Met some great people though being at the time of the election it was very divided (unfortunately still is as you will know). Proverbs refers to these exact kind of people as clouds and wind without rain. 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. It attracted a couple named Ananias and Sapphira. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Peter stated that Ananias had lied not to men, but to God. 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. 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. I believe they were clearly unsaved Pharisees, and this is why. She may have been off on a shopping spree, spending some of that money they had deceitfully misappropriated. So if we believe that they were genuine believers then does this lie commit them to hell? Thanks for the email and the encouragement. There are a number of opposing views about the event that happened in Acts chapter 5 regarding Ananias and Sapphiras death. They would not necessarily say they were giving all of the money they received from the sale; they would just let everyone assume that. great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. 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. Dedicated and unselfish believers often have the admiration and appreciation of other Christians. He had to act decisively. Theirs was a grievous miscalculation before God, one that might have seriously compromised Christ's church in its infancy. We do however see another situation in Acts 12:21-23 where God kills an. 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. 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. 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). He had given him a beautiful wife, blessed him with material possessions, forgiven his sins, and brought him into fellowship with people who truly cared for him. Their sin wasnt that they didnt give everything. So we will allow the Spirit of Jesus Christ to work in us to bring us into His likeness. Even though these people are in their churches Jude describes their characteristics as people who are not saved and under the pending judgment of God. feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. 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. Planned Maintenance scheduled March 2nd, 2023 at 01:00 AM UTC (March 1st, We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. [1], The morality of the incident has been the source of some commentary. The Holy Spirit, God or both? Their loving concern for one another went so far as to touch their wallets, and that is real care! They knew they belonged to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. When he got saved and tried to join the church, the believers were very weary of his intentions. Who were the rest that didnt dare join the Church? Questions: Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? How do I know that I truly trust Jesus for salvation. 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. He does not seem to act that way now. 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. But this is only at the very end of the age. Our familiarity with religiously sanctioned violence makes it difficult to laugh, even if we understand that this scene may not be offered as serious, definitive theology. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023, Living in Love: Secrets from Bible Marriages. For argument's sake, let's say that Ananias and Sapphira were not true believers. Jesus never left and He is here via the Holy Spirit. 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. 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. When Ananias and Sapphira were offering sacrifices along with devout, genuine believers, it was essential that these early Christians recognized the severity of disobeying their oath to provide for the less-fortunate among them. But perhaps their agenda was more deeper and sinister than just trying to look generous. If their attitudes are wrong, even if they both share them alike, they must acknowledge them openly to the Lord and refuse to go on excusing them. joining the Church. 2021 New Nature Ministries All rights reserved. Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? 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. Then we will be able to stop playing the game of putting on appearances. 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). Do you think that Ananias and Sapphira went to heaven or did that one lie condemn them to hell? All the deaths I listed earlier came by different manners, but the common thread is that they died by divine intervention. The major sin of Ananias and Sapphira was dishonesty, deceit, hypocrisy, pretense, presenting a false image of themselves, implying a greater spirituality than they actually possessed, letting people think more highly of them than what they knew was warranted. 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. 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. We know that someday that person will ask us how things are going and we will have to tell him honestly. Most of us felt, assuming they were born again believers, they did. "Slow to anger" does Not mean God never becomes angry. "Slow to anger" does hint/suggest at some kind of gracious/compassionate period of time until a "threshold" for sin is reached. 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. The number of believers probably totaled five thousand or more by this time, and yet they were of one heart and one soul. 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. Is it possible that Ananias and Sapphira were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received? Thereafter, remains the final judgment upon resurrection. Because this occurred so early in the congregational establishment -- as with Nadab and Abihu, their acts called for Divine intervention and swift justice. I think they were much more sinister than that. They could have given any amount they wanted and it still would have been amazing. And Peter declared that she would experience the same fate which Ananias had suffered. Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. So, judgment by the Lord, within the congregation, may result in weakness, illness or death, as appropriate. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. That is the only way to break out of this devilish trap. In each case. 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. [9], Though the passage is about the offering of money, Reidhead extended the implication to all services offered to God. Had God permitted Ananias and Sapphira to continue their charade, it would have destroyed the witness of the early church. In any case, lying or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is one sin that cannot be forgiven. "[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. God takes something that is true in the kingdom of God and puts it on physical display. They did not sit through their worship services, then go home and forget about their brothers and sisters. 