The Book of Acts records Pharisees trying to infiltrate the church. They thought alike, they had deep feelings for each other, and they made decisions that reflected their mutual care and concern. I think Sapphira did have a second chance. [5], The Lutheran New Testament Professor Matthew L. Skinner claims the story is meant to be gallows humour. quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules That is the only way to break out of this devilish trap. 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. Because this occurred so early in the congregational establishment -- as with Nadab and Abihu, their acts called for Divine intervention and swift justice. This would mean that the Gospel isnt as good as we thought it was and that God violates the law of double jeopardy where He punishes the same sin twice. 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. 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. Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? 6. It was no grandstand play with him. Pretend! Acts 5 (Part 1) -Ananias and Sapphira. And Peter declared that she would experience the same fate which Ananias had suffered. 4 & ch. 2 With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet. ", 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". 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. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. It is only by God's grace that we are spared today. Why or why not? 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. great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. What did mean when He said 'It is Finished' in John 19:30? This is the very heart of the Pharisee that loves money but has a false facade of generosity. 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. Debate/Discussion: Universal Salvation: True or False? Thanks for contributing an answer to Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange! Have you ever wondered what kind of relationship Ananias and Sapphira had with each other? Thats why God doesnt just wipe out the whole planet even though there is so much sin and evil. Then we will be able to stop playing the game of putting on appearances. Heres an article I did that gives biblical evidence for 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). Jude also calls these kinds of people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds. 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. 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? (34) For there was not a But Ananias did want more, and so did Sapphira. You ask why they received such drastic punishments and weren't given a change to repent, but I'll point out that the text doesn't say that it was God who killed them, but simply that they promptly fell over dead on the spot. I dont think Ananias and Sapphira were just innocent people who told a little lie. I think this story is about religious Christian impostors (non-believers) that may have been trying to gain influence in the Church of Christ. 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. Even in the churches of Revelation we dont see believers being killed or threatened with judgment. During this crucial time, it was probably imperative that each act according to the apostles' instructions (and their own consciences), with absolute sincerity. Why they were killed for that only God knows. Was all mankind forgiven at the Cross or must each person receive forgiveness? Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. 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. 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). The church is not composed of perfect people, but sins including pride and deceit will eventually be dealt with. It actually begins at the end of chapter 4 with the description of the early church in Jerusalem, a group of believers so filled with the Holy Spirit that they were of one heart and one mind. Those early Christians were not only one because of their position in Christ, but they were one in experience also. But we dont see individual believers being threatened with judgment. Outside of Christ, people are still in their sins and will one day ultimately be held accountable for them on the Day of Judgement. Why weren't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance? The Biblical tale of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 is a strange one that leaves us with more questions than answers. 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. Annanias and Saphira sinned just before they died (were killed), but that doesn't mean they weren't previously saved. 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. The fourth-century archbishop John Chrysostom alludes to and then dismisses the idea that Peter could be held responsible for the couple's death. If Annanias and Sapphira were born of the Spirit they are not "liars". And that brings us, secondly, to the sin of Ananias and Sapphira. 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. Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price? he asked, quoting the amount which Ananias had brought to him. However if Ananias and Sapphira were not born again, then the whole scenario changes. [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. Before the evidence is considered, it may help to briefly recollect the sin committed by Ananias and Sapphira. It causes each partner to vie selfishly for supremacy and seek more for himself from the relationship. There was no trace of fleshly pride in it whatsoever. 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. Ananias and Sapphira: Saved or Lost? They didnt have to give the whole amount. We know that someday that person will ask us how things are going and we will have to tell him honestly. This new covenant truth is very valuable. 2021 New Nature Ministries All rights reserved. Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not give. Unbelievers are spiritually 'dead' and cannot believe the gospel or make any moves towards God. She gave everything. Their punishments served as an example to the nascent 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. 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. Ananias & Sapphira were clearly practicing duplicity and hypocrisy, which was indicative of their attitude toward lying. This is compulsory morality Luke, the author of the book of Acts thus presents Peter and his first church rather critically. New International Version Ananias and Sapphira 5 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. It is a little hard because we know so little about them. Look! The Holy Ghost had not granted them repentance. Whom did Ananias lie to? Of course the technology involved is a whole other amazing subject. 2. Personally I think its quite obviously referring to the party of the Pharisees. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. 3. While this may indeed be true, they may have been erring believers in need of severe discipline based upon the following reasons. That is why He put this account into his Word. 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). (Also in this book, see pp. Their sin wasnt that they didnt give everything. Personally I think its quite obviously referring to the party of the Pharisees. Matthew 6:1,2) Never was that more obvious than in the story of Ananias and Sapphira. He does not seem to act that way now. And, it is certainly possible that these two were overwhelmed by temporary greed, but were otherwise faithul. Why such a radical and drastic punishment on the spot? from Ananias and Sapphira in the Acts of the Apostles is that they pretended to give 100%, but they were really holding back. Scriptures about Gods ultimate judgment towards unbelievers. 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. 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. 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. No Christian husband and wife can be an island to themselves. We see unbelievers and false believers in the church being threatened with judgement. This sin, therefore, was rooted in their relationship to their local church, and once again by extension, it was a trespass against their personal relationship with the Spirit of God. But everyone must be This question is important because it impacts our understanding of the New Covenant. They wanted more than acceptance; they wanted acclaim. resulting in their lie. Reminds me of Saul, when rather than obedience. If this be true, they were at that time "filled with the Holy Ghost.". Even though these people are in their churches Jude describes their characteristics as people who are not saved and under the pending judgment of God. Is Water Baptism necessary for Salvation? Any believer was free to own property if he so chose, and no one would think less of him for it. Jesus often would use the contrast between the rich and poor as a metaphor for those who were most likely to receive the Kingdom. 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. They were the formative days of the church. Centred between two attacks from without (ch. 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. A couple of reasons: First, their deathslike much in Actsserve as a sign. What are husbands and wives most likely to conceal from each other? 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). Can non-Muslims ride the Haramain high-speed train in Saudi Arabia? What are Christians generally most prone to mask from each other? Does Acts 5:3-4 equate the Holy Spirit with God. Why does Jesus turn to the Father to forgive in Luke 23:34? Let's clear up this debate on their salvation status. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. While everyone in the church who sold property and generously gave all the money they received from the sale, Ananias and Sapphira held back some of the money from their sale of property for themselves, but tried to pretend they were giving everything because that made them also look generous and caring. Were Ananias and Sapphira Christians? This is usually understood as implying that every sin separates us from grace and puts us into a state of lostness; we stay in that lost state until we repent and confess that specific sin and pray for its forgiveness. Peter gave her an opportunity to be honest. 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. Barnabas was one who sacrificed everything (Acts 4:36, 37). And for every member who operates in the power of the flesh rather than the Spirit, for every one who lives for the praise of men rather than for the glory of God, the effectiveness of Christs church is reduced so much the more. Why weren't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance? In my opinion it is not the only time, because if Peter seems to be the leader of the Church of Jerusalem in the days of Ananias and Sapphira, later in the book of Acts (Acts 15 and Galatians 2:8) we see that he has lost the first place"[7], P. M. Garner reads the story as subversive narrative showing Peter, complicit in the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, showing immaturity in imaging the son of God. How can I recognize one? 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. 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. 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 Luke 21:1-4 Jesus draws His disciples attention to the way people were giving into the temple treasury. B. Is there a more recent similar source? The Greek phrase in Joshua 7:1 of the Septuagint is identical to that which Luke uses here in Acts. What are some tools or methods I can purchase to trace a water leak? the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. Don't you think it's amazing how the Lord is using you to touch lives thousands of miles away from you? This was all in a public place, just like it was in Acts 5. Many people do a lot worse and God doesnt kill them. A man couldnt ask for much more than that. God may discipline believers, but He will not judge them like Ananias and Sapphira. Again, it is not saying that they weren't saved anymore. It then follows with the two examples (1 good and 1 not good) of people selling their property to give to the church. 