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. So we will allow the Spirit of Jesus Christ to work in us to bring us into His likeness. So why is this event so important to the Church in the New Covenant? and to your [d]descendants forever. So he went out from his presence 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. 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. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. First, the context suggests that this married couple were a part of the congregation of those who believed (Acts 4:32). The result of this unselfish spirit was great power and blessing on the entire church. What's the difference between a power rail and a signal line? 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. The Greek phrase in Joshua 7:1 of the Septuagint is identical to that which Luke uses here in Acts. Sis Johns, Hi! Now if you look at Acts 5:13 and 14, just after the death of Ananias and Sapphira, youll see a little clue that most people miss that supports everything Ive just said. Is it possible that Ananias and Sapphira were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received? Can non-Muslims ride the Haramain high-speed train in Saudi Arabia? It causes each partner to vie selfishly for supremacy and seek more for himself from the relationship. Whereas, other blasphemies may be forgiven. [1]All Scripture references are taken from NASB1995. The believers were truly grateful and loving towards each other as they began sharing their possessions and supporting those in need. that as such we will incur a [a]stricter judgment. [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]. 314-316, for a fuller explanation of why this is the correct understanding of this verse. See chapter 4, Grace as a Double Cure, in my recent book on grace, Set Free! 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. The need for each partner to come out looking better than his mate causes him to mask his true inner person, and so entrenches him more firmly in his wretched hypocrisy. We don't know if they were given a second chance. This is the realm of experience. 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). So who then could this group of the rest be that didnt dare join? Both Ananias and Sapphira lied to Peter and were judged by God immediately afterwards. his spirit, than he who captures a city. And, it is certainly possible that these two were overwhelmed by temporary greed, but were otherwise faithul. And as a result, many Christian homes are riddled with wrangling and strife. 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. The Church has debated over this for centuries and the debate still rages today. We can infer/deduce that there is a certain God-defined "threshold" has been reached when it comes to a person sinning when we see the phrase "Slow to anger" used in numerous verses in the bible. To consider this further, this article will offer some argumentation that supports the contention that these two people were actually saved. We know that someday that person will ask us how things are going and we will have to tell him honestly. The text clearly indicates they had no reason whatever other than selfishness and greed. 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. Pharisees loved money and they loved peoples praises. Third, identifying this married couple as erring believers allows their treatment to become an example of Gods discipline for those within the Church. Dunn (1996) describes it as "one of the most unnerving episodes in the whole of the New Testament." Ananias & Sapphira were clearly practicing duplicity and hypocrisy, which was indicative of their attitude toward lying. The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was the first recorded sin in the newly organized church. The rest of who? 12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. Ananias and Sapphiras behaviour exposed their true heart and agenda. 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. When confronted, they stuck to their story, and when they were exposed they dropped dead of fear. It records without hesitation the blemishes and the faults of God's people, as well as their strength and virtue. Thanks for the email and the encouragement. Was the gift of the Holy Spirit promised only for the first-century Church, according to Acts 2:38-39? I dont think Ananias and Sapphira were just innocent people who told a little lie. They collaborated on a plan to stash some of the money from the sale of their property in a safety deposit box for themselves and take the rest to the apostles. 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. All very exciting and interesting. But Ananias did want more, and so did Sapphira. 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. [1 Corinthians 11:30]. (33) from Ananias and Sapphira in the Acts of the Apostles is that they pretended to give 100%, but they were really holding back. With all he could do there was a certain awkwardness and stumblingness . 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. 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. The enemy wants to steal the glory and damage the testimony of a church or a revival. It says: To see this, one must consider the case of Simon the magician. - Greed caused the rebellious to "keep back" a part of the spoils. By pretending to give the whole amount they could appear generous without having to actually give it all away. 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. We see Jesus threatening to close churches down because theyve become such a perversion of the Gospel that they are doing more harm than good. 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. But everyone must be You will see some famous names including Moses that committed the sin unto death. 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 . 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. God takes something that is true in the kingdom of God and puts it on physical display. Do Paul and James contradict each other about faith? Three hours later she came in looking for her husband, oblivious to what had transpired. Most of us felt, assuming they were born again believers, they did. them and bring the proceeds of the sales (35) and lay them at the apostles' It only says that they conspired to deceive. Sins against the Holy Spirit are extremely grievous. This was not discipline, this was judgement and death for sin. Had God permitted Ananias and Sapphira to continue their charade, it would have destroyed the witness of the early church. In each case. But some of the, The point Im making is that this shows us it was not uncommon to have Pharisees trying to come into the church and that is was not unlikely that Ananias and Sapphira could not have been Pharisees. 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. 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. Thereafter, remains the final judgment upon resurrection. These two shocking deaths served as an example to the body of Christ that God hates hypocrisy. In the fourth chapter of Acts, the apostles were praying for more boldness and miracles. Why did God approve of animal-based diets if Adam and Eve were originally vegan? And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,. "Slow to anger" does Not mean God never becomes angry. (Heres an article I did that gives biblical evidence for this.). And we can be grateful for that! 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. Or even in the Mass? indeed Pharisees, and not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees. The church is not composed of perfect people, but sins including pride and deceit will eventually be dealt with. While this may indeed be true, they may have been erring believers in need of severe discipline based upon the following reasons. 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.. They also need to be honest with God. What are the risks of husbands and wives being transparent with each other? But we dont see individual believers being threatened with judgment. Luke suggests that every believer is responsible to God for what he or she does. And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them. As believers they had already passed from death unto life (John 5:24). Or Ananias and Sapphira, wanted recognition for an offering, rather than giving all. Given the lack of definitive evidence, the case for their salvation remains a matter for open speculation.). rev2023.3.1.43269. 