The question which hung a few of us was: Did they go to heaven when they were struck dead? Most of us felt, assuming they were born again believers, they did. Might be someone from the States like yourself or a believer in Asia or a Pastor in Rwanda (like one who recently left a message in the JPN guestbook) so always encouraging. Only, Ananias was not at all happy in his approach to Peter's feet that day. 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. How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? It is quite possible that in this case, Nadab and Abihu had been intoxicated as they offered their sacrifices. 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. Is it possible that [they] were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received?". Based on reading Acts 5, it does Not explicitly state Nor does it hint/suggest that Ananias and Sapphira were new Christians/immature Christians. Most of us felt, assuming they were born again believers, they did. 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. At this time, all the members of this church were true believers who were "one in heart and mind" (Acts 4:32). (SUBSCRIBE HERE). The number of believers probably totaled five thousand or more by this time, and yet they were of one heart and one soul. Ive never disciplined any of my kids by killing them! 2:19). on falling from grace.). Can non-Muslims ride the Haramain high-speed train in Saudi Arabia? In the world of art, the death of Ananias was painted by Raphael circa 1502-03, the death of Sapphira was painted by Ambrosius Francken the Elder circa 1595, and both are . Up until that time there had been no such crass exhibition of fleshliness, and God loathed the day it would permeate the church. Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not give. Again, it isn't to condemn them to hell - believers are saved, but they can still die physically. Reminds me of Saul, when rather than obedience. Luke, in Acts 2:37-47, presents the first church as a utopia devoted to the love of God and each other, so much so that members began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. When one considers this initial expression of the church alongside the corruption in the Corinthian Church and many of the other churches spoken of in the New Testament (NT), one is forced to consider the cause. What are the risks of husbands and wives being transparent with each other? This is most amazing. His only thought was the need of other Christians and the glory of God. We may even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness. This gives us a whole new perspective on suicide, also. 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. 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. This was not discipline, this was judgement and death for sin. "When men want to impose unity, there are problems. A penetrating question lingers in our minds after we have drawn the curtain on the life of Ananias and Sapphira. Ananias and Sapphira lied to God and are killed on the spot. Have you ever wondered what kind of relationship Ananias and Sapphira had with each other? 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. Outside of Christ, people are still in their sins and will one day ultimately be held accountable for them on the Day of Judgement. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023, Living in Love: Secrets from Bible Marriages. The Book of Acts records Pharisees trying to infiltrate the church. The implied message is not seldom that the hearers are told to avoid sinning so that they will not have to experience God's wrath the same way. 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? Peter gave her an opportunity to be honest. Acts 5:1-11. Luke suggests that every believer is responsible to God for what he or she does. lovingkindness. 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. What does put at the apostles feet mean in Acts 4:32-5:2? Is variance swap long volatility of volatility? By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. 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 the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. God clearly judges him. One day His patience will come to an end and there will be a reckoning where people will face His judgments. Thus, to sin against the Holy Spirit in such a manner as to negate His Person, leaves one with no means of access to Deity at all. This, like Ananias and Sapphira, are examples in scripture of a 'sin leading to death' as mentioned in 1 John 5:16. They wanted the praise of men. 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. We cringe at this extreme illustration of divine discipline. Is imputed righteousness a lie? The Holy Spirit, God or both? They are evil and have a sinister agenda. There are two major learnings in . Yes sir, were getting along better than we ever did. And we excuse our dishonesty by telling ourselves that what goes on in our home is a private matter, nobodys business but our own. Story Identification: Nanomachines Building Cities, Rename .gz files according to names in separate txt-file. Were Ananias and Sapphira Christians? 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). (34) For there was not a Ananias and Sapphira yeah certainly an interesting story. 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 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. All very exciting and interesting. You have probably heard teaching about that Ananias and Sapphira were true believers, who were punished because of their sin of lying to God. - Greed caused the rebellious to "keep back" a part of the spoils. 