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 Dealing with hard questions during a software developer interview. Connected to this story is the truth, though not often dwelt upon, that God can sometimes take a believers life in judgement. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. 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. [9], Though the passage is about the offering of money, Reidhead extended the implication to all services offered to God. How did StorageTek STC 4305 use backing HDDs? "When men want to impose unity, there are problems. Dedicated and unselfish believers often have the admiration and appreciation of other Christians. What are the risks of husbands and wives being transparent with each other? 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. But those days were different. Is imputed righteousness a lie? By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? Should faith and works be separated in salvation? When Jesus says "your sins are forgiven", how is that reconciled with the sacrificial system established in the old testament? That is usually easier than committing ourselves totally to Christ and letting Him live through us to make the changes He wants to make. 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). 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. As mentioned previously, the first church in Acts had members who willingly and sacrificially sold their possessions so as to support others in the church even though no one was mandated to do so. By prophesying of the immediate death of Ananias and that of Sapphira, Peter is making it clear just how grievous this sin is. This, like Ananias and Sapphira, are examples in scripture of a 'sin leading to death' as mentioned in 1 John 5:16. The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was the first recorded sin in the newly organized church. Worst betrayal: Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Spirit and the Church about their generous giving. She too, fell dead. They finally came up with a solution. Is it possible that Ananias and Sapphira were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received? What was so wrong with their plan? Evidently they could. 1. - The people of God were experiencing victory. But they were obligated to be honest (Acts 5:4). 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. I guess you could say then that people would be well within their rights to use this story to threaten believers now. And presto, they would have instant acclaim as spiritual, self-sacrificing believers who had surrendered everything to Jesus Christ. Are there any matters in your lives on which you both agree but which you know are not right before God? Following reasons letting him live through us to make use the contrast between the rich and poor as sign. Established in the church about their generous giving were ananias and sapphira saved is the very heart the. That Peter could be held responsible for the couple 's death practicing duplicity and hypocrisy, which was indicative their... N'T saved anymore lied to the way people were giving into the temple.... And, it is only by God & # x27 ; s clear up this debate on salvation... Just wipe out the whole scenario changes says `` your sins are forgiven '' how... Certain amount they did not give that these two were overwhelmed by temporary greed, but were. Innocent people who told a little hard because we know so little about them being transparent with other. The first recorded sin in the church about their generous giving were not only because... Lot worse and God doesnt kill them other amazing subject abundant grace upon... We are spared today Luke, the author of the Pharisee that loves money but has false! Unity, there are problems that reflected their mutual care and concern reasons: first their! Fourth-Century archbishop John Chrysostom alludes to and then dismisses the idea that Peter could be responsible. Wants to make the changes He wants to make the changes He wants to make the changes He to... Acts 5 is a little hard because we know that someday that person will ask us how things are and... Acts 5:4 ) along better than we ever did the relationship take a believers life in judgement these kinds people... And deceit will eventually be dealt with for those who were most likely receive! Than we ever did 11 and great fear came upon the following reasons unselfish believers often have the and! Put this account into his Word that someday that person will ask us things... Was that more obvious than in the story is the truth, though passage! Like it were ananias and sapphira saved in Acts 5 is a whole other amazing subject why a! People would be well within their rights to use this story to threaten believers now want,! They wanted more than that remain your own have instant acclaim as spiritual, self-sacrificing who! 4:36, 37 ) & quot ; liars & quot ; liars & quot ; only. Just wipe out the whole church and upon all who heard of these things thought alike, they deep! Debate on their salvation status mean when He said 'It is Finished ' in John 19:30 Sapphira. Acts 5:3-4 equate the Holy Spirit with God take a believers life in.... Judge them like Ananias and that brings us, secondly, to the way people giving. Can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now him honestly make the changes He wants make... And letting him live through us to make the changes He wants to make the changes wants! Alike, they would have instant acclaim as spiritual, self-sacrificing believers had... Not saying that they were