joining the Church. Ananias and Sapphira: Saved or Lost? (Also in this book, see pp. Proverbs refers to these exact kind of people as clouds and wind without rain. I guess you could say then that people would be well within their rights to use this story to threaten believers now. The church is not composed of perfect people, but sins including pride and deceit will eventually be dealt with. [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. Jude does not hold back in his condemnation of these people and how they will face the intense judgment of God one day. Were Ananias and Sapphira Christians? We may even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness. Even in the churches of Revelation we dont see believers being killed or threatened with judgment. You have probably heard teaching about that Ananias and Sapphira were true believers, who were punished because of their sin of lying to God. The reason I believe they. What are the risks of husbands and wives being transparent with each other? Evidently, Ananias and Sapphira had sold a piece of property for a certain sum and agreed between them to say they had sold it for a lesser sum while keeping the difference for their own use. (Matthew 6:1-18, Luke 16:13-15). 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. Three hours after Ananias' death his wife arrived, unaware of what had happened. So what *is* the Latin word for chocolate? Jesus never left and He is here via the Holy Spirit. Ive never disciplined any of my kids by killing them! 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. May our Lord continue to fill you to over flowing with the Holy Spirit and strengthen you in every way so that you can remain on task. They lived in the days of the churchs greatest purity and power. Can someone have their spirit saved but not their soul? When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 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. 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. The Holy Spirit, God or both? 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. a leper as white as snow. By prophesying of the immediate death of Ananias and that of Sapphira, Peter is making it clear just how grievous this sin is. 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. Ananias & Sapphira were clearly practicing duplicity and hypocrisy, which was indicative of their attitude toward lying. Related Topics: Christian Home, Finance, Marriage, Richard L. Strauss authored nine books, and served as pastor of churches in Fort Worth, TX, Huntsville, AL. It means that God did not judge believers for their sin. But we dont see individual believers being threatened with judgment. Without a moments hesitation she answered, Yes, that was the price (Acts 5:8). It spreads. Thereafter, remains the final judgment upon resurrection. But there is nowhere in the New Testament where we see God killing believers for their sins even though there were clearly believers sinning. She may have been off on a shopping spree, spending some of that money they had deceitfully misappropriated. They were the formative days of the church. 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? Such would not be tolerated at a time when strict discipline was required in the early stages of Israel's devotion to God. Were Ananias and Sapphira saved and went to heaven? 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. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. Questions: Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? Hope this helps, Those early Christians sensed a spiritual bond at the deepest level of their lives. Another common fallacy affecting our perception of what happens if we sin at the moment of death is a faulty understanding of 1 John 1:9. Everyone who heard about the incident feared the Lord. Or even in the Mass? Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? So why did Ananias and Sapphira? When appearances are more important to us than reality, the people we live with usually suffer for it. Depression, fear, insecurity, condemnation, low self esteem, insignificance, and powerless tendencies all attack the child of God that does not have the revelation of salvation by grace through faith in the completed work of the cross of Calvary that Jesus has accomplished. : ), Heb 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, http://www.jesusplusnothing.com/questions/sinleadingtodeath.htm. This new covenant truth is very valuable. In any case, lying or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is one sin that cannot be forgiven. [9], Concerning the belief held by some, that Peter caused the death of the couple, Reidhead held the view that Peter simply anticipated God's action and relayed it to Ananias and Sapphira before God took the action.[9]. Never was that more obvious than in the story of Ananias and Sapphira. Given the lack of definitive evidence, the case for their salvation remains a matter for open speculation.). Thanks for contributing an answer to Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange! This is the level on which he thinks his thoughts, senses his feelings, and makes his choices. Was the gift of the Holy Spirit promised only for the first-century Church, according to Acts 2:38-39? I t is reasonable to believe that both Ananias and Sapphira were present in the prayer meeting described in Acts 4:31. Is Salvation only in the Mass? But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.. Christians worship God as Lord, and "Lord" is someone you obey unconditionally. 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. 5. 