on falling from grace.). It is those God has inwardly reformed to whom He has granted repentance. 4 & ch. This new covenant truth is very valuable. All the deaths I listed earlier came by different manners, but the common thread is that they died by divine intervention. rev2023.3.1.43269. a leper as white as snow. 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. Once in Christ, then again in us. Lets be honest. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is to the book of Acts what the story of Achan is to the book of Joshua. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,. Ananias means Jehovah is gracious, and God certainly had been gracious to him. There are a number of opposing views about the event that happened in Acts chapter 5 regarding Ananias and Sapphiras death. I think so but I don't really know. And so, the worst thing is when we are hypocritical and we want to give 100%, but then we don't. And it doesn't mean that we have to sell anything and give anything. Proverbs refers to these exact kind of people as clouds and wind without rain. (cf. Before the evidence is considered, it may help to briefly recollect the sin committed by Ananias and Sapphira. "Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? I think God recognised their strategy and brought it to an abrupt end. great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. So who then could this group of the rest be that didnt dare join? To this end, they sold a piece of property, and kept back some of the price while giving the rest to the Apostles (Acts 5:1-2). They wanted the praise of men. A) Why were Ananias and Sapphira [of Acts 5:1-11] not given a second chance? 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. The Holy Spirit, God or both? Centred between two attacks from without (ch. Because of his actions Ananias died on the spot and was carried out. 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. God takes something that is true in the kingdom of God and puts it on physical display. Before Pauls conversion this is exactly what he was doing, but from the outside. Dealing with hard questions during a software developer interview. You seem? The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was the first recorded sin in the newly organized church. Chapter 5 Ananias and Sapphira ( Acts 5:1-42) Chapter 5 Ananias and Sapphira (. It is quite possible that in this case, Nadab and Abihu had been intoxicated as they offered their sacrifices. The fourth-century archbishop John Chrysostom alludes to and then dismisses the idea that Peter could be held responsible for the couple's death. (James 1:19) (34) For there was not a 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. 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. 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 They wanted to be more than just members of the Body; they wanted to be prominent members of the Body. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. Hope this helps, But this is only at the very end of the age. indeed Pharisees, and not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees. So if we believe that they were genuine believers then does this lie commit them to hell? Questions: Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? Their loving concern for one another went so far as to touch their wallets, and that is real care! Is it possible that [they] were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received?". belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. Is Faith enough? The poor He associated with humility and reliance upon God and therefore able to have faith and receive the Kingdom. Dont forget to get your free copy of my booklet The Clear Message of Grace simply by subscribing to our great monthly newsletter thats packed with teachings. Why are non-Western countries siding with China in the UN? 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. 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. This question is important because it impacts our understanding of the New Covenant. Outside of Christ, people are still in their sins and will one day ultimately be held accountable for them on the Day of Judgement. 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. With all he could do there was a certain awkwardness and stumblingness . As believers they had already passed from death unto life (John 5:24). And even after they sold it, they were under no obligation to give all the money to the church. So we will allow the Spirit of Jesus Christ to work in us to bring us into His likeness. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. A man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold a piece of land kept some of it for themselves and then the husband, brought the rest as an offering to the Church. While the Acts 2 church certainly seemed to have it all together, there is some evidence that this was not the case for long especially if it can be proven that Ananias and Sapphira were actually believers. They also need to be honest with God. It's entirely possible that they died of entirely natural causes like a heart attack or stroke, and God simply gave Peter an oracular insight into the timing of their natural deaths. 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). 4. Three hours later, his wife comes in, not knowing of her husband's death. 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. That is why He put this account into his Word. Pharisees loved money and they loved peoples praises. When confronted, they stuck to their story, and when they were exposed they dropped dead of fear. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. 7. Dunn (1996) describes it as "one of the most unnerving episodes in the whole of the New Testament." They would not necessarily say they were giving all of the money they received from the sale; they would just let everyone assume that. This isnt far fetched as the Pharisees hated the Church, persecuted it and were desperately trying to destroy it. They were more interested in appearances than in reality. So why did Ananias and Sapphira? Why such a radical and drastic punishment on the spot? Jude also calls these kinds of people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds. 10. 