, they were at that time "filled with the Holy Ghost.". 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. There was no trace of fleshly pride in it whatsoever. He does not seem to act that way now. Peter replied, "Why is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit?" 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. I think so but I don't really know. (SUBSCRIBE HERE). And with great power the apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all (Acts 4:33). I believe I have figured this one out, and scripture gives us a very clear answer. 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. 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? c. How to serve with purity: Remember that God looks at your heart rather than your service. 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. They didnt have to give the whole amount. They thought alike, they had deep feelings for each other, and they made decisions that reflected their mutual care and concern. 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. What does a search warrant actually look like? Why weren't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance? Were They Saved? 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. 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? But the acclaim was there. They would not necessarily say they were giving all of the money they received from the sale; they would just let everyone assume that. Again, it isn't to condemn them to hell - believers are saved, but they can still die physically. 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. It only takes a minute to sign up. 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. 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. The Biblical tale of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 is a strange one that leaves us with more questions than answers. He states that, "The story aims for gallows humor, but we read Acts in a different place today. Up until that time there had been no such crass exhibition of fleshliness, and God loathed the day it would permeate the church. 3. In each case. Yeah I do find it awesome that a whole lot of people that (as you say) I'm not likely to meet this side of Heaven, enjoy or benefit from what I've written. The poor He associated with humility and reliance upon God and therefore able to have faith and receive the Kingdom. (33) [5], The Lutheran New Testament Professor Matthew L. Skinner claims the story is meant to be gallows humour. 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. Questions: Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything indeed Pharisees, and not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees. 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. 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. The Holy Spirit, God or both? 2. When confronted, they stuck to their story, and when they were exposed they dropped dead of fear. Outside of Christ, people are still in their sins and will one day ultimately be held accountable for them on the Day of Judgement. Also, I would point out that in all instances that I provided, the people smitten were wicked. [1 Corinthians 11:30]. Many people do a lot worse and God doesnt kill them. In Acts 5:3-4, did Ananias "lie to", "fake", "pretend" or "perjure yourself"? 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. You seem? While they demonstrated a marvelous togetherness in their deceptive scheme, their hypocrisy could not help but affected... Put away all pretence and hypocrisy a certain amount they did not call judgment. 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