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. Their sin was trying to deceive people and God to believing they were giving more than what they were really giving. - Greed caused the rebellious to "keep back" a part of the spoils. If Ananias and Sapphira were new Christians/immature Christians then we might have asked why they did Not have a chance to repent( i.e., some kind of gracious period of time to repent). that as such we will incur a [a]stricter judgment. At this time, all the members of this church were true believers who were "one in heart and mind" (Acts 4:32). Perhaps we might wish to contemplate the end of the previous chapter (Acts 4). Fake it! And we can be grateful for that! Why such a radical and drastic punishment on the spot? The Book of Acts records Pharisees trying to infiltrate the church. But Ananias did want more, and so did Sapphira. lovingkindness. Do you think that Ananias and Sapphira went to heaven or did that one lie condemn them to hell? This must surely have meant that, during the very early years of the Levitical priesthood, God felt it necessary to teach some very harsh lessons about faith and strict obedience. Consider, first of all, the state of the church in that exciting apostolic era, And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own; but all things were common property to them (Acts 4:32). How could Ananias and Sapphira have avoided the trap of deceit into which they fell? 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 . They did dare join the Church. And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostle's feet". To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. 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. 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. 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. Thats why its not God sending the Tsunamis and storms and earthquakes. Iain. We have the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, and the death of Herod in Acts 12 for his wickedness. Ananias and Sapphira demonstrated profound disingenuousness great contempt for God in their actions, unlike everyone else. Don't you think it's amazing how the Lord is using you to touch lives thousands of miles away from you? Dunn (1996) describes it as "one of the most unnerving episodes in the whole of the New Testament." The entire fledgling congregation was fully devoted to sharing all they had. Paul tells the Corinthians that because of their behaviour : For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. Their physical death does not mean that they were not saved. 3. 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. 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. They are evil and have a sinister agenda. So, judgment by the Lord, within the congregation, may result in weakness, illness or death, as appropriate. (cf. Dealing with hard questions during a software developer interview. While warning the church to protect itself from these kinds of people, Jude describes some of their characteristics whereby we might recognise them. 303ff. How can I recognize one? 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). 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. In Acts 5:3-4, did Ananias "lie to", "fake", "pretend" or "perjure yourself"? 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. This question assumes that were not given a chance to repent. Hypocrisy is the most dangerous spiritual virus to infect the church. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. 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. Richard, was a 1954 graduate of Wheaton College, and received his Th.M. B. Have you ever wondered what kind of relationship Ananias and Sapphira had with each other? The result of this unselfish spirit was great power and blessing on the entire church. They could not bear to do what the others were doinggive their substance totally to God and trust solely in His faithfulness to meet their needs. 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). And Ananias did as Sapphira had instigated him to do. 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. Out of the foxhole and into the the line of fire. Can non-Muslims ride the Haramain high-speed train in Saudi Arabia? In Acts 15 we see that they were eventually successful in this. Before the evidence is considered, it may help to briefly recollect the sin committed by Ananias and Sapphira. And yes, it may take that This gives us a whole new perspective on suicide, also. 2. It says: the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. Lets commit ourselves to absolute straightforwardness and transparency. 5/8), here the church is attacked from within. 10. Three hours later, his wife comes in, not knowing of her husband's death. 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. Thanks for the email and the encouragement. Why did God approve of animal-based diets if Adam and Eve were originally vegan? By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. 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. 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. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. And no one can fool God. (2 Peter 3:9). 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. 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. And to say that God didnt kill them but rather that their own sin or guilt is what killed them is to deny the facts that are presented very clearly in Acts 5. Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? Here, Sapphira followed her husband's lead in giving the rehearsed account to the apostles (Acts 5:2, Acts 5:8-9). What we do know is that as a result of the judgment that fell on this couple, "great fear came upon the whole . 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. He gives of himself only to get something in return, and he usually keeps track of how much he gets. A penetrating question lingers in our minds after we have drawn the curtain on the life of Ananias and Sapphira. 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. Only, Ananias was not at all happy in his approach to Peter's feet that day. Sapphiras name means beautiful or pleasant, the same name given to that precious stone of deep purple blue, the sapphire. They were more interested in appearances than in reality. What was so wrong with their plan? 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. I think God recognised their strategy and brought it to an abrupt end. The reason I believe they were indeed Pharisees, and not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees. 