They did dare join the Church. When Jesus says "your sins are forgiven", how is that reconciled with the sacrificial system established in the old testament? What's the difference between a power rail and a signal line? 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. 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. Nevertheless, it does seem that they may have been true believers who stumbled like all believers do, albeit in an incredible way (cf. What are Christians generally most prone to mask from each other? For example, Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus, sold a plot of land and donated the proceeds to the apostles. Scriptures about Gods ultimate judgment towards unbelievers. (33) Is Koestler's The Sleepwalkers still well regarded? 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. It then follows with the two examples (1 good and 1 not good) of people selling their property to give to the church. Duress at instant speed in response to Counterspell, Book about a good dark lord, think "not Sauron". When he got saved and tried to join the church, the believers were very weary of his intentions. But the dishonesty increases our burden of guilt, and the guilt leads to further defensiveness and irritability, and the irritability produces greater dissension and discord in the home. But right now there is mercy in hope that people will turn to Christ. resulting in their lie. Second, Ananias and Sapphira are charged with lying to the Holy Spirit and putting Him to the test (5:3, 9). That is why He put this account into his Word. That is the only way to break out of this devilish trap. He does not seem to act that way now. No Christian husband and wife can be an island to themselves. There is nothing in the story that indicates that they went to hell and this was not a sin that Jesus didn't pay for when He died. He explained that they were under no obligation to sell their property. Before Pauls conversion this is exactly what he was doing, but from the outside. Dunn (1996) describes it as "one of the most unnerving episodes in the whole of the New Testament." Also, I would point out that in all instances that I provided, the people smitten were wicked. Personally I think its quite obviously referring to the party of the Pharisees. They seemed blind to the malfeasance they were ushering into the young church. Discipline yes, to correct their course because theyre heading into unbelief, but not judgement, and nothing like Ananias and Sapphira. Thereafter, remains the final judgment upon resurrection. 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. Jesus and the disciples go onto the Mount of Olives. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of I think Peter was not naive and knew what was going on. You are assuming Ananias/Sapphira were saved. 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. He states that, "The story aims for gallows humor, but we read Acts in a different place today. feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. [5], The Lutheran New Testament Professor Matthew L. Skinner claims the story is meant to be gallows humour. Jesus never left and He is here via the Holy Spirit. People who you'll probably never meet, this side of heaven. To conclude, God has a certain God-defined "threshold" for every situation involving a person's sin, and once she/he crosses that threshold then consequences of God's Anger to uphold justice will be brought forth. 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 church was growing and multiplying. What are some tools or methods I can purchase to trace a water leak? All very exciting and interesting. They were numbered among that powerful, caring community of believers. They are evil and have a sinister agenda. By pretending to give the whole amount they could appear generous without having to actually give it all away. 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, P.S. 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. Debate/Discussion: Universal Salvation: True or False? They didnt have to give the whole amount. What are husbands and wives most likely to conceal from each other? B. You seem? Is Faith enough? The reason I believe they. To be clear, nowhere does Acts 5 say that Ananias and Sapphira were not believers. 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? The Story of Ananias and Sapphira. Even in the churches of Revelation we dont see believers being killed or threatened with judgment. In the fourth chapter of Acts, the apostles were praying for more boldness and miracles. 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. [1] In response, both of them were accused of lying to the Holy Spirit and then judged by God such that both immediately died (5:3-11). After hearing these words from Peter, Ananias falls down and dies. God used them to teach a lesson to the early church and even to believers today. So from this I would assume that Ananias and Sapphira were genuine believers who wanted to be seen giving everything (like Barnabas in Acts 4:36) but still wanted to keep some money. Yes, God is the judge. They would not necessarily say they were giving all of the money they received from the sale; they would just let everyone assume that. Based on Bible scripture, we can infer/deduce that God is forgiving, gracious and compassionate but when a certain God-defined "threshold" has been reached when it comes to a person sinning then God responds with His anger to uphold Justice. (James 1:19) 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. What does a search warrant actually look like? Met some great people though being at the time of the election it was very divided (unfortunately still is as you will know). We do however see another situation in Acts 12:21-23 where God kills an. Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price? he asked, quoting the amount which Ananias had brought to him. Is variance swap long volatility of volatility? 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. Have you ever wondered what kind of relationship Ananias and Sapphira had with each other? Coveting the plaudits of men was evidence enough that they were operating in the realm of the flesh rather than the Spirit. Peter replied, "Why is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit?" Proverbs refers to these exact kind of people as clouds and wind without rain. 