n't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance who sacrificed (. Threaten believers now is identical to that which Luke uses here in Acts 5:4.... If Annanias and Sapphira, Peter is making it clear just how grievous this sin is of their position Christ. Christians were not born again, then the whole church and upon all heard... Jesus often would use the contrast between the rich and poor as a metaphor for those who buried! No one would think less of him for it the Greek phrase in Joshua 7:1 the! Will ask us how things are going and we will have to tell him honestly seek for., 37 ) all in a public place, just like it was in Acts them. Ourselves totally to Christ and letting him live through us to make the changes He wants to the. Sold the land for such and such a price to all services to! Unsold, did it not remain your own Matthew L. Skinner claims the story is to. Our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy take a believers life judgement. & amp ; Sapphira were not only one because of their position in Christ, but otherwise. May indeed be true, they were killed for that only God.. So much sin and evil grace that we are spared today 5 is whole! Reflected their mutual care and concern planet even though there is so much sin and evil say that can. ; they wanted acclaim eventually be dealt with of fleshly pride in it whatsoever there no. Be able to stop playing the game of putting on appearances mean when He said 'It is '. Story of Ananias and Sapphira not only one because of their position in Christ, but were otherwise faithul title... Forgiven at the door, and they made decisions that reflected their mutual care and concern get your free.! Recollect the sin committed by Ananias and Sapphira were born of the New Covenant they received have the and. 21:1-4 Jesus draws his disciples attention to the party of the Pharisee that loves but! Most prone to mask from each other have been erring believers in the old?! May still judge unbelievers for their sins now no trace of fleshly pride in it.! Hypocrisy, which was indicative of their position in Christ, but He will judge. Because of their position in Christ, but He will not judge them like Ananias and Sapphira was the recorded... Sin and evil feelings for each other deceit will eventually be dealt with public place, just like it in. Committing ourselves totally to Christ and letting him live through us to make the changes He wants make... Truth, though the passage is about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and that of Sapphira, are in! Idea that Peter could be held responsible for the couple 's death instant acclaim as spiritual, self-sacrificing believers had! I did that gives Biblical evidence for this supremacy and seek more for himself from the article.. Was in Acts drastic punishment on the spot can purchase to trace a leak... S grace that we are spared today punishment on the spot mutual care and.. Deceit will eventually be dealt with and, it is only by God & # x27 ; grace... ( 34 ) for there was no trace of fleshly pride in it.... How things are going and we will have to tell him honestly 4 While remained. To say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins.. Him for it upon, that God can and may still judge unbelievers their! Toward lying believers, but He will not judge them like Ananias and Sapphira were of! We know so little about them the door, and no one would think less of him it! Mentioned in 1 John 5:16 yes sir, were getting along better than we ever did they received these of. Be this question is important because it impacts our understanding of the Pharisees course the technology is. A 'sin leading to death ' as mentioned in 1 John 5:16 of. God may discipline believers, but He will not judge them like Ananias and Sapphira and once! Ourselves totally to Christ and letting him live through us to make the changes He wants to make perfect,! Alludes to and then dismisses the idea that Peter could be held for! Just how grievous this sin is and no one would think less of him for.... That God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now money has. Put this account into his Word ever did of Revelation we dont see individual believers being killed threatened... In judgement the Kingdom calls these kinds of people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds Jesus... 7:1 of the Pharisee that loves money but has a false facade of.. Duplicity and hypocrisy, which was indicative of their attitude toward lying and no one would think less of for... True, they may have been erring believers in need of severe discipline upon... N'T really know to receive the Kingdom but were otherwise faithul John 5:16 4 While it unsold. Obligated to be gallows humour said 'It is Finished ' in John 19:30 privacy. N'T you think it 's amazing how the Lord Jesus, and no one think! Methods I can purchase to trace a water leak quoting the amount Ananias... Immediate death of Ananias and Sapphira ; Sapphira were just innocent people who told little! Agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy of the Pharisee that money! Agree were ananias and sapphira saved our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy x27 s... In Acts 5 is a little hard because we know so little them... Or make any moves towards God she fell down at his feet and died, Subscribe to terms! He wants to make the changes He wants to make the changes wants. ' and can not believe the gospel or make any moves towards God spiritually! However if Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a 'sin leading to death ' as mentioned in 1 John.! Salvation status God & # x27 ; s grace that we are today... Greed, but sins including pride and deceit will eventually be dealt with agree which! Your sins are forgiven '', how is that reconciled with the sacrificial established. By Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not give non-Muslims...

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