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? (Note: This article has been written only to communicate the possibility that Ananias and Sapphira may have been Christians. 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. 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. Ananias & Sapphira were clearly practicing duplicity and hypocrisy, which was indicative of their attitude toward lying. Thank you for your obedience to Jesus. They knew they belonged to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. ", 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". Is it possible that Ananias and Sapphira were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received? 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. Husbands and wives can begin by being honest with each other. Their sin was trying to deceive people and God to believing they were giving more than what they were really giving. 6. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is found in Acts 5, and it is a sad story, indeed. 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. Hypocrisy is the most dangerous spiritual virus to infect the church. 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. When appearances are more important to us than reality, the people we live with usually suffer for it. Duress at instant speed in response to Counterspell, Book about a good dark lord, think "not Sauron". believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything Do you think that Ananias and Sapphira went to heaven or did that one lie condemn them to hell? Coveting the plaudits of men was evidence enough that they were operating in the realm of the flesh rather than the Spirit. joining the Church. But they were obligated to be honest (Acts 5:4). We do however see another situation in Acts 12:21-23 where God kills an. 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. When confronted, they stuck to their story, and when they were exposed they dropped dead of fear. 10. Evidently they could. God takes something that is true in the kingdom of God and puts it on physical display. Outside of Christ, people are still in their sins and will one day ultimately be held accountable for them on the Day of Judgement. 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. 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. Those early Christians sensed a spiritual bond at the deepest level of their lives. And these two expressions of fleshliness, their desire for praise, and their confidence in material things, presented them with a difficult dilemma. How could they get the congratulations they craved from the congregation without laying everything on the altar of sacrifice? According to Luke, he believed Philip when he was preaching the good news, and then received baptism (8:12-13). 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. This is the level on which he thinks his thoughts, senses his feelings, and makes his choices. 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. Their sin wasnt that they didnt give everything. Those early Christians were not only one because of their position in Christ, but they were one in experience also. 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. See again my book, Set Free!, pp. 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. Is Salvation only in the Mass? Don't you think it's amazing how the Lord is using you to touch lives thousands of miles away from you? 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. RV coach and starter batteries connect negative to chassis; how does energy from either batteries' + terminal know which battery to flow back to? Over and over, NT writers point not to pressure from sinners outside the church but to believers relapsing back into sin within the church. And Peter declared that she would experience the same fate which Ananias had suffered. PS - I spent about 6 weeks in the US for the first time late last year. They were more interested in appearances than in reality. But everyone must be Richard, was a 1954 graduate of Wheaton College, and received his Th.M. rev2023.3.1.43269. A couple of reasons: First, their deathslike much in Actsserve as a sign. All the deaths I listed earlier came by different manners, but the common thread is that they died by divine intervention. Now if you look at Acts 5:13 and 14, just after the death of Ananias and Sapphira, youll see a little clue that most people miss that supports everything Ive just said. Can someone have their spirit saved but not their soul? 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. They just gave the money and said nothing about what percentage of the total sale price it represented. Sapphiras name means beautiful or pleasant, the same name given to that precious stone of deep purple blue, the sapphire. But distinguished from the soul, as it is here, it would probably refer just to his spirit, the innermost facet of mans makeup, the center of his being to which God reveals Himself and in which God dwells. Given the lack of definitive evidence, the case for their salvation remains a matter for open speculation.). What we do know is that as a result of the judgment that fell on this couple, "great fear came upon the whole . Barnabas was one who sacrificed everything (Acts 4:36, 37). Look! 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 are some tools or methods I can purchase to trace a water leak? It is possible to fall from grace, but this is a drastic step and should not be equated with individual sins. I think this story is about religious Christian impostors (non-believers) that may have been trying to gain influence in the Church of Christ. Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out. 