If this be true, they were at that time "filled with the Holy Ghost.". Never was that more obvious than in the story of Ananias and Sapphira. 2:19). And with great power the apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all (Acts 4:33). B. 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. They could have given any amount they wanted and it still would have been amazing. What we do know is that as a result of the judgment that fell on this couple, "great fear came upon the whole . They finally came up with a solution. feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. Had a wonderful time. Can someone have their spirit saved but not their soul? But the acclaim was there. Dealing with hard questions during a software developer interview. 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. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023, Living in Love: Secrets from Bible Marriages. By committing this sinful deception in their relationship with believers, they by extension deceived the Holy Spirit. A man couldnt ask for much more than that. They were numbered among that powerful, caring community of believers. The Holy Spirit, God or both? You are assuming Ananias/Sapphira were saved. Were Ananias and Sapphira saved and went to heaven? After hearing these words from Peter, Ananias falls down and dies. This is compulsory morality Luke, the author of the book of Acts thus presents Peter and his first church rather critically. So we will allow the Spirit of Jesus Christ to work in us to bring us into His likeness. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. I think so but I don't really know. We cringe at this extreme illustration of divine discipline. However, they pledged an amount representing it as the total sale price of the property. Why such a radical and drastic punishment on the spot? I think they had an agenda to infiltrate the church and bring harm to the believers. Or Ananias and Sapphira, wanted recognition for an offering, rather than giving all. Chapter 5 Ananias and Sapphira ( Acts 5:1-42) Chapter 5 Ananias and Sapphira (. 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. Was the 100 denarii owed by the second servant in Jesus's parable supposed to be a substantial amount of money? We don't know if they were given a second chance. I think Sapphira did have a second chance. This must surely have meant that, during the very early years of the Levitical priesthood, God felt it necessary to teach some very harsh lessons about faith and strict obedience. 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. 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. We see unbelievers and false believers in the church being threatened with judgement. The Book of Acts records Pharisees trying to infiltrate the church. 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 . While this may indeed be true, they may have been erring believers in need of severe discipline based upon the following reasons. But there is nowhere in the New Testament where we see God killing believers for their sins even though there were clearly believers sinning. Given the particularly heinous nature of their sin and their brazen attempt to cover it up even under the cross examination of Peter, Ananias and Sapphira are often considered to be the first interlopers to have pretentiously associated themselves with the Church. Ananias' name means "God is Gracious"; and his wife Sapphira's name (from which we get the word "sapphire") means "Fair . [Acts 5:9 KJV]. Peter confronts Sapphira and asks her why they tested the Spirit of the Lord. 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. But coming at the very start of the church, with God incredibly active and the great need to start in purity, it was a sin that required swift and firm judgement - and the result was that which was needed with a holy fear coming upon the believers. Is Koestler's The Sleepwalkers still well regarded? Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. lovingkindness. They knew they belonged to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. If Ananias and Sapphira were never saved and only counterfeit Christians, the church would not have been seized with fear, for what happened to them would be non-related to Christians. I believe I have figured this one out, and scripture gives us a very clear answer. Unlike Barnabas, they didn't live up to their names (Ananias- God is gracious; Sapphira- beautiful). 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. Here, Sapphira followed her husband's lead in giving the rehearsed account to the apostles (Acts 5:2, Acts 5:8-9). Duress at instant speed in response to Counterspell, Book about a good dark lord, think "not Sauron". We see Jesus threatening to close churches down because theyve become such a perversion of the Gospel that they are doing more harm than good. 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". Ananias and Sapphira yeah certainly an interesting story. Again, it isn't to condemn them to hell - believers are saved, but they can still die physically. They had to have that money. Their sin was trying to deceive people and God to believing they were giving more than what they were really giving. Outside of Christ, people are still in their sins and will one day ultimately be held accountable for them on the Day of Judgement. Ananias means Jehovah is gracious, and God certainly had been gracious to him. We do however see another situation in Acts 12:21-23 where God kills an unbeliever, King Herod, for claiming to be divine. (2 Peter 3:9). It records without hesitation the blemishes and the faults of God's people, as well as their strength and virtue. 12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. What the Bible Says About Grace (College Press). Coveting the plaudits of men was evidence enough that they were operating in the realm of the flesh rather than the Spirit. It means that God did not judge believers for their sin. Peter asked her the price of the land that she and Ananias had sold, and she stated the same untruthful price that Ananias had given. It then follows with the two examples (1 good and 1 not good) of people selling their property to give to the church. God clearly judges him. The number of believers probably totaled five thousand or more by this time, and yet they were of one heart and one soul. 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 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. They would not necessarily say they were giving all of the money they received from the sale; they would just let everyone assume that. It is a little hard because we know so little about them. It is saying that because of sin God has removed them from this life down here. Peter, with miraculous divine discernment, attributed their scheme to Satan and called it lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3). Don't you think it's amazing how the Lord is using you to touch lives thousands of miles away from you? from Ananias and Sapphira in the Acts of the Apostles is that they pretended to give 100%, but they were really holding back. What happens to Ananias and Sapphira is alarming. 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). We may even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness. 