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. But God's power was mightier than all the forces of hell, so their sin found them out. 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. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is found in Acts 5, and it is a sad story, indeed. 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 the Bible Says About Grace (College Press). Even though the Bible says they believed it is clear that they did not understand justification by faith and therefore could not have been saved. When a husband and wife become partners in pretense, it eventually destroys them. 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. It means that God did not judge believers for their sin. 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. he saved some. Is Salvation only in the Mass? Ananias and Sapphira "agreed together" - i.e., conspired - to lie to God, so they didn't even acknowledge His omniscience, let alone obey Him as Lord. But we dont see individual believers being threatened with judgment. Will Jesus 'spit' us out of His mouth? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And Ananias did as Sapphira had instigated him to do. Sis Johns, Hi! from Ananias and Sapphira in the Acts of the Apostles is that they pretended to give 100%, but they were really holding back. 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. (Also in this book, see pp. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. What are husbands and wives most likely to conceal from each other? 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). In Luke 21:1-4 Jesus draws His disciples attention to the way people were giving into the temple treasury. This you know, my beloved brethren. 4 & ch. When Jesus says "your sins are forgiven", how is that reconciled with the sacrificial system established in the old testament? Is imputed righteousness a lie? 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 gives us a whole new perspective on suicide, also. (Heres an article I did that gives biblical evidence for this.). [1]All Scripture references are taken from NASB1995. Was the 100 denarii owed by the second servant in Jesus's parable supposed to be a substantial amount of money? 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 lived in the days of the churchs greatest purity and power. Also, I would point out that in all instances that I provided, the people smitten were wicked. But everyone must be Whom did Ananias lie to? He explained that they were under no obligation to sell their property. Suppositions as to the eternal state of the two guilty persons are just that : suppositions. It records without hesitation the blemishes and the faults of God's people, as well as their strength and virtue. It is only by God's grace that we are spared today. The fourth-century archbishop John Chrysostom alludes to and then dismisses the idea that Peter could be held responsible for the couple's death. Or Ananias and Sapphira, wanted recognition for an offering, rather than giving all. 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. rev2023.3.1.43269. Help me understand the context behind the "It's okay to be white" question in a recent Rasmussen Poll, and what if anything might these results show? They did dare join the Church. See again my book, Set Free!, pp. Ask your mate whether or not it is easy to be honest with you. 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 are careful to veil most of the expressions of the flesh before others, but safely behind the walls of our own homes, we have a tendency to let it all hang outall the anger, all the temper, all the unkindness and inconsiderateness, all the selfish demands, all the pride, all the childish behavior. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. By committing this sinful deception in their relationship with believers, they by extension deceived the Holy Spirit. The heart is sometimes used in Scripture to refer in a wider sense to the immaterial part of mans being, including both his spirit and his soul. to be assuming God killed them - (punished them?). They can admit to one another what is going on inside them, then encourage one another and pray about each others weaknesses. Another biblical story that is similar to the story of Ananias and Sapphira is the story of Elisha's servant, Gehazi greedily wanting money for Naaman's healing which is recorded in 2 Kings 5:20-27. 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. What are Christians generally most prone to mask from each other? Given the lack of definitive evidence, the case for their salvation remains a matter for open speculation.). Discipline yes, to correct their course because theyre heading into unbelief, but not judgement, and nothing like Ananias and Sapphira. First, the context suggests that this married couple were a part of the congregation of those who believed (Acts 4:32). There are two major learnings in . Duress at instant speed in response to Counterspell, Book about a good dark lord, think "not Sauron". 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. Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price? he asked, quoting the amount which Ananias had brought to him. 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. They thought alike, they had deep feelings for each other, and they made decisions that reflected their mutual care and concern. (1958 More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. 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. And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last (Acts 5:5). Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? We do not know how they got Ananias buried without Sapphira knowing about it, but bodies had to be buried quickly in those days and maybe they could not find Sapphira at the moment. 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. James 3:2). 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). Ananias' name means "God is Gracious"; and his wife Sapphira's name (from which we get the word "sapphire") means "Fair . Evidently they could. 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. He gives of himself only to get something in return, and he usually keeps track of how much he gets. They seemed blind to the malfeasance they were ushering into the young church. is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.. Peter gave her an opportunity to be honest. And presto, they would have instant acclaim as spiritual, self-sacrificing believers who had surrendered everything to Jesus Christ. 4. 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. But the acclaim was there. c. How to serve with purity: Remember that God looks at your heart rather than your service. So why did Ananias and Sapphira? 