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). There are two major learnings in . B. At no point does Luke represent them as being those outside the Church; rather, they are seemingly portrayed as those being under the authority of the Apostles to the extent that Peter himself pronounces judgment over them. (James 1:19) The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in Thats why God doesnt just wipe out the whole planet even though there is so much sin and evil. 10. God may discipline believers, but He will not judge them like Ananias and Sapphira. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. They thought alike, they had deep feelings for each other, and they made decisions that reflected their mutual care and concern. So why did Ananias and Sapphira? They were the formative days of the church. What are Christians generally most prone to mask from each other? Up until that time there had been no such crass exhibition of fleshliness, and God loathed the day it would permeate the church. It was a special time for the church. 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. feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. Perhaps they had previously - the whole story is not recorded. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of Annanias and Saphira sinned just before they died (were killed), but that doesn't mean they weren't previously saved. 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. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Peter demonstrates that this event is as serious as the one of which Jesus warned. I think Peter was not naive and knew what was going on. Sanctification by Grace (Electronic Only), What To Do After You Get Saved (Electronic Only). Outside of Christ, people are still in their sins and will one day ultimately be held accountable for them on the Day of Judgement. 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). What does put at the apostles feet mean in Acts 4:32-5:2? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? Pretend! With this knowledge in view, it seems that they either failed to use this ability in their initial dealings with Ananias and Sapphira as it seems that they allowed them into the fellowship of believers, or this married couple had been truly granted the Holy Spirit and fellowship among Gods people. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. 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.. Why weren't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance? 6. Jude in his letter to believers, warns them to be aware that there are evil people trying to infiltrate the Church and pervert the Gospel and lead people to denying Christ. 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. The church was growing and multiplying. Again, it is not saying that they weren't saved anymore. Husbands and wives can begin by being honest with each other. needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell 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. But a certain man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wifes full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles feet (Acts 5:1, 2). It is those God has inwardly reformed to whom He has granted repentance. We look bac People who you'll probably never meet, this side of heaven. Is it possible that [they] were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received?". If he thinks he is coming out on the short end, he quarrels and complains until he gets what he thinks he deserves. When Jesus says "your sins are forgiven", how is that reconciled with the sacrificial system established in the old testament? Debate/Discussion: Universal Salvation: True or False? The reason I believe they. What does God want you to do about them? He merely exposed Ananias hypocrisy by the insight God gave him. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is to the book of Acts what the story of Achan is to the book of Joshua. They did not really lie to anybody, did they? [Acts 5:9 KJV]. 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. So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. Peter replied, "Why is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit?" On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. "Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? 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. They are evil and have a sinister agenda. How can I recognize one? Sure, God could have killed them, if He had chosen to do so, but we don't actually know whether or not that happened. By committing this sinful deception in their relationship with believers, they by extension deceived the Holy Spirit. And he tells believers to watch out for these kinds of people. Their sin was trying to deceive people and God to believing they were giving more than what they were really giving. c. How to serve with purity: Remember that God looks at your heart rather than your service. Yet, Ananias and Sapphira were both responsible for their own actions, and Sapphira should have obeyed the Spirit instead of obeying her husband. We see unbelievers and false believers in the church being threatened with judgement. on falling from grace.). 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. I believe they were clearly unsaved Pharisees, and this is why. For argument's sake, let's say that Ananias and Sapphira were not true believers. When he got saved and tried to join the church, the believers were very weary of his intentions. It seems reading Scripture that the Early Church was continually the target of pagans, gnostics and religious Jews trying to corrupt the Gospel and lead people astray. : ), 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. The Story of Ananias and Sapphira. Can someone have their spirit saved but not their soul? lovingkindness. The number of believers probably totaled five thousand or more by this time, and yet they were of one heart and one soul. His only thought was the need of other Christians and the glory of God. 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. While warning the church to protect itself from these kinds of people, Jude describes some of their characteristics whereby we might recognise them. Went through Pennsylvania briefly (though not Pittsburgh) on the way to NY and had a visit to the Liberty Bell and did a tour where they spoke of the process to American Independence. This gives us a whole new perspective on suicide, also. The question which hung a few of us was: 'Did they go to heaven when they were struck dead?'. and the admonition to Saul and the moral of the story is, God don't care what your logic works out, he expects us to obey him when it may seem more "profitable" to take another path. Discipline yes, but not judgment like this. They just gave the money and said nothing about what percentage of the total sale price it represented. 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). Is Salvation only in the Mass? 5. resulting in their lie. (1958 More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. Jude also calls these kinds of people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds. 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 So, we are not told about whether they were unsaved deceivers or believers who conspired to deceive. Acts 5:7-10 Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Jesus never left and He is here via the Holy Spirit. So God is just in judging the unbeliever if He decides to, just as He did with Ananias and Sapphira. Were Ananias and Sapphira Christians? Is Water Baptism necessary for Salvation? The people in the early church who sold their possessions and gave the money to the church probably received the enthusiastic appreciation of the entire congregation. This is compulsory morality Luke, the author of the book of Acts thus presents Peter and his first church rather critically. Acts 5 (Part 1) -Ananias and Sapphira. Jesus said that this kind of love would be the mark of true discipleship (John 13:35), and where it is present it attracts people like an oasis in the desert. Why do you not agree with Soul Salvation? Ananias presented his donation to Peter. For what he or she does Spirit of Jesus Christ to work in to. Was trying to deceive people and God loathed the day it would permeate the church has debated this. Jude also calls these kinds of people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds the day it permeate. Perhaps they had already passed from death unto life ( John 5:24 ) already passed from unto... God gave him originally vegan insight God gave him exposed Ananias hypocrisy by the winds more this. Got saved and tried to join the church Jesus never left and he tells believers to out... 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