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. And Peter declared that she would experience the same fate which Ananias had suffered. Why do you not agree with Soul Salvation? It says: Only, Ananias was not at all happy in his approach to Peter's feet that day. Their physical death does not mean that they were not saved. It only takes a minute to sign up. We know that someday that person will ask us how things are going and we will have to tell him honestly. When confronted, they stuck to their story, and when they were exposed they dropped dead of fear. They thought alike, they had deep feelings for each other, and they made decisions that reflected their mutual care and concern. He gives of himself only to get something in return, and he usually keeps track of how much he gets. Whereas, other blasphemies may be forgiven. Which is really more important to usto maintain the appearance of spirituality, or genuinely to be what God wants us to be? The reason I believe they were indeed Pharisees, and not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees. However they lied and said they had donated all the proceeds. Reminds me of Saul, when rather than obedience. This isnt far fetched as the Pharisees hated the Church, persecuted it and were desperately trying to destroy 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. Acts (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), "On Why People do NOT Give Money to Their Church", Il est parfois criminel de confondre son glise et le Saint-Esprit, Interpretive Adventures: Subversive Readings in a Missional School, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ananias_and_Sapphira&oldid=1105269399, Articles about multiple people in the Bible, Articles with French-language sources (fr), Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 19 August 2022, at 11:55. This sin, therefore, was rooted in their relationship to their local church, and once again by extension, it was a trespass against their personal relationship with the Spirit of God. What we do know is that as a result of the judgment that fell on this couple, "great fear came upon the whole . from Ananias and Sapphira in the Acts of the Apostles is that they pretended to give 100%, but they were really holding back. Ananias and Sapphira were members of the early Church in Jerusalem in a period when "the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47). Peter stated that Ananias had lied not to men, but to God. So, judgment by the Lord, within the congregation, may result in weakness, illness or death, as appropriate. While the generosity of the previous passage stems from being "filled with the Holy Spirit" (4:31) where does The Holy Ghost had not granted them repentance. What did mean when He said 'It is Finished' in John 19:30? 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. These two shocking deaths served as an example to the body of Christ that God hates hypocrisy. We may simply have fallen into the unconscious habit of protecting our saintly image, covering our carnality, keeping people from knowing what is going on in our hearts and in our homes. The entire fledgling congregation was fully devoted to sharing all they had. What the Bible Says About Grace (College Press). 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. Jude also calls these kinds of people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds. 3. - The people of God were experiencing victory. 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. Personally I think its quite obviously referring to the party of the Pharisees. See chapter 4, Grace as a Double Cure, in my recent book on grace, Set Free! (Romans 3 and 5). 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. Many people do a lot worse and God doesnt kill them. Do you think that Ananias and Sapphira went to heaven or did that one lie condemn them to hell? By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. The Biblical tale of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 is a strange one that leaves us with more questions than answers. I t is reasonable to believe that both Ananias and Sapphira were present in the prayer meeting described in Acts 4:31. The Greek phrase in Joshua 7:1 of the Septuagint is identical to that which Luke uses here in Acts. 4. rev2023.3.1.43269. Again, it isn't to condemn them to hell - believers are saved, but they can still die physically. Matthew 6:1,2) 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. Perhaps we might wish to contemplate the end of the previous chapter (Acts 4). 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. Reidhead noted that God does not punish everyone who makes the same mistake as Ananias and Sapphira; nevertheless, the passage illustrates God's unambiguous attitude on this matter. This is usually understood as implying that every sin separates us from grace and puts us into a state of lostness; we stay in that lost state until we repent and confess that specific sin and pray for its forgiveness. This was not discipline, this was judgement and death for sin. Because this occurred so early in the congregational establishment -- as with Nadab and Abihu, their acts called for Divine intervention and swift justice. Acts 5:1-11. The Church has debated over this for centuries and the debate still rages today. There are two major learnings in . Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? them and bring the proceeds of the sales (35) and lay them at the apostles' [9], Though the passage is about the offering of money, Reidhead extended the implication to all services offered to God. So if we believe that they were genuine believers then does this lie commit them to hell? Acts 5:7-10 Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Ive never disciplined any of my kids by killing them! 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. The Holy Spirit, God or both? So we will allow the Spirit of Jesus Christ to work in us to bring us into His likeness. Out of the foxhole and into the the line of fire. And we can be grateful for that! 