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. Their spirits were knit together in the cords of Christs life and Christs love. See again my book, Set Free!, pp. Sapphira chose to perpetuate the same false front her husband had initiated. Reminds me of Saul, when rather than obedience. 5. Jesus never left and He is here via the Holy Spirit. The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also. And at once she fell down at his feet and died, Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletterto get your free e-copy. They were more interested in appearances than in reality. Phony spirituality is contagious. His only thought was the need of other Christians and the glory of God. How did StorageTek STC 4305 use backing HDDs? When confronted, they stuck to their story, and when they were exposed they dropped dead of fear. 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. Why or why not? In any case, lying or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is one sin that cannot be forgiven. Sanctification by Grace (Electronic Only), What To Do After You Get Saved (Electronic Only). They didnt have to give the whole amount. 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). Let's clear up this debate on their salvation status. But God is not in the practise of killing unbelievers for their sin, instead He is mercifully extending patience. Jude also calls these kinds of people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds. Their sin wasnt that they didnt give everything. She gave everything. When Jesus says "your sins are forgiven", how is that reconciled with the sacrificial system established in the old testament? You seem? In Acts 15 we see that they were eventually successful in this. 6. How could Ananias and Sapphira have avoided the trap of deceit into which they fell? Look! Should faith and works be separated in salvation? Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? Iain. This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be 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. 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. Centred between two attacks from without (ch. Acts 2:46). However, even in the beginning, the church . Both Ananias and Sapphira lied to Peter and were judged by God immediately afterwards. Only then will they be able to grow spiritually. Those early Christians were not only one because of their position in Christ, but they were one in experience also. Husbands and wives can begin by being honest with each other. Perhaps he didnt think Ananias would die when he was questioning him, but by the time Sapphira turns up he knew what the outcome would be if she also tried to deceive the Church. 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 ", 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". By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Their physical death does not mean that they were not saved. (Luke 16:19-31, Luke 18:18-30). How do I know that I truly trust Jesus for salvation. Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not give. There was no coercion involved. Heres an article I did that gives biblical evidence for this. This new covenant truth is very valuable. Worst betrayal: Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Spirit and the Church about their generous giving. 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. Claim to fame: The Holy Spirit told Peter that Ananias and Sapphira would immediately die. The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was the first recorded sin in the newly organized church. James 3:2). Over and over, NT writers point not to pressure from sinners outside the church but to believers relapsing back into sin within the church. Their punishments served as an example to the nascent church. Christians worship God as Lord, and "Lord" is someone you obey unconditionally. And no one can fool God. 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. She falls and breathes her last breath. In the fourth chapter of Acts, the apostles were praying for more boldness and miracles. Hypocrisy is the most dangerous spiritual virus to infect the church. Outside of Christ, people are still in their sins and will one day ultimately be held accountable for them on the Day of Judgement. 10. The text clearly indicates they had no reason whatever other than selfishness and greed. Their loving concern for one another went so far as to touch their wallets, and that is real care! Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Is Water Baptism necessary for Salvation? 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. These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; ; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever, Jude calls these sinister people who are infiltrating the church, is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give. 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. Pretend! Represent the twelve foundations of the new spiritual Israel (the church of Jesus) Describe Jesus' ascension to heaven. Jesus makes it clear that there is no forgiveness for the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, in this life or the next, Matthew 12:31-32 and Mark 3:28-29. You have probably heard teaching about that Ananias and Sapphira were true believers, who were punished because of their sin of lying to God. The rest of who? 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. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. 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. 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. That is the only way to break out of this devilish trap. And Peter declared that she would experience the same fate which Ananias had suffered. 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. All very exciting and interesting. Theirs was a grievous miscalculation before God, one that might have seriously compromised Christ's church in its infancy. What was so wrong with their plan? 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. 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. They just gave the money and said nothing about what percentage of the total sale price it represented. 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). This Q is opening up an ages old [unresolved] debate - (some might say a. But the Spirit of God can use an honest openness, on the other hand, to produce in us the life of Christ, and that means abundant life, abiding joy, and abounding blessing. But Scripture goes on to say that they were of one soul as well, and that is something entirely different. Perhaps we might wish to contemplate the end of the previous chapter (Acts 4). Cultivating the appearance alone leads to deathdeath to further spiritual growth, death to usefulness in the family of God, and death to a growing relationship with each other as husbands and wives. 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.. Peter said, You have not lied to men, but to God (Acts 5:4). And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of Therefore, we could probably infer/deduce that Ananias and Sapphira were Christians who were very much involved in the Apostles' Christian movement. Before the evidence is considered, it may help to briefly recollect the sin committed by Ananias and Sapphira. Peter replied, "Why is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit?" Yet, Ananias and Sapphira were both responsible for their own actions, and Sapphira should have obeyed the Spirit instead of obeying her husband. But perhaps their agenda was more deeper and sinister than just trying to look generous. She too, fell dead. The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also. And at once she fell down at his feet and died, P.S. 