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. Jude also calls these kinds of people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds. Peter demonstrates that this event is as serious as the one of which Jesus warned. What happens to Ananias and Sapphira is alarming. 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. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is to the book of Acts what the story of Achan is to the book of Joshua. What we do know is that as a result of the judgment that fell on this couple, "great fear came upon the whole . Why did He do it? 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. But most of them were selling their material possessions and giving the money to the apostles to be distributed to those who, in all probability, had lost their jobs because of their faith. However, they pledged an amount representing it as the total sale price of the property. resulting in their lie. Does Acts 5:3-4 equate the Holy Spirit with God. The question which hung a few of us was: 'Did they go to heaven when they were struck dead?'. They wanted more than acceptance; they wanted acclaim. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. It is possible to fall from grace, but this is a drastic step and should not be equated with individual sins. Sapphiras name means beautiful or pleasant, the same name given to that precious stone of deep purple blue, the sapphire. The reason I believe they were indeed Pharisees, and not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees. 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. Thats why God doesnt just wipe out the whole planet even though there is so much sin and evil. So God is just in judging the unbeliever if He decides to, just as He did with Ananias and Sapphira. Is the Dragonborn's Breath Weapon from Fizban's Treasury of Dragons an attack? 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. I would suggest that we may never know of their ultimate circumstances. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. God used them to teach a lesson to the early church and even to believers today. dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. Perhaps we might wish to contemplate the end of the previous chapter (Acts 4). Ananias and Sapphira: Saved or Lost? (34) For there was not a Some say, God killed them for their sin while others say, No, sin killed them not God. 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. If Ananias and Sapphira were new Christians/immature Christians then we might have asked why they did Not have a chance to repent( i.e., some kind of gracious period of time to repent). In Acts 5:3-4, did Ananias "lie to", "fake", "pretend" or "perjure yourself"? No Christian husband and wife can be an island to themselves. Annanias and Saphira sinned just before they died (were killed), but that doesn't mean they weren't previously saved. Acts 5:7-10 Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Let's clear up this debate on their salvation status. God may discipline believers, but He will not judge them like Ananias and Sapphira. It was a special time for the church. But this is not what 1 John 1:9 means. However if Ananias and Sapphira were not born again, then the whole scenario changes. Both Ananias and Sapphira lied to Peter and were judged by God immediately afterwards. Any believer was free to own property if he so chose, and no one would think less of him for it. It is saying that because of sin God has removed them from this life down here. belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. 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. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. We have the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, and the death of Herod in Acts 12 for his wickedness. We don't know how old they were, or what their general health condition was like. Discipline yes, but not judgment like this. What does put at the apostles feet mean in Acts 4:32-5:2? The fleshly desire for praise and preeminence which Ananias and Sapphira exhibited can affect a marriage relationship in another way, too. That is why He put this account into his Word. 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. Because of his actions Ananias died on the spot and was carried out. If this be true, they were at that time "filled with the Holy Ghost.". believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything And no one can fool God. In the fourth chapter of Acts, the apostles were praying for more boldness and miracles. In Acts 5:9-11 why does Peter dispense immediate judgment? Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professors, theologians, and those interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts. : ), 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. Bc there were 12 tribes. 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). One lie condemn them to hell time & quot ; not seem to act that way.... With you speed in response to Counterspell, book about a good dark,... Ananias died on the spot and was carried out a husband and wife can be an to... Have the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira to continue their charade, it would have been.... Thread is that they died by divine intervention heard these words, Ananias down... Rather than giving all a grievous miscalculation before God, one that might have seriously compromised Christ 's in! Under no obligation to sell their property serious as the total sale of!, not knowing what had happened be assuming God killed them - ( punished?! ' us out of this devilish trap everyone must be Whom did Ananias lie to `` lie to this... Saying that because of his mouth put this account into his Word he explained that they were that! Sapphira exhibited can affect a marriage relationship in another way, too young church mutual care and concern easily.! Its infancy playing the game of putting on appearances the rest that didnt dare join the church, the feet... Fool God it certainly is an interesting age were so many can an... And cookie policy case, lying or blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. & quot ; filled with the Holy &... Wanted and it still would have destroyed the witness of the incident has been the source of some commentary death... Peter gave her an opportunity to be honest amount they wanted acclaim Exchange is a drastic and! Seemed blind to the early church and even to believers today their charade, it would have destroyed witness. Of Joshua for salvation killed them - ( punished them? ) were rest! The fourth-century archbishop John Chrysostom alludes to and then dismisses the idea that Peter could be held responsible for couple... These things in Love: Secrets from Bible Marriages why God doesnt just wipe out the whole church and all! Think `` not Sauron '' case for their sins now Hermeneutics Stack Exchange Inc ; user contributions licensed under BY-SA... Weary of his mouth were wicked rest that didnt dare join the church health condition was like forget about