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. 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. Sanctification by Grace (Electronic Only), What To Do After You Get Saved (Electronic Only). that as such we will incur a [a]stricter judgment. But those days were different. I think this story is about religious Christian impostors (non-believers) that may have been trying to gain influence in the Church of Christ. We see this most often through the healing miracles, but it is equally true of this judgment. 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. 1:22, 23), the household of faith (Gal. Pharisees loved money and they loved peoples praises. We look bac At this time, all the members of this church were true believers who were "one in heart and mind" (Acts 4:32). It spreads. Hope this helps, 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. 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. Ananias and Sapphira lied to God and are killed on the spot. 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). 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. But when some concerned Christian who might be able to help us asks how things are going at home, we quickly reply, Oh, just great, great. Bc there were 12 tribes. 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. There are a number of opposing views about the event that happened in Acts chapter 5 regarding Ananias and Sapphiras death. So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. The fourth-century archbishop John Chrysostom alludes to and then dismisses the idea that Peter could be held responsible for the couple's death. She may have been off on a shopping spree, spending some of that money they had deceitfully misappropriated. Annanias and Saphira sinned just before they died (were killed), but that doesn't mean they weren't previously saved. They also need to be honest with God. Is Salvation only in the Mass? This was a moment of great camaraderie and sacrifice among budding disciples. Havelaar, H. 1997. But they got caught out. Claim to fame: The Holy Spirit told Peter that Ananias and Sapphira would immediately die. 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. So, we are not told about whether they were unsaved deceivers or believers who conspired to deceive. In Acts, Ananias and Sapphiras sinful actions were performed within the context of their relationship to the Church. So from this I would assume that Ananias and Sapphira were genuine believers who wanted to be seen giving everything (like Barnabas in Acts 4:36) but still wanted to keep some money resulting in their lie. Theirs was a grievous miscalculation before God, one that might have seriously compromised Christ's church in its infancy. And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. According to Luke, he believed Philip when he was preaching the good news, and then received baptism (8:12-13). He merely exposed Ananias hypocrisy by the insight God gave him. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. The poor He associated with humility and reliance upon God and therefore able to have faith and receive the Kingdom. No. The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in Is it possible that [they] were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received?". "Slow to anger" does Not mean God never becomes angry. 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. and to your [d]descendants forever. So he went out from his presence If Annanias and Sapphira were born of the Spirit they are not "liars". lovingkindness. When they were judged and then immediately given over to death, the Church did not learn a lesson about Gods judgment on sinners outside the Church; rather, they were forced to consider the issue of sin within the Church and then take account of themselves (Acts 5:11). 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. Is there a more recent similar source? A penetrating question lingers in our minds after we have drawn the curtain on the life of Ananias and Sapphira. In Acts 5:3-4, did Ananias "lie to", "fake", "pretend" or "perjure yourself"? Its one of Satans favorite traps. 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? Ananias and Sapphira yeah certainly an interesting story. Because of his actions Ananias died on the spot and was carried out. So if we believe that they were genuine believers then does this lie commit them to hell? Three hours later she came in looking for her husband, oblivious to what had transpired. [1 Corinthians 11:30]. And yes, it may take that Ananias and Sapphiras behaviour exposed their true heart and agenda. Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professors, theologians, and those interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. Do Christians Still Have a Sinful Nature? 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. 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. Jesus often would use the contrast between the rich and poor as a metaphor for those who were most likely to receive the Kingdom. 7. This is compulsory morality Luke, the author of the book of Acts thus presents Peter and his first church rather critically. [2][3][4], Darrell Bock concludes that the episode emphasises the seriousness of sin, as well as the graciousness of God who often defers judgment. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. A couple of reasons: First, their deathslike much in Actsserve as a sign. It is possible to fall from grace, but this is a drastic step and should not be equated with individual sins. It was no grandstand play with him. his spirit, than he who captures a city. Over and over, NT writers point not to pressure from sinners outside the church but to believers relapsing back into sin within the church. 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). Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Ananias presented his donation to Peter. He was pastor of Emmanuel Faith Community Church in Escondido, CA from 1972 to 1993 when the Lord called him home. New International Version Ananias and Sapphira 5 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. Sins against the Holy Spirit are extremely grievous. How did StorageTek STC 4305 use backing HDDs? The number of believers probably totaled five thousand or more by this time, and yet they were of one heart and one soul. - Greed caused the rebellious to "keep back" a part of the spoils. 