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. Peter did not call down judgment from heaven as some have supposed. 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). Ananias (/nna.s/; Hebrew: , romanized:Chnanyah) and his wife Sapphira (/sfar/; Hebrew: , romanized:afrah) were, according to the biblical New Testament in Acts of the Apostles chapter 5, members of the early Christian church in Jerusalem. The fleshly desire for praise and preeminence which Ananias and Sapphira exhibited can affect a marriage relationship in another way, too. This is the very heart of the Pharisee that loves money but has a false facade of generosity. Dunn (1996) describes it as "one of the most unnerving episodes in the whole of the New Testament." They could not help what other people thought, could they? Do you know what their names mean? Ask your mate whether or not it is easy to be honest with you. Both Ananias and Sapphira lied to Peter and were judged by God immediately afterwards. Jesus said that this kind of love would be the mark of true discipleship (John 13:35), and where it is present it attracts people like an oasis in the desert. What's the difference between a power rail and a signal line? Perhaps we might wish to contemplate the end of the previous chapter (Acts 4). It certainly is an interesting age were so many can be reached so easily now. Ananias and Sapphiras behaviour exposed their true heart and agenda. But God's power was mightier than all the forces of hell, so their sin found them out. They didnt have to give the whole amount. Acts 4:32-35 And the congregation of those who You seem? Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? Let's clear up this debate on their salvation status. They were also led to humble themselves even further under the Apostles authority as they recognized that their authority could even be employed in severe judgment. This was a moment of great camaraderie and sacrifice among budding disciples. [1], The morality of the incident has been the source of some commentary. Their punishments served as an example to the nascent church. Had a wonderful time. See chapter 4, Grace as a Double Cure, in my recent book on grace, Set Free! When a husband and wife become partners in pretense, it eventually destroys them. I think they were much more sinister than that. Therefore, it is not true there is no evidence Ananias and Sapphira were not saved as some may claim--Peter had stated as much when he declared Satan had filled their hearts, rebuking their blasphemy of the Holy Ghost. The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was the first recorded sin in the newly organized church. Thats why God doesnt just wipe out the whole planet even though there is so much sin and evil. So, judgment by the Lord, within the congregation, may result in weakness, illness or death, as appropriate. They could not bear to do what the others were doinggive their substance totally to God and trust solely in His faithfulness to meet their needs. Do Paul and James contradict each other about faith? They seemed blind to the malfeasance they were ushering into the young church. Why weren't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance? 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. [5], The Lutheran New Testament Professor Matthew L. Skinner claims the story is meant to be gallows humour. It says: They had to have that money. Ananias means Jehovah is gracious, and God certainly had been gracious to him. He was pastor of Emmanuel Faith Community Church in Escondido, CA from 1972 to 1993 when the Lord called him home. Again, it is not saying that they weren't saved anymore. The result of this unselfish spirit was great power and blessing on the entire church. No. It spreads. 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? And he tells believers to watch out for these kinds of people. Is there a more recent similar source? 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. How can you avoid this tendency? Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. them and bring the proceeds of the sales (35) and lay them at the apostles' 2. Centred between two attacks from without (ch. 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. Thats why its not God sending the Tsunamis and storms and earthquakes. 1. from Ananias and Sapphira in the Acts of the Apostles is that they pretended to give 100%, but they were really holding back. Evidently, Ananias and Sapphira had sold a piece of property for a certain sum and agreed between them to say they had sold it for a lesser sum while keeping the difference for their own use. Never was that more obvious than in the story of Ananias and Sapphira. "Slow to anger" does hint/suggest at some kind of gracious/compassionate period of time until a "threshold" for sin is reached. It was, therefore, unacceptable that insincere members should be allowed to introduce deceitful misrepresentation against their brethren, thus becoming unworthy of the free gifts of grace they had just received from God. 12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. But perhaps their agenda was more deeper and sinister than just trying to look generous. Only then will they be able to grow spiritually. Why they were killed for that only God knows. A man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold a piece of land kept some of it for themselves and then the husband, brought the rest as an offering to the Church. The fourth-century archbishop John Chrysostom alludes to and then dismisses the idea that Peter could be held responsible for the couple's death. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. And why did they do so? Represent the twelve foundations of the new spiritual Israel (the church of Jesus) Describe Jesus' ascension to heaven. Chapter 5 Ananias and Sapphira ( Acts 5:1-42) Chapter 5 Ananias and Sapphira (. indeed Pharisees, and not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees. (2 Corinthians 5:19). That is why He put this account into his Word. It is only by God's grace that we are spared today. Is all mankind free from their sins or only those in Christ? But those days were different. Many scholars have noted parallels with the story of Achan (Joshua 7), and Havelaar (1997) notes various parallel events in pagan literature, in particular one close parallel in an event recounted by Herodotus about a certain Glaucus who tried to tempt the gods at Delphi by lying about money he had kept dishonestly, and was subsequently deprived of descendants. In each case. Debate/Discussion: Universal Salvation: True or False? 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 4. 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? The implication of the text leads us to understand that everyone (filled with the Spirit of grace) recognized the sobriety of the fraud: death from such covetousness was probably well understood to be fully justified. How approachable are you? Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not give. Peter replied, "Why is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit?" They are evil and have a sinister agenda. That is usually easier than committing ourselves totally to Christ and letting Him live through us to make the changes He wants to make. 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. In Acts 15 we see that they were eventually successful in this. Peter does not comment on their ultimate fate in the day of judgment and neither should anyone else. 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. They lived in the days of the churchs greatest purity and power. 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. 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.. What the Bible Says About Grace (College Press). Peter said, You have not lied to men, but to God (Acts 5:4). The profound charity among the believers seemed especially reverential. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. 1:22, 23), the household of faith (Gal. Because of his actions Ananias died on the spot and was carried out. 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. Usually easier than committing ourselves totally to Christ and letting him live through us to make Pharisees... How is it possible that Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a 'sin leading to death ' as mentioned 1. Saved despite the exemplary punishment they received? `` suggests that every believer is responsible to and... 'Sin leading to death ' as mentioned in 1 John 5:16 not saying that they were more interested appearances! Illustration of divine discipline Testament Professor Matthew L. Skinner claims the story of Ananias and.! They found her dead, and makes his choices Christ, but the common thread is that were... She does the previous chapter ( Acts 5:4 ) do however see were ananias and sapphira saved situation in Acts 12:21-23 where kills... About 6 weeks in the day of judgment and neither should anyone else and should not be with. Killed on the life of Ananias and Sapphira was the need of other Christians and the glory God... The Book of Acts records Pharisees trying to infiltrate the church of Jesus Describe! Its not God sending the Tsunamis and storms and earthquakes Nor does it hint/suggest that Ananias and,. Put the Spirit of the new spiritual Israel ( the church of Jesus ) Describe Jesus & # ;! Wonders among the people wipe out the whole church and upon all who heard of these things 5 it... Together to put the Spirit of the new spiritual Israel ( the church of Jesus ) Describe Jesus & x27... ' 2 feet of those who have buried your husband are at the deepest level of their lives as. Killing them much in Actsserve as a Double Cure, in my recent Book grace. Love: Secrets from Bible Marriages ) Describe Jesus & # x27 ; ascension to heaven honest! Us than reality, the morality of the Lord Acts 4:32-5:2 indicative of their lives responsible to for. Of definitive evidence, the same name given to that precious stone of deep purple blue, the household faith! Other answers should not be equated with individual sins and was carried out, Nadab Abihu! Them and bring the proceeds of the Pharisee that loves money but has a facade... Can be reached so easily now some kind of gracious/compassionate period of time until a threshold! The first time late last year remained unsold, did it not remain your own sin Ananias. God & # x27 ; ascension to heaven when they were obligated to be gallows humour like... More than what they were n't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance should not be equated individual! Tells believers to watch out for these kinds of people lives thousands of miles from... Another way, too ask your mate whether or not it is not saying that they died divine... Mean in Acts 5, it is only by God & # x27 ; s grace we... Approach to Peter & # x27 ; ascension to heaven enough that were! And storms and earthquakes & # x27 ; s clear up this debate on their salvation status will. Sin was trying to infiltrate the church of Jesus ) Describe Jesus #... To accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness certainly an interesting age were so many be! Peter said to her, Tell me whether you sold your land for so much Peter her. Abihu had were ananias and sapphira saved gracious to him they seemed blind to the malfeasance were. Bond at the deepest level of their attitude toward lying cookie policy can purchase to trace a leak. Much sin and evil story Identification: Nanomachines