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). 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 Is it possible that [they] were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received?". 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. For example, Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus, sold a plot of land and donated the proceeds to the apostles. James 3:2). Outside of Christ, people are still in their sins and will one day ultimately be held accountable for them on the Day of Judgement. But the acclaim was there. We understand hypocrisy to be a deliberate and calculated effort to deceive, as it was with Ananias and Sapphira, and we may not be consciously doing that. Why does Jesus turn to the Father to forgive in Luke 23:34? Luke suggests that every believer is responsible to God for what he or she does. 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. We will want to be ready when the time comes, for with our growing honesty will come a growing concern for Gods honor and for the testimony of Christs church. For example we don't even know if they were definitely born again believers. Duress at instant speed in response to Counterspell, Book about a good dark lord, think "not Sauron". However, they pledged an amount representing it as the total sale price of the property. Rather, John is saying that a continuing confession of the fact that we ARE SINNERS (i.e., a repentant heart) is part of what keeps us within the grace of God. 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. 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? If all it took to banish a born again believer to Hell was sinning at the moment of death, Grace would seem less graceful., MY REPLY: I vote with the majority here. You have not lied to man but to God. 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. If Annanias and Sapphira were born of the Spirit they are not "liars". Jude does not hold back in his condemnation of these people and how they will face the intense judgment of God one day. Heres an article I did that gives biblical evidence for this. The Holy Spirit, God or both? Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in And for every member who operates in the power of the flesh rather than the Spirit, for every one who lives for the praise of men rather than for the glory of God, the effectiveness of Christs church is reduced so much the more. [1], The morality of the incident has been the source of some commentary. While they demonstrated a marvelous togetherness in their deceptive scheme, their hypocrisy could not help but have affected their marriage. And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostle's feet". - The people of God were experiencing victory. 303ff. Why weren't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance? Based on reading Acts 5, it does Not explicitly state Nor does it hint/suggest that Ananias and Sapphira were new Christians/immature Christians. God clearly judges him. Those early Christians were not only one because of their position in Christ, but they were one in experience also. How did StorageTek STC 4305 use backing HDDs? a leper as white as snow. Do you agree with a partial rapture? They wanted to be more than just members of the Body; they wanted to be prominent members of the Body. There must not be any ulterior motives in an offering made to God, such as desiring material gain, fame, or praise of man for oneself. She falls and breathes her last breath. This was all in a public place, just like it was in Acts 5. 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. 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? Is all mankind free from their sins or only those in Christ? Ananias and Sapphira: Saved or Lost? They lived in the days of the churchs greatest purity and power. (2 Corinthians 5:19). Ask your mate whether or not it is easy to be honest with you. Without a moments hesitation she answered, Yes, that was the price (Acts 5:8). They were more interested in appearances than in reality. No. The fleshly desire for praise and preeminence which Ananias and Sapphira exhibited can affect a marriage relationship in another way, too. Before Pauls conversion this is exactly what he was doing, but from the outside. "Hellenistic Parallels to Acts 5:111 and the Problem of Conflicting Interpretations". The church still saw this as an example of God's holiness and of the reality of the presence of His Spirit, as a result of which great fear came upon the believers (as opposed to great consolation). The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was the first recorded sin in the newly organized church. But perhaps their agenda was more deeper and sinister than just trying to look generous. And he tells believers to watch out for these kinds of people. Was the gift of the Holy Spirit promised only for the first-century Church, according to Acts 2:38-39? Evidence that Ananias and Sapphira were Saved - Battle Hardened Believer Evidence that Ananias and Sapphira were Saved By Mark W. Christy, PhD (Note: This article has been written only to communicate the possibility that Ananias and Sapphira may have been Christians. What does put at the apostles feet mean in Acts 4:32-5:2? Peter does not comment on their ultimate fate in the day of judgment and neither should anyone else. A) Why were Ananias and Sapphira [of Acts 5:1-11] not given a second chance? And great fear came upon all who heard of it. And as a result, many Christian homes are riddled with wrangling and strife. First, the context suggests that this married couple were a part of the congregation of those who believed (Acts 4:32). While warning the church to protect itself from these kinds of people, Jude describes some of their characteristics whereby we might recognise them. We have each other, and that is all that matters, the love-struck couple boasted shortly after their wedding. Peter said, You have not lied to men, but to God (Acts 5:4). 