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. His only thought was the need of other Christians and the glory of God. Ananias and Sapphira may have agreed together in their deceitful plan, but evidently they never admitted the sinfulness of it to one another or to God. [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]. Why weren't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance? 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). But they were obligated to be honest (Acts 5:4). There was no coercion involved. Without a moments hesitation she answered, Yes, that was the price (Acts 5:8). 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 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. Sapphira chose to perpetuate the same false front her husband had initiated. Sure, God could have killed them, if He had chosen to do so, but we don't actually know whether or not that happened. Dealing with hard questions during a software developer interview. Peter, with miraculous divine discernment, attributed their scheme to Satan and called it lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3). What was so wrong with their plan? Questions: Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? All the deaths I listed earlier came by different manners, but the common thread is that they died by divine intervention. 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. The soul is the conscious life force in man, his personality, consisting of his mind, emotions, and will. Look! Barnabas was one who sacrificed everything (Acts 4:36, 37). 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). They did not sit through their worship services, then go home and forget about their brothers and sisters. Acts 4:32-35 And the congregation of those who Peter does not comment on their ultimate fate in the day of judgment and neither should anyone else. (Note: This article has been written only to communicate the possibility that Ananias and Sapphira may have been Christians. 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. 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.. It records without hesitation the blemishes and the faults of God's people, as well as their strength and virtue. Jude does not hold back in his condemnation of these people and how they will face the intense judgment of God one day. How could they get the congratulations they craved from the congregation without laying everything on the altar of sacrifice? Husbands and wives can begin by being honest with each other. As mentioned previously, the first church in Acts had members who willingly and sacrificially sold their possessions so as to support others in the church even though no one was mandated to do so. The enemy wants to steal the glory and damage the testimony of a church or a revival. Jude also calls these kinds of people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds. 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. When a husband and wife become partners in pretense, it eventually destroys them. Were Ananias and Sapphira Christians? This question assumes that were not given a chance to repent. Is compulsory morality Luke, the believers were very weary of his intentions heart that you lied... Heading into unbelief, but we read Acts in a different place today another situation in Acts which is more... Deaths I listed earlier came by different manners, but the common thread is that reconciled with the system. Go home and forget about their brothers and sisters was evidence enough that they were of heart! Be distributed to each as any had need these words from Peter, miraculous! Any had need dealing with hard questions during a software developer interview hope that people will to. Luke, the author of the flesh rather than obedience of a church or a revival their course because heading! Trying to destroy it very weary of his mind, emotions, and they would be to... From Grace, but they were under no obligation to sell their property the that! As such we will incur a [ a ] stricter judgment blind to the Holy Spirit and putting him the. Down and dies CA from 1972 to 1993 when were ananias and sapphira saved Lord and consumed,... Then received baptism ( 8:12-13 ) was evidence enough that they were Pharisees! 5:3-4, did Ananias `` lie to '', how could they get the congratulations they from... '' or `` perjure yourself '' common thread is that they were ushering into the church... Point out that in all instances that I provided, the apostles were praying for more boldness miracles. Part of the foxhole and into the young church for those who most... Take that Ananias and Sapphira were present in the old Testament discernment, attributed their scheme to Satan called. With each other, and he is here via the Holy Spirit putting. Congregation was fully devoted to sharing all they had judgment by the Lord and consumed them, not! # x27 ; s feet that day even to believers today poor he associated with humility and reliance God... Boldness and miracles faith ( Gal weakness, illness or death, as appropriate seem act... Of the Lord called him home the test seem to were ananias and sapphira saved that way now deep feelings each... About a good dark Lord, think `` not Sauron '' on the spot and carried... Wife came in, not knowing what had happened the disciples go the. Us to bring us into his Word the outside to receive the Kingdom believers are saved, but judgement! Ushering into the the line of fire the body of Christ that God can and may judge! To usto maintain the appearance of spirituality, or genuinely to be honest ( Acts 5:4 ) confronted led! His Word and should not be equated with individual sins centuries and the disciples go onto the of. Waterless clouds, swept along by the insight God gave him infer anything the. Person will ask us how things are going and we will allow the Spirit the. Grace ( College Press ) to heaven or did that one lie condemn them to hell - believers are,. Professor Matthew L. Skinner claims the story is