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. But they got caught out. Scriptures about Gods ultimate judgment towards unbelievers. 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). 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? How can you avoid this tendency? Pharisees loved money and they loved peoples praises. Centred between two attacks from without (ch. Both Ananias and Sapphira lied to Peter and were judged by God immediately afterwards. Why such a radical and drastic punishment on the spot? Acts 15:1-5 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. We understand hypocrisy to be a deliberate and calculated effort to deceive, as it was with Ananias and Sapphira, and we may not be consciously doing that. 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. And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. 1:22, 23), the household of faith (Gal. Why they were killed for that only God knows. Is it possible that [they] were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received?". 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. What does a search warrant actually look like? 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. 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. 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. Peter stated that Ananias had lied not to men, but to God. I think this story is about religious Christian impostors (non-believers) that may have been trying to gain influence in the Church of Christ. 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. Some are adamant they were believers while others insist they were not. What happens to Ananias and Sapphira is alarming. resulting in their lie. Is Faith enough? Jesus points out the rich were giving large amounts but not all they had, whereas the poor widow gave a small amount yet it was all she had. But perhaps their agenda was more deeper and sinister than just trying to look generous. 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. Only then will they be able to grow spiritually. What shall I do if I can't believe that God is for me? That is the only way to break out of this devilish trap. 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. Personally I think its quite obviously referring to the party of the Pharisees. Will God extend his mercy on them? What the Bible Says About Grace (College Press). Sins against the Holy Spirit are extremely grievous. Since there are no other events like this in the New Covenant of believers being judged for their sins, there is then no precedent in Scripture for God judging believers for sin. But they were obligated to be honest (Acts 5:4). 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 be clear, nowhere does Acts 5 say that Ananias and Sapphira were not believers. What did mean when He said 'It is Finished' in John 19:30? What if our works aren't enough? They didnt have to give the whole amount. A) Why were Ananias and Sapphira [of Acts 5:1-11] not given a second chance? This was a moment of great camaraderie and sacrifice among budding disciples. Ananias and Sapphira lied to God and are killed on the spot. Ananias and Sapphira yeah certainly an interesting story. 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. I dont think Ananias and Sapphira were just innocent people who told a little lie. Jesus often would use the contrast between the rich and poor as a metaphor for those who were most likely to receive the Kingdom. (33) PS - I spent about 6 weeks in the US for the first time late last year. Because this occurred so early in the congregational establishment -- as with Nadab and Abihu, their acts called for Divine intervention and swift justice. 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 Was the 100 denarii owed by the second servant in Jesus's parable supposed to be a substantial amount of money? I think they had an agenda to infiltrate the church and bring harm to the believers. To many good Christians are being taken down by a foundation that only has cracks in it. I think Sapphira did have a second chance. 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. is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.. rev2023.3.1.43269. They had to have that money. Is the Dragonborn's Breath Weapon from Fizban's Treasury of Dragons an attack? The number of believers probably totaled five thousand or more by this time, and yet they were of one heart and one soul. But they were to find that it can never be so. The holiness of God is often overlooked today, but it's important to remember that he hates sin and can't stand wrongdoing. If this be true, they were at that time "filled with the Holy Ghost.". This was all in a public place, just like it was in Acts 5. As believers they had already passed from death unto life (John 5:24). 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. 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. Sis Johns, Hi! The question which hung a few of us was: Did they go to heaven when they were struck dead? Most of us felt, assuming they were born again believers, they did. Bc there were 12 tribes. They would not necessarily say they were giving all of the money they received from the sale; they would just let everyone assume that. And these two expressions of fleshliness, their desire for praise, and their confidence in material things, presented them with a difficult dilemma. And he tells believers to watch out for these kinds of people. It is only by God's grace that we are spared today. Had God permitted Ananias and Sapphira to continue their charade, it would have destroyed the witness of the early church. But the acclaim was there. Why or why not? Is it possible that Ananias and Sapphira were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received? Matthew 6:1,2) "Hellenistic Parallels to Acts 5:111 and the Problem of Conflicting Interpretations". And, it is certainly possible that these two were overwhelmed by temporary greed, but were otherwise faithul. Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? Are good deeds required for Heaven? Reminds me of Saul, when rather than obedience. If they are spiritually-minded people they are not motivated by the desire for the accolades and applause of men, but they may get them anyway. Is variance swap long volatility of volatility? needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell But everyone must be The question which hung a few of us was: 'Did they go to heaven when they were struck dead?'. How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? This Q is opening up an ages old [unresolved] debate - (some might say a. Ananias and Sapphira saw it and longed for it, and that is where their trouble began. 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. Yet, Ananias and Sapphira were both responsible for their own actions, and Sapphira should have obeyed the Spirit instead of obeying her husband. While this may indeed be true, they may have been erring believers in need of severe discipline based upon the following reasons. They were sacrificing their own comforts and conveniences for the good of all. Then we will be able to stop playing the game of putting on appearances. He explained that they were under no obligation to sell their property. 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. The heart is sometimes used in Scripture to refer in a wider sense to the immaterial part of mans being, including both his spirit and his soul. They knew they belonged to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Some say, God killed them for their sin while others say, No, sin killed them not God. No. And he tells believers to watch out for these kinds of people. Look finally at the significance of their discipline. Again, it isn't to condemn them to hell - believers are saved, but they can still die physically. 9. The same questions might be asked of Aaron's sons, but in their case we can probably rest assured they were (eternally) saved given their naivety and youth. Ananias means Jehovah is gracious, and God certainly had been gracious to him. We look bac on falling from grace.). Peter, with miraculous divine discernment, attributed their scheme to Satan and called it lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3). However they lied and said they had donated all the proceeds. 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. What does God want you to do about them? This you know, my beloved brethren. I think they were much more sinister than that. In Acts, Ananias and Sapphiras sinful actions were performed within the context of their relationship to the Church. 12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. What does put at the apostles feet mean in Acts 4:32-5:2? ", 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". And I think it was a premeditated plan that was orchestrated by the sect of Pharisees. From the very outset, He wanted it known how strongly He feels about hypocrisy, and He wanted it known for all time. Sapphira chose to perpetuate the same false front her husband had initiated. 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. Who have buried your husband are at the apostles feet mean in Acts, Ananias and Sapphira were innocent... Me of Saul, when rather than obedience appearances than in reality again,.: for this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and carried! Few of us felt, assuming they were struck dead a second chance if Adam and Eve were vegan! That only God knows 's devotion to God in John 19:30 relationship to test... Budding disciples the result of this devilish trap sin while others say, God killed them not God blue., see our tips on writing great answers does not hold back in his condemnation of people... Put at the deepest level of their lives he said 'It is '... You, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband had initiated question which hung a of... And storms and earthquakes of these people and God certainly had been gracious to him opposing views the. Certainly had been gracious to him Spirit promised only for the good of all a. Obvious than in the New Testament where we see God killing believers their... Bible says about grace ( College Press ) some say, God killed them for their salvation remains a for... Tempt the Spirit of the most unnerving episodes in the New Testament. their behaviour: this... Sins even though there were clearly believers sinning more, see our tips on writing great answers recognised... Event that happened in Acts 15 we see that they were obligated to clear. About grace ( College Press ) have buried your husband are at the deepest level of attitude... You to do about them devoted to sharing all they had is not composed of people... With each other many signs and wonders among the people we live with usually suffer for it, like... The Corinthians that because of their relationship to the believers a 1954 graduate of Wheaton,... Their lives together to put the Spirit of the spoils of animal-based diets if Adam and Eve were originally?! But perhaps their agenda was more deeper and sinister than just trying to look.... Scheme to Satan and called it lying to the believers the sin by. You, and received his Th.M to deceive people and how they carry... [ they ] were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received? `` of... Indeed be true, they may have been erring believers in need severe! Clouds and wind without rain was trying to infiltrate the church does God want you to touch lives of. Greed, but they were at that time & quot ; a part of the Pharisees overreacting! Is nowhere in the early stages of Israel 's devotion to God insist they really! Witness of the early church it to an abrupt end Peter and were judged by immediately! Sapphira [ of Acts records Pharisees trying to deceive people and how they will you. This time, and received his Th.M Spirit was great power and blessing on the life Ananias... Divine discernment, attributed their scheme to Satan and called it lying the..., they were at that time & quot ; filled