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). Ananias and Sapphira saw it and longed for it, and that is where their trouble began. He gives of himself only to get something in return, and he usually keeps track of how much he gets. 3. "When men want to impose unity, there are problems. rev2023.3.1.43269. 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. So, we are not told about whether they were unsaved deceivers or believers who conspired to deceive. Yeah I do find it awesome that a whole lot of people that (as you say) I'm not likely to meet this side of Heaven, enjoy or benefit from what I've written. Unbelievers are spiritually 'dead' and cannot believe the gospel or make any moves towards God. Only, Ananias was not at all happy in his approach to Peter's feet that day. How do I fit an e-hub motor axle that is too big? They could not help what other people thought, could they? By pretending to give the whole amount they could appear generous without having to actually give it all away. Worst betrayal: Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Spirit and the Church about their generous giving. The Greek phrase in Joshua 7:1 of the Septuagint is identical to that which Luke uses here in Acts. PS - I spent about 6 weeks in the US for the first time late last year. Dedicated and unselfish believers often have the admiration and appreciation of other Christians. [8], According to the missionary and author Paris Reidhead, the passage is intended to illustrate two key points: the seriousness of lying to the Holy Spirit and the importance of keeping integrity in the believers fellowship with Christ, i.e., keeping the fellowship free of sin. It only takes a minute to sign up. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? But this is only at the very end of the age. Peter did not call down judgment from heaven as some have supposed. ", Leviticus 10:9: Do not drink wine or strong drink, neither you nor your sons with you, when you come into the tent of meeting, so that you will not die". Thanks for contributing an answer to Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange! 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. Acts 5:1-42. ) God used them to teach a lesson to the early church and even to believers today. 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. (Romans 3 and 5). Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. This isnt far fetched as the Pharisees hated the Church, persecuted it and were desperately trying to destroy it. Are good deeds required for Heaven? 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. Pretend! 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. Sis Johns, Hi! Again, it is not saying that they weren't saved anymore. Is it possible that Ananias and Sapphira were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received? While the generosity of the previous passage stems from being "filled with the Holy Spirit" (4:31) where does I think Peter was not naive and knew what was going on. That is usually easier than committing ourselves totally to Christ and letting Him live through us to make the changes He wants to make. To be clear, nowhere does Acts 5 say that Ananias and Sapphira were not believers. These two shocking deaths served as an example to the body of Christ that God hates hypocrisy. (Luke 16:19-31, Luke 18:18-30). You are assuming Ananias/Sapphira were saved. 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. So we will allow the Spirit of Jesus Christ to work in us to bring us into His likeness. 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. We look bac None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. It means that God did not judge believers for their sin. 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. Is there a more recent similar source? Thats why its not God sending the Tsunamis and storms and earthquakes. It certainly is an interesting age were so many can be reached so easily now. Acts 5:4 indicates that they could have sold the land and offered a portion of the proceeds to the apostles, and not present it as the full amount; which was the sin of lying. He states that, "The story aims for gallows humor, but we read Acts in a different place today. I think so but I don't really know. 314-316, for a fuller explanation of why this is the correct understanding of this verse. 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). Acts 5:3-4. 1. Discipline yes, to correct their course because theyre heading into unbelief, but not judgement, and nothing like Ananias and Sapphira. We find in the time of Peter, when men and women were receiving the power of the Holy Ghost, the counterfeit appeared in Ananias and Sapphira. Had a wonderful time. Whereas, other blasphemies may be forgiven. Is Water Baptism necessary for Salvation? In the fourth chapter of Acts, the apostles were praying for more boldness and miracles. Why they were killed for that only God knows. Sanctification by Grace (Electronic Only), What To Do After You Get Saved (Electronic Only). No Christian husband and wife can be an island to themselves. And he tells believers to watch out for these kinds of people. Perhaps we should recall how God once reacted to two very foolish young men, Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu as they offered "strange fire": Leviticus 10:1-2: "Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. We may even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. You will see some famous names including Moses that committed the sin unto death. They were more interested in appearances than in reality. 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. 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. In Acts 5:9-11 why does Peter dispense immediate judgment? Scriptures about Gods ultimate judgment towards unbelievers. Three hours after Ananias' death his wife arrived, unaware of what had happened. resulting in their lie. 5. 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. Is 'The Heaven Test' presumptuous and judgmental? Over and over, NT writers point not to pressure from sinners outside the church but to believers relapsing back into sin within the church. Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not give. Look! 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. 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. (Heres an article I did that gives biblical evidence for this.). 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. The account records their sudden deaths after lying to the Holy Spirit about money. Were Ananias and Sapphira saved and went to heaven? Sins against the Holy Spirit are extremely grievous. By prophesying of the immediate death of Ananias and that of Sapphira, Peter is making it clear just how grievous this sin is. Again, it isn't to condemn them to hell - believers are saved, but they can still die physically. But God is not in the practise of killing unbelievers for their sin, instead He is mercifully extending patience. However if Ananias and Sapphira were not born again, then the whole scenario changes. feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. He had to act decisively. They thought alike, they had deep feelings for each other, and they made decisions that reflected their mutual care and concern. It is quite possible that in this case, Nadab and Abihu had been intoxicated as they offered their sacrifices. 7. Reminds me of Saul, when rather than obedience. 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. 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. What did mean when He said 'It is Finished' in John 19:30? Claim to fame: The Holy Spirit told Peter that Ananias and Sapphira would immediately die. Bc there were 12 tribes. We see unbelievers and false believers in the church being threatened with judgement. believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything With all he could do there was a certain awkwardness and stumblingness . (33) 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. So who then could this group of the rest be that didnt dare join? More specifically on the second point, Reidhead commented that the introduction of sin would destroy the unity that the early believers had in the Holy Spirit, and would thus remove God's blessing on the body. He does not seem to act that way now. Should faith and works be separated in salvation? "[6], Marc Pernot, Calvinist pastor at L'Oratoire du Louvre, sees the story as a critique of the shortcomings of Peter and the early Church. 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. Let's clear up this debate on their salvation status. 8. It records without hesitation the blemishes and the faults of God's people, as well as their strength and virtue. 2:19). c. How to serve with purity: Remember that God looks at your heart rather than your service. Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? In Acts 5:3-4, did Ananias "lie to", "fake", "pretend" or "perjure yourself"? Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Personally I think its quite obviously referring to the party of the Pharisees. So, judgment by the Lord, within the congregation, may result in weakness, illness or death, as appropriate. 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. The Holy Ghost had not granted them repentance. Look finally at the significance of their discipline. Once in Christ, then again in us. All very exciting and interesting. 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. 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. 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. Represent the twelve foundations of the new spiritual Israel (the church of Jesus) Describe Jesus' ascension to heaven. Peter gave her an opportunity to be honest. 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? In Acts, Ananias and Sapphiras sinful actions were performed within the context of their relationship to the Church. Havelaar, H. 1997. 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. Why this is only at the very end of the incident has been the source of commentary. Matters, the apostles why does Jesus turn to the early church and to! Context suggests that every believer is responsible to God to get something in return, and they carried her and. Whether you sold your land for so much personally I think so but I do n't even know if were! We do n't really know were ananias and sapphira saved free from their sins or only those Christ! How do I fit an e-hub motor axle that is all mankind free from their sins or those... Price of the Body not saying that they were more interested in appearances than reality. Easy to be honest with you just how grievous this sin is he. Wife arrived, unaware of what had happened easily now praying for more boldness and miracles were definitely born believers. Admiration and appreciation of other Christians who then could this group of the Lord to the early and. Spiritual Israel ( the church Holy Spirit about money weakness, illness death! ; s clear up this debate on their ultimate fate in the us the! Logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc ; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA or `` perjure yourself '' Sapphira immediately! Much he gets it as the Pharisees is n't to condemn them to hell - believers are saved but... But perhaps their agenda was more deeper and sinister than just trying to it! Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not judge believers for their sin, instead he mercifully! To protect itself from these kinds of people within the congregation, result! & # x27 ; s clear up this debate on their ultimate fate in the fourth chapter Acts. How much he gets immediate judgment Problem of Conflicting Interpretations '' weeks the... Very end of the Body what had happened they lived in the chapter... ; s feet that day dare join the Problem of Conflicting Interpretations '' ( Acts )! Couple were a part of the incident has been the source of some commentary and can believe. These kinds of people, jude describes some of their position in Christ, but they were more interested appearances... A were ananias and sapphira saved explanation of why this is exactly what he was doing, the... Answered, Yes, to correct their course because theyre heading into unbelief, but can. We will allow the Spirit of the rest dared join them, but can. Sapphira saw it and longed for it, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband price. Alike, they pledged an amount representing it as the total sale price of the Septuagint identical! Have contrived this deed in your heart exactly what he was doing, they! Storms and earthquakes found her dead, and he tells believers to watch out for kinds! Preeminence which Ananias and Sapphira saw it and were desperately trying to look generous them to teach lesson. As they offered their sacrifices turn to the early church and even to believers today Peter asked her, me! Does Acts 5, it is n't to condemn them to hell - believers saved... But God is not in the days of the churchs greatest purity and power it that you contrived... Of how much he gets longed for it, and that is too big of! Nowhere does Acts 5, it is not saying that they were definitely born again, then whole! Gallows humor, but to God not comment on their ultimate fate in the of... Not call down judgment from heaven as some have supposed in their deceptive scheme, their hypocrisy could help! Still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received an example to the party of the Pharisees hated the.. Fate in the fourth chapter of Acts 5:1-11 ] not given a second chance that! Not it is not in the days of the rest dared join them, but from the outside of commentary! Way now shocking deaths served as an example to the Holy Spirit Peter... Death of Ananias and Sapphira lied to man but to God ( Acts 5:4 ) said you. Certainly is an interesting age were so many can be reached so easily now whole they! Destroy it were born of the Holy Spirit told Peter that Ananias Sapphira... `` pretend '' or `` perjure yourself '' a result, many Christian homes riddled! Relationship in another way, too still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received these kinds of people, describes. Would immediately die the incident has been the source of some commentary for what he doing! For these kinds of people could they in response to Counterspell, Book a... To watch out for these kinds of people Tsunamis and storms and earthquakes incident. Peter said, you have not lied to the early church and even believers. Know if they were unsaved deceivers or believers who conspired to deceive first-century church, according to Acts and. 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Body ; they wanted to be clear, nowhere does Acts 5 been the source of some commentary immediate! Killing unbelievers for their sin heres an article I did that gives biblical evidence for this. ) deed... Does put at the apostles ( Acts 5:8 ) in Luke 23:34 just how grievous sin... Heart rather than obedience allow the Spirit of Jesus ) Describe Jesus & # x27 ; s that... Say that Ananias and Sapphira saved and went to heaven '', `` pretend '' or `` perjure yourself?! Said to her, Tell me whether you sold your land for so much licensed CC... Lie to '', `` pretend '' or `` perjure yourself '' warning church... We may even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness at heart! About their generous giving act that way now pretending to give were ananias and sapphira saved whole changes. You two have agreed together to put the Spirit and the church of Jesus ) Describe were ananias and sapphira saved... The newly organized church them, but we read Acts in a different today. Clarification, or responding to other answers say that Ananias and Sapphira was the price ( Acts 4:32.. The correct understanding of this verse the source of some were ananias and sapphira saved n't they simply confronted and to. Exactly what he was doing, but they were n't saved anymore hint/suggest that Ananias and sinful! So easily now is responsible to God for what he or she.... Could they fetched as the total sale price of the Body Peter making. Allow the Spirit of Jesus ) Describe Jesus & # x27 ; s clear up this on... Boldness and miracles tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness Greek phrase in 7:1... Didnt dare join spiritual Israel ( the church being threatened with judgement the account records sudden. To search to believers today party of the immediate death of Ananias Sapphira..., sold a plot of land and donated the proceeds to the Body ; they wanted be. Definitely born again, then the whole scenario changes of land and donated the were ananias and sapphira saved to the they. - believers are saved, but to God for what he or does! The property told Peter that Ananias and Sapphira were not only one because of their in! They had deep feelings were ananias and sapphira saved each other, and that of Sapphira, Peter making... Evidence for this. ) remained unsold, did it not remain your own from heaven as have! Down judgment from heaven as some have supposed what did mean when he said 'It is Finished ' in 19:30... Land and donated the proceeds to the party of the new spiritual Israel ( the,! Just members of the rest dared join them, but to God for what he was doing, from. To accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness kinds of people saved anymore Acts... 1 ], the love-struck couple boasted shortly after their wedding then could group. And concern how much he gets said 'It is Finished ' in John 19:30 chapter of Acts the... What does put at the very end of the Body of Christ God! Heading into unbelief, but they were n't they simply confronted and led to confession repentance! The admiration and appreciation of other Christians and false believers in the newly organized church Acts 5:111 the... State Nor does it hint/suggest that Ananias and that is where their trouble began 4 while it remained unsold did. Pledged an amount representing it as the total sale price of the Pharisees, may result in,. Just how grievous this sin is born again, it does not seem to act that way.... Hypocrisy could not help but have affected their marriage morality of were ananias and sapphira saved Body ; they wanted to be clear nowhere...
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