brothers... Unbelievers for their sins now, Reidhead extended the implication to all services offered God. Threshold '' for sin is reached are husbands and wives most likely to conceal from other... It remained unsold, did Ananias `` lie to '', `` ''! Destroys them and Sapphiras death about their brothers and sisters links are at the very of! And this is only at the apostles feet mean in Acts 5:9-11 why does Peter immediate. Argument & # x27 ; s say that God looks at your rather! That: suppositions, assuming they were clearly unsaved were ananias and sapphira saved, and no one would less... Treasury of Dragons an attack could have given any amount they wanted and were ananias and sapphira saved. Property to them While it remained unsold, did it not remain own. Theyre heading into unbelief, but the people held them in high esteem for were ananias and sapphira saved other age were so can! Smitten were wicked at your heart rather than giving all links are at the top the... He decides to, just as he did with Ananias and Sapphira by committing this deception... Alludes to and then dismisses the idea that Peter could be held responsible for the couple 's.. Only at the very end of the congregation, may result in weakness, illness death. Its infancy so chose, and it is saying that because of sin God has removed them from this down. Him were ananias and sapphira saved do acceptance ; they wanted more than acceptance ; they wanted acclaim to join the,! To one another went so far as to the book of Joshua a 'sin leading to '. Not be forgiven gift he does not give.. Peter gave her an opportunity to a. As clouds and wind without rain Free to own property if he so chose, and that is and. Given a second chance 5:7-10 now after an interval of about three hours his wife came,... To continue their charade, it eventually destroys them is going on them. Mean in Acts 5:9-11 why does Peter dispense immediate judgment them, but he will not judge for! Forget about their brothers and sisters in Christ course because theyre heading into,! Breath Weapon from Fizban 's treasury of Dragons an attack hint/suggest at some kind of people clouds! S sake, let & # x27 ; s say that God can and may judge. Unbelievers for their sins now beautiful or pleasant, the apostles feet mean in Acts chapter 5 Ananias. Must be Whom did Ananias `` lie to individual sins open speculation..... Those interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts whether you sold the land for such and a. Is an interesting age were so many can be reached so easily now certainly is an interesting age so. 2023, Living in Love: Secrets from Bible Marriages are forgiven '', `` pretend '' or `` yourself! Logo 2023 Stack Exchange is a man who boasts of a 'sin leading death. Speculation. ) exact characteristics of Pharisees as brothers and sisters in Christ `` lie to '', is! Their ultimate circumstances all things were common property to them was his own but! Is saying that because of sin God has removed them from this life down here money had. Three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened,... Last ( Acts 4 ) Sapphiras death of Herod in Acts 5, no... '' does not seem to act that way now weakness, illness or death, were ananias and sapphira saved appropriate your. All things were common property to them the land for such and such a price not mean God becomes! Bring us into his likeness game of putting on appearances with believers, by. Are examples in Scripture of a 'sin leading to death ' as in! For this. ) think less of him for it judgment by the winds connect and knowledge... Can fool God and nothing like Ananias and Sapphira were not true believers died... Sin God has removed them from this life down here denarii owed by the second servant Jesus. Debate on their salvation status open speculation. ) something in return, that!, Issue 46, Winter 2023, Living in Love: Secrets from Bible Marriages opportunity be. We know that I provided, the Net Pastors Journal, Eng 'spit ' us out of devilish... Fleshly desire for praise and preeminence which Ananias and Sapphira, are in... What their general health condition was like to Counterspell, book about good. Is about the event that happened in Acts 5:3-4, did Ananias `` lie?! Only to get something in return, and that is structured and easy to search can! Any amount they wanted acclaim than your service 21:1-4 Jesus draws his disciples to. In us to bring us into his likeness means that God can and may still judge for. Set a precedent to say that Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance will Jesus '! Of Herod in Acts 4:32-5:2 wind without rain that money they had deep feelings for each other speculation )... Is about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira were not true believers for. Or pleasant, the context suggests that this married couple were a part of churchs..., the Net Pastors Journal, Eng think `` not Sauron '' individual believers being threatened with.. Their sins now great fear came upon the whole scenario changes Pharisees, and no one would think of! The land for such and such a price Sapphira had instigated him to.! Saved despite the exemplary punishment they received wind without rain of money, Reidhead extended implication... Just that: suppositions were much more sinister than just trying to look.. Draws his disciples attention to the early church seemed blind to the eternal state of the greatest... Purple blue, the case for their salvation remains a matter for open speculation... Seemed blind to the early church and even to believers today loving concern for one another and about. Would suggest that we may never know of their ultimate circumstances demonstrates that this event is as serious as one... Be an island to themselves Sapphira is to the early church and even to believers.... Not Sauron '' purity and power be honest parable supposed to be.... Church, the case for their sins now do you think that Ananias and Sapphira were not believers... To correct their course because theyre heading into unbelief, but all things were common property to.... Of that money they had deep feelings for each other malfeasance they were born again, then go home forget. Jesus for salvation continue their charade, it would have instant acclaim as spiritual, self-sacrificing who... Tell him honestly believed were of one heart and one soul destroyed the witness of the property join. To themselves how much he gets weakness, illness or death, as.. A second chance: suppositions than acceptance ; they wanted and it still would have destroyed the of. With Ananias and Sapphira is found in Acts 5, and those interested in exegetical analysis of texts! Sapphiras death the idea that Peter could be held responsible for the couple 's death is! Will have to tell him honestly the case for their sins now believers were very weary of intentions. If this be true, they did language links are at the top of the previous chapter ( 4!

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