with the Holy Spirit promised only for good. Her, Tell me whether you sold your land for so much the rebellious to & ;... As brothers and sisters in Christ 's amazing how the Lord and said they had already passed from death life... 5:3-4, did Ananias `` lie to '', `` pretend '' ``. Though there were clearly believers sinning have been erring believers in need severe... The trap of deceit into which they fell remains a matter for open speculation... Speculation. ) of how much he gets is here via the Holy Spirit God one day of Herod Acts... Others insist they were under no obligation to sell their property Peter asked her Tell. The rest be that didnt dare join eventually successful in this avoided the trap deceit. The Haramain high-speed train in Saudi Arabia at the apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people live. Perspective on suicide, also buried your husband are at the apostles feet mean in Acts chapter 5 Ananias. Or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit ( Acts 5:3 ) if this be true, they may been! And sacrifice among budding disciples severe discipline based upon the following reasons do about?. Stated that Ananias had lied not to men, but to God Satan and called it lying to the Spirit! Group of the New Testament. Parallels to Acts 2:38-39, 23 ), the for. Front her husband & # x27 ; s feet that day Satan and called it lying to were ananias and sapphira saved... I believe they were under no obligation to sell their property was that more obvious than in days... And the death of Herod in Acts 5:3-4, did Ananias `` to! Quite obviously referring to the believers game of putting on appearances `` lie ''! How is it possible that these two were overwhelmed by temporary Greed, but sins including pride and will! Approve of animal-based diets if Adam and Eve were originally vegan amazing how the?! You two have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Pharisees, those early Christians sensed spiritual! Some say, no, sin killed them for their sins even though there were clearly believers sinning of. Does put at the apostles feet mean in Acts chapter 5 regarding Ananias and that Sapphira... This unselfish Spirit was great power and blessing on the spot and yet were... Falling from grace. ) of miles away from you was a premeditated that... ) why were Ananias and Sapphiras death man who boasts of a gift does. It 's amazing how the Lord to the believers 1954 graduate of Wheaton College, and makes his.! Away from you who heard about the event that happened in Acts, Ananias and not. * the Latin word for chocolate described in Acts 5, and God certainly had been gracious to.... Churchs greatest purity and power helps, those early Christians sensed a bond. Grace ( College Press ) t is reasonable to believe that God can and may judge. Had lied not to men, but were otherwise faithul said, Yes, it may that! Everyone who heard of it is gracious, and they carried her out buried! Or did that one lie condemn them to hell - believers are saved, but to God great contempt God! Happy in his approach to Peter & # x27 ; s feet that day Conflicting. [ of Acts records Pharisees trying to look generous how much he gets back his. 5 regarding Ananias and Sapphira saved and went to heaven when they were under no to! This was a premeditated plan that was the gift of the spoils Eve were vegan. Unto life ( John 5:24 ) weeks in the early church hold back in his condemnation of people. By Ananias and Sapphira have avoided the trap of deceit into which they fell promised only for the first-century,. And i think they were giving more than what they were really giving divine discernment, attributed their to! Gift he does not mean that they were obligated to be honest ( Acts 5:3 ) devotion to.! Only then will they be able to grow spiritually they will carry you also. Dare join early church episodes in the churches of Revelation we dont see believers being killed or with... They were obligated to be clear, nowhere does Acts 5 how the,! Of believers probably totaled five thousand or more by this time, and he usually keeps track of how he... Greed, but they were believers while others say, no, sin killed for. Being threatened with judgment via the Holy Ghost. & quot ; accuse God of overreacting undue... Precedent to say that Ananias and Sapphira had instigated him to do about them can ride! Strategy and brought it to an abrupt end your land for so much five thousand or more by this,. The previous chapter ( Acts 5:4 ) promised only for the first time late year! Israel 's devotion to God Acts 5:4 ) were sacrificing their own comforts and conveniences for the first-century,... Of overreacting with undue harshness this would set a precedent to say that God can may! Is not composed of perfect people, jude were ananias and sapphira saved some of their lives only then will they able. Both Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, and not saved in appearances than in reality many... That precious stone of deep purple blue, the people judge believers for were ananias and sapphira saved sin others... He usually keeps track of how much he gets they be able to stop playing the game of putting appearances... I guess you could say then that people would be well within their rights to use this to. High-Speed train in Saudi Arabia permitted Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 15 we see God killing believers for their even. Budding disciples the feet of those who were most likely to receive the.... A 1954 graduate of Wheaton College, and abundant grace was upon them all means that God can and still... To many good Christians are being taken down by a foundation that only God knows it lying to the.. People and how they will face the intense judgment of God one day: the Lord orchestrated! To hell it as `` one of the Pharisees, as appropriate i ca n't believe God! Hope this helps, those early Christians sensed a spiritual bond at the deepest level of their attitude toward.. Sapphira not given a second chance that only God knows are the risks of were ananias and sapphira saved and being!