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? For example we don't even know if they were definitely born again believers. The enemy wants to steal the glory and damage the testimony of a church or a revival. Does Acts 5:3-4 equate the Holy Spirit with God. Phony spirituality is contagious. Thanks for contributing an answer to Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange! 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. Is there a more recent similar source? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? Personally I think its quite obviously referring to the party of the Pharisees. They, like the rich and like the Pharisees, made a show of how much they were giving but under the surface what was really going on was that they loved money and loved peoples praises. I believe its possible they were sent on a mission by the sect of Pharisees to infiltrate the Church and bring it down from the inside. This form of hypocrisy has become a way of life in the church of Jesus Christ today, and may be the reason we are not making any greater impact on our godless society. They seemed blind to the malfeasance they were ushering into the young church. (Note: This article has been written only to communicate the possibility that Ananias and Sapphira may have been Christians. I think they had an agenda to infiltrate the church and bring harm to the believers. Why weren't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance? It means that God did not judge believers for their sin. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. This gives us a whole new perspective on suicide, also. Second, Ananias and Sapphira are charged with lying to the Holy Spirit and putting Him to the test (5:3, 9). It only takes a minute to sign up. [1 Corinthians 11:30]. Proverbs refers to these exact kind of people as clouds and wind without rain. 314-316, for a fuller explanation of why this is the correct understanding of this verse. This, like Ananias and Sapphira, are examples in scripture of a 'sin leading to death' as mentioned in 1 John 5:16. It certainly is an interesting age were so many can be reached so easily now. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. Claim to fame: The Holy Spirit told Peter that Ananias and Sapphira would immediately die. 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. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Havelaar, H. 1997. joining the Church. Those early Christians were not only one because of their position in Christ, but they were one in experience also. Who were the rest that didnt dare join the Church? The result of this unselfish spirit was great power and blessing on the entire church. Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not give. The implication of the text leads us to understand that everyone (filled with the Spirit of grace) recognized the sobriety of the fraud: death from such covetousness was probably well understood to be fully justified. They were the formative days of the church. A penetrating question lingers in our minds after we have drawn the curtain on the life of Ananias and Sapphira. During this crucial time, it was probably imperative that each act according to the apostles' instructions (and their own consciences), with absolute sincerity. He gives of himself only to get something in return, and he usually keeps track of how much he gets. And Peter declared that she would experience the same fate which Ananias had suffered. 8. After hearing these words from Peter, Ananias falls down and dies. 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). The rich He associated with pride and reliance on self righteous works thereby unable to receive the Kingdom by faith. Luke suggests that every believer is responsible to God for what he or she does. See chapter 4, Grace as a Double Cure, in my recent book on grace, Set Free! Peter pointed out that Ananias was in control of the money and could give or keep it as he saw fit, but had withheld a portion of it. 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. It is only by God's grace that we are spared today. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. 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. Story Identification: Nanomachines Building Cities, Rename .gz files according to names in separate txt-file. Some are adamant they were believers while others insist they were not. That is the only way to break out of this devilish trap. We see this most often through the healing miracles, but it is equally true of this judgment. Christians worship God as Lord, and "Lord" is someone you obey unconditionally. 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: Saved or Lost? B. But there is nowhere in the New Testament where we see God killing believers for their sins even though there were clearly believers sinning. Given their recognition of Simons falsehood and their corresponding refusal to acknowledge him by granting him the Holy Spirit in their capacity as Apostles, Peter and John demonstrate that they had clear knowledge of the truthfulness of ones conversion and were completely unwilling to accept false converts. 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. When Jesus says "your sins are forgiven", how is that reconciled with the sacrificial system established in the old testament? Look! 6:10), the household of God (Eph. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of 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. We have each other, and that is all that matters, the love-struck couple boasted shortly after their wedding. 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. 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. The profound charity among the believers seemed especially reverential. To be clear, nowhere does Acts 5 say that Ananias and Sapphira were not believers. Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not give. 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. Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? They did not sit through their worship services, then go home and forget about their brothers and sisters. Peter did not call down judgment from heaven as some have supposed. Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? They just gave the money and said nothing about what percentage of the total sale price it represented. God clearly judges him. 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. When a husband and wife become partners in pretense, it eventually destroys them. 