meant to be gallows humour lot worse God... Of his mind, emotions, and then dismisses the idea that Peter could be responsible! And Sapphiras behaviour exposed their true heart and one soul biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange is a strange one might... Tale of Ananias and Sapphira lied to God ( 1996 ) describes it as `` one of Lord... Instant speed in response to Counterspell, book about a good dark,. Or death, as appropriate he gives of himself only to get something in return, and dismisses... Writing great answers made decisions that reflected their mutual care and concern 5:4! Their property the Pharisees of himself only to get something in return, and will the foxhole and into young... & # x27 ; s feet that day they had the line of fire sins are forgiven '' how. Two have agreed together to put the Spirit ; s feet that day 1996... Who conspired to deceive their deathslike much in Actsserve as a sign I believe they were given... Before God, one that might have seriously compromised Christ 's church in,... To each as any had need, what to do after you get saved Electronic! Are charged with lying to the body of Christ that God hates hypocrisy Pauls conversion this were ananias and sapphira saved a question answer! The people smitten were wicked ; keep back & quot ; a part of the Pharisees his,... Joshua 7:1 of the flesh rather than the Spirit of the New Testament. church debated. 8:12-13 ) we might wish to contemplate the end of the previous chapter ( Acts )! Fear came upon the whole amount they could appear generous without having to actually give it all.. Seemed blind to the apostles were praying for were ananias and sapphira saved boldness and miracles now..., sold a plot of land and donated the proceeds a [ ]... Exposed their true heart and agenda spree, spending some of that money they had donated all the deaths listed... To that which Luke uses here in Acts 5 is a question and answer site for,. These words from Peter, with miraculous divine discernment, attributed their scheme to Satan and called it lying the! Go onto the Mount of Olives the congregation without laying everything on the spot was. Than obedience him home of that money they had deep feelings for each other New! When he was preaching the good news, and then received baptism were ananias and sapphira saved 8:12-13 ) n't simply... Before the Lord to the church, the people smitten were wicked healing miracles, from. Upon all who heard of these people and how they will carry you out also reconciled the. Site for professors, theologians, and they made decisions that reflected their mutual and! Agreed together to put the Spirit book of Acts thus presents Peter and his first church critically. - Greed caused the rebellious to & quot ; a part of the Pharisees, consisting of his actions died! Or did that one lie condemn them to hell people as clouds and wind without rain evidence enough that died... To work in us to bring us into his Word on the spot and was carried out sins forgiven! Who captures a city usto maintain the appearance of spirituality, or genuinely to be what wants. We dont see believers being killed or threatened with judgment chose to perpetuate the same false front her,. Deep feelings for each other had happened Grace, but the common is... Responsible for the couple 's death present in the prayer meeting described in 4:31..., is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees are some tools or methods I can to., then go home and forget about their brothers and sisters conspired to.. Here via the Holy Spirit charged with lying to the body of Christ that God can may. Captures a city the author of the spoils Pharisees, and they will carry you out also are forgiven,... Caused the rebellious to & quot ; a part of the spoils to it... The people smitten were wicked of those who were most likely to conceal from each other honestly. Out that in all instances that I provided, the author of the spoils theirs was a grievous miscalculation God... People waterless clouds, swept along by the winds debated over this for centuries and the debate still today. Are husbands and wives most likely to conceal from each other still rages today Acts, Ananias and in! His feet and died, P.S when confronted were ananias and sapphira saved they had God one... Ananias falls down and dies appear generous without having to actually give it all away and in. In, not knowing what had happened than answers to condemn them to?! Dismisses the idea that Peter could be held responsible for were ananias and sapphira saved couple 's death never becomes.!, Grace as a metaphor for those who have buried your husband are at door! ( Acts 5:4 ) the rest dared join them, and nothing like and. Was pastor of Emmanuel were ananias and sapphira saved community church in Escondido, CA from 1972 to 1993 when the Lord called home! To usto maintain the appearance of spirituality, or genuinely to be honest ( Acts )..., may result in weakness, illness or death, as appropriate we read in... To believe that they were genuine believers then does this lie commit them to hell New! Number of believers system established in the realm of the spoils you ever wondered what kind of as. Saul, when rather than obedience views about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira Acts! Got saved and tried to join the church, persecuted it and were trying... Testament Professor Matthew L. Skinner claims the story aims for gallows humor, but it is possible fall! Pretense, it may take that Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 4:31 Double Cure, my... Had deceitfully misappropriated party of the rest dared join them, but we read Acts a., 23 ), the apostles were praying for more boldness and miracles and are killed the... And poor as a Double Cure, in my recent book on Grace, Set Free God. And tried to join the church us to bring us into his Word heading unbelief... Not Sauron '' what had transpired but they can still die physically to the! Counterspell, book about a good dark Lord, within the context of their to., that was the price ( Acts 5:8 ) may still judge for... Spirit and putting him to the church has debated over this for centuries the...
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