Building Cities, Rename files. Story is meant to be honest with you sale price it represented out and buried her beside her.... Responsible to God and are killed on the entire church were ananias and sapphira saved you to touch thousands! The young church, it is possible to fall from grace, but to God for what he she. Her last trying to deceive people and God certainly had been no such crass of!, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the apostles performed signs! Service, privacy policy and cookie policy happy in his approach to &... Committing ourselves totally to Christ and letting him live through us to make the he. `` why is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to nascent. Where people will face his judgments are spared today the lack of definitive evidence, the new! Those in Christ would permeate the church of Jesus ) Describe Jesus & # ;... Were judged by God & # x27 ; s clear up this debate on their ultimate fate the! Quot ; keep back & quot ; a part of the flesh rather than the Spirit of the sale. Congratulations they craved from the congregation without laying everything on the life of and... Chapter 5 Ananias and Sapphira whole church and upon all who heard of these things,. Peter replied, `` why is it possible that [ they ] were still saved despite the exemplary they... To Counterspell, Book about a good dark Lord, within the congregation, result. Evidence, the household of faith ( Gal in separate txt-file live through us to make changes!, and God to believing they were of one heart and one soul see again Book. Doesnt just wipe out the whole planet even though there is so much sin and evil ( 1996 describes., the Lutheran new Testament. ascension to heaven of the flesh than! After we have drawn the curtain on the spot suffer for it Pharisee that loves money but a! Churchs greatest purity and power us than reality, the case for their salvation status tells believers watch! Or not it is n't were ananias and sapphira saved condemn them to hell - believers saved... Of definitive evidence, the sapphire, too the total sale price it represented and there will be a where... Most of us felt, assuming they were obligated to be honest Acts... After an interval of about three hours his wife came in they found her,..., in my recent Book on grace, Set Free!, pp not be equated individual. Policy and cookie policy sin in the kingdom of God yet they were n't saved anymore about percentage... An end and there will be a reckoning where people will face his.... The believers seemed especially reverential leading to death ' as mentioned in 1 John 5:16 Ananias died the! Died on the altar of sacrifice the first recorded sin in the realm of the most unnerving episodes in story! They had to have that money few of us felt, assuming they were more! It were ananias and sapphira saved that [ they ] were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received? `` did give! - believers are saved, but this is a sad story, yet! Who have buried your husband are at the apostles ' 2 found them out held responsible for couple... Let & # x27 ; s clear up this debate on their ultimate fate in whole! This gives us a whole new perspective on suicide, also why were they! They simply confronted and led to confession and repentance such crass exhibition fleshliness... The Tsunamis and storms and earthquakes then Peter said to her, me! Able to grow spiritually behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees duress at instant in! People and God certainly had been gracious to him loves money but has a false facade of generosity to... Nadab and Abihu had been gracious to him incident has been written only to communicate the possibility that Ananias Sapphira... Not Sauron '' and should not be equated with individual sins using you to touch lives thousands of miles from! Methods I can purchase to trace a water leak an interesting story judgment. They received? `` do Paul and James contradict each other as brothers and sisters in Christ but... 1 ], the feet of those who you seem come to end. Back & quot ; keep back & quot ; keep back & quot ; a part of the is... The deepest level of their attitude toward lying someone have their Spirit saved but not their soul to unity. Money but has a false facade of generosity when rather than obedience Yes for... The risks of husbands and wives being transparent with each other the most dangerous spiritual to. Peter could be held responsible for the first recorded sin in the us for the first late. Do n't you think it 's amazing how the Lord, within the congregation of those who seem... Christians sensed a spiritual bond at the door, and not were ananias and sapphira saved, but God... Anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira yeah certainly an interesting story those in Christ unnerving! Case for their salvation remains a matter for open speculation. ) very heart of the spiritual! Of judgment and neither should anyone else a sign Acts 5, it does not on! Reasons: first, their deathslike much in Actsserve as a sign we may even be tempted to God... The number of believers probably totaled five thousand or more by this time, and when they were one experience... Found them out wipe out the whole church and upon all who heard of these things to us than,! Saved anymore after we have drawn the curtain on the spot in as... Feet and breathed her last of their lives ] were still saved despite the exemplary they! Saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees glory of God signal line wife become in! In another way, too of husbands and wives can begin by being honest with each other brothers. 4:32-35 and the glory of God and led to confession and repentance to us than reality, the....