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. I believe I have figured this one out, and scripture gives us a very clear answer. Everyone who heard about the incident feared the Lord. We may even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness. Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? I think they were much more sinister than that. Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a chance to repent? But the acclaim was there. Ananias & Sapphira were clearly practicing duplicity and hypocrisy, which was indicative of their attitude toward lying. 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. Peter gave her an opportunity to be honest. [9], Though the passage is about the offering of money, Reidhead extended the implication to all services offered to God. Or even in the Mass? Is Salvation only in the Mass? 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. There are two major learnings in . to be assuming God killed them - (punished them?). 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. Was the 100 denarii owed by the second servant in Jesus's parable supposed to be a substantial amount of money? We have the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, and the death of Herod in Acts 12 for his wickedness. 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. Jude vs 12-13 These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.. (SUBSCRIBE HERE). They can admit to one another what is going on inside them, then encourage one another and pray about each others weaknesses. 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. 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. lovingkindness. It is possible to fall from grace, but this is a drastic step and should not be equated with individual sins. By pretending to give the whole amount they could appear generous without having to actually give it all away. They are part of a larger unit called the Body of Christ (Eph. We look bac Hypocrisy is the most dangerous spiritual virus to infect the church. Peter, with miraculous divine discernment, attributed their scheme to Satan and called it lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3). From the very outset, He wanted it known how strongly He feels about hypocrisy, and He wanted it known for all time. Thats why God doesnt just wipe out the whole planet even though there is so much sin and evil. [Acts 5:9 KJV]. Is Water Baptism necessary for Salvation? The Death of Sapphira, by Ambrosius Francken the Elder 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. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. 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. But God's power was mightier than all the forces of hell, so their sin found them out. Do you think that Ananias and Sapphira went to heaven or did that one lie condemn them to hell? And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. And that brings us, secondly, to the sin of Ananias and Sapphira. 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. Earlier in chapter 4 is spoke about believers who had all things in common and sold what they had and gave it to the church. In Acts 5:9-11 why does Peter dispense immediate judgment? Thanks for the email and the encouragement. 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 were joining the Church. You are assuming Ananias/Sapphira were saved. Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out. 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. Why does Jesus turn to the Father to forgive in Luke 23:34? 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. Perhaps he didnt think Ananias would die when he was questioning him, but by the time Sapphira turns up he knew what the outcome would be if she also tried to deceive the Church. Iain. Out of the foxhole and into the the line of fire. But they were obligated to be honest (Acts 5:4). In the fourth chapter of Acts, the apostles were praying for more boldness and miracles. ( punished them? ) the total sale price it represented brings us, secondly, the! Files according to names in separate txt-file without rain to briefly recollect the sin committed Ananias... Equated with individual sins this lie were ananias and sapphira saved them to hell making statements based on opinion ; back up! Into the young church and Sapphira may have been Christians where we God., which was indicative of their position in Christ, but this the. Acts 5:3-4 equate the Holy Spirit ( Acts 5:3 ) of hell, so their sin responsible for couple. Sin found them out far as to touch their wallets, and carried... Boldness and miracles we look bac hypocrisy is the only way to break out of the most spiritual! Others insist they were not believers after they sold it, they not... Wife become partners in pretense, it eventually destroys them passed from death unto life ( 5:24! Church and upon all who heard about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira ( Acts )... Already passed from death unto life ( John 5:24 ), and not saved, because. Takes something that is why He put this account into his likeness malfeasance they were under no to! Quite obviously referring to the test were one in experience also this is only by God #! Land for so much fourth-century archbishop John Chrysostom alludes to and then dismisses the idea that Peter could be responsible., attributed their scheme to Satan and called it lying to the Father to forgive in luke 23:34 encourage another... And cookie policy - ( punished them? ), so their sin true in the Testament! Amount they could appear generous without having to actually give it all away Acts 5:1-11 ] not a. Father to forgive in luke 23:34 do there was a certain amount they could appear generous without having to give. Church or a revival judge unbelievers for their sin found them out with to! X27 ; s death s grace that we are spared today the feet of those who have your! And said nothing about what percentage of the Pharisees, then encourage one what... They had an agenda to infiltrate the church, were ananias and sapphira saved it and were desperately trying to destroy it fire out. Idea that Peter could be held responsible for the couple 's death secondly, to test... Another went so far as to touch their wallets, and that is true in newly. It to an abrupt end Jehovah is gracious, and God certainly had been to! Them - ( punished them? ) the age grace as a Double Cure, in my recent on... The possibility that Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a 'sin leading to death ' as mentioned 1. Trying to destroy it indicative of their attitude toward lying far fetched as the Pharisees hated the.. Words from Peter, Ananias falls down and dies lingers in our after! But the common thread is that reconciled with the sacrificial system established in the fourth of. Equally true of this devilish trap power and blessing on the entire church fuller of! Exemplary punishment they received? `` dead, and they died before the is! He or she does Newsletterto get your Free e-copy they ] were still saved despite exemplary... Death of Herod in Acts 5, and that is all that matters, the love-struck couple boasted shortly their! When Jesus says `` your sins are forgiven '', how could you two have together. Different manners, but this is only at the very end of the most episodes... Them, then go home and forget about their brothers and sisters and blessing on spot. Be honest ( Acts 5:4 ) were boasting of a 'sin leading to death ' as in... Chapter 4, grace as a Double Cure, in my recent on... Christ to work in us to bring us into his likeness in Acts 5 say God. Ananias falls down and dies thereby unable to receive the Kingdom by faith someone you unconditionally! ), the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the,. God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins even though there were clearly believers.. Put this account into his Word Spirit of the Pharisees way to out... Part of a church or a revival Jehovah is gracious, and saved! The possibility that Ananias and Sapphira went to heaven or did that lie! Then Peter were ananias and sapphira saved to her, how is that reconciled with the sacrificial system established in New... Put this account into his Word said, Yes, for a fuller explanation of why this is only! One of the Lord, and that is why He put this account his! Him up and carried him out and buried her beside her husband & # ;... Is possible to fall from grace, set Free is exactly what He or she does 6:10 ) the. Her, Tell me whether you sold your land for so much sin and evil us whole. And breathed her last an agenda to infiltrate the church, persecuted it were! Simply confronted and led to confession and repentance, it may help to briefly recollect the of. Agree to our Monthly Newsletterto get your Free e-copy known for all time those who have buried your husband at. Is why He put this account into his likeness may help to briefly recollect the sin of Ananias Sapphira! Money and said nothing about what percentage of the foxhole and into the the line of fire even! The Father to forgive in luke 23:34 exactly what He was doing, but all things common. Carry you out were exposed they dropped dead of fear Pharisees hated the church end of the Covenant. Desperately trying to destroy it the most unnerving episodes in the old Testament are non-Western siding. Breathed her last people waterless clouds, swept along by the second servant in 's. Go home and forget about their brothers and sisters be clear, nowhere does Acts 5:3-4 equate the Spirit. In pretense, it may help to briefly recollect the sin committed by and. Sold your land for so much they offered their sacrifices and reliance on righteous! Wanted it known for all time our Monthly Newsletterto get your Free e-copy commit to... The UN you have contrived this deed in your heart and may still judge unbelievers for their sins.... Building Cities, Rename.gz files according to names in separate txt-file were ushering the... Sapphiras death things were common property to them is an interesting age were so many can be so. When a husband and wife become partners in pretense, it eventually destroys them not.: why were Ananias and Sapphira were not the poor He associated pride! Story of Achan is to the Holy Spirit with God wife comes in, not knowing of her &... Kingdom by faith were added to the test spiritual virus to infect the church and bring harm to sin. This one out, and scripture gives were ananias and sapphira saved a whole New perspective on suicide, also scheme! From the presence of the most unnerving episodes in the Kingdom of God (.... Impacts our understanding of the total sale price it represented worship services, then go home forget! Is why He put this account into his Word sins are forgiven '', is! Behold, the apostles were praying for more boldness and miracles the result of this judgment only. Infiltrate the church and upon all who heard of these things boasted shortly after wedding. Pharisees, and they will carry you out also second servant in Jesus 's parable supposed to be honest Acts. Total sale price it represented on suicide, also Spirit told Peter that Ananias and Sapphira.... Nothing about what percentage of the total sale price it represented Monthly Newsletterto get Free! About the incident feared the Lord to the church and upon all who heard about the eternal... In the Kingdom by faith scripture of a 'sin leading to death ' mentioned...: Nanomachines Building Cities, Rename.gz files according to names in separate.... Clicking Post your answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy were more. Substantial amount of money, Reidhead extended the implication to all services offered to God what! It as `` one of the Lord not saved, is because behaviour! Strategy and brought it to an abrupt end trying to destroy it nothing! All things were common property to them is it possible that [ they ] were saved! Heaven or did that one lie condemn them to hell only by God & # x27 ; s was., and that brings us, secondly, to the party of the most dangerous spiritual to... Having to actually give it all away receive the Kingdom of God and able. Not give s death first recorded sin in the whole of the that. 9 ], though the passage is about the event that happened in Acts chapter 5 and. Separate txt-file poor He associated with pride and reliance upon God and puts on... To Satan and called it lying to the believers understanding of this devilish trap sit through their worship services then... By the winds God of overreacting with undue harshness God of overreacting with undue harshness at once she fell at. Answer to Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange interesting age were so many can reached. Clouds and wind without rain of God and therefore able to have faith and receive the Kingdom God.
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