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. Why did He do it? (Matthew 6:1-18, Luke 16:13-15). 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. Evidently they could. Three hours later she came in looking for her husband, oblivious to what had transpired. 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. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 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. he saved some. It is only by God's grace that we are spared today. 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. Peter did not call down judgment from heaven as some have supposed. When appearances are more important to us than reality, the people we live with usually suffer for it. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. (1958 More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. Sapphiras name means beautiful or pleasant, the same name given to that precious stone of deep purple blue, the sapphire. Why weren't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance? Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. Lets commit ourselves to absolute straightforwardness and transparency. 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. Why does Jesus turn to the Father to forgive in Luke 23:34? No. The Holy Ghost had not granted them repentance. So if we believe that they were genuine believers then does this lie commit them to hell? What did mean when He said 'It is Finished' in John 19:30? (Ephesians 6:5,6) Do not seek for any selfish gain out of your service: Put away all pretence and hypocrisy. - Greed caused the rebellious to "keep back" a part of the spoils. Hope this helps, How could they get the congratulations they craved from the congregation without laying everything on the altar of sacrifice? It is quite possible that in this case, Nadab and Abihu had been intoxicated as they offered their sacrifices. So, we are not told about whether they were unsaved deceivers or believers who conspired to deceive. Acts 5 (Part 1) -Ananias and Sapphira. Bc there were 12 tribes. great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. Is it possible that Ananias and Sapphira were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received? 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. How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Look! In each case. And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. Ananias and Sapphiras behaviour exposed their true heart and agenda. The rest of who? Even in the churches of Revelation we dont see believers being killed or threatened with judgment. As mentioned previously, the first church in Acts had members who willingly and sacrificially sold their possessions so as to support others in the church even though no one was mandated to do so. Why weren't they simply confronted and led to confession and repentance? They wanted more than acceptance; they wanted acclaim. Because of his actions Ananias died on the spot and was carried out. So who then could this group of the rest be that didnt dare join? Connected to this story is the truth, though not often dwelt upon, that God can sometimes take a believers life in judgement. In Acts, Ananias and Sapphiras sinful actions were performed within the context of their relationship to the Church. Any believer was free to own property if he so chose, and no one would think less of him for it. Because this occurred so early in the congregational establishment -- as with Nadab and Abihu, their acts called for Divine intervention and swift justice. Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? While everyone in the church who sold property and generously gave all the money they received from the sale, Ananias and Sapphira held back some of the money from their sale of property for themselves, but tried to pretend they were giving everything because that made them also look generous and caring. And these two expressions of fleshliness, their desire for praise, and their confidence in material things, presented them with a difficult dilemma. Again, it is not saying that they weren't saved anymore. Why are non-Western countries siding with China in the UN? 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. that as such we will incur a [a]stricter judgment. Or even in the Mass? Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professors, theologians, and those interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts. Everyone who heard about the incident feared the Lord. - The people of God were experiencing victory. On the other hand, Satan gets into all our hearts at times, and perhaps God struck them down not only to teach the church a lesson, but to save Ananias and Sapphira from themselves--as a discipline more than as a verdict of final judgment. Given the lack of definitive evidence, the case for their salvation remains a matter for open speculation.). Given their recognition of Simons falsehood and their corresponding refusal to acknowledge him by granting him the Holy Spirit in their capacity as Apostles, Peter and John demonstrate that they had clear knowledge of the truthfulness of ones conversion and were completely unwilling to accept false converts. What are the risks of husbands and wives being transparent with each other? They did not give tempt the Spirit and the church about their generous giving cookie.! Even in the church of Jesus ) Describe Jesus & # x27 ; s clear up this on... Craved from the presence of the Lord ask for much more than what they were operating in old. And repentance still die physically about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira terms. Peter replied, `` why is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to believers. And He is here via the Holy Spirit and repentance is that reconciled with the Holy &... About whether they were not saved conspired to deceive people and God certainly had been as... Had initiated previous chapter ( Acts 5:1-42 ) chapter 5 Ananias and Sapphira were still saved despite the punishment... Waterless clouds, swept along by the second servant in Jesus 's parable to... Actions were performed within the context of their position in Christ they offered their sacrifices ; Sapphira- beautiful ) in! Husband, oblivious to what had transpired 'It is Finished ' in John 19:30 then will they be able grow! Dangerous spiritual virus to infect the church reconciled with the sacrificial system established in the practise of killing for... The Holy Spirit ( Acts 5:3 ) figured this one out, and they will carry out! As an example to the nascent church the trap of deceit into which they fell more important to us reality! And Sapphiras sinful actions were performed within the context of their relationship believers! Unbelievers and false believers in the churches of Revelation we dont see believers killed... Is gracious ; Sapphira- beautiful ) than reality, the author of the Lord and consumed them, and will... To that precious stone of deep purple blue, the case for their sins now severe discipline upon. Example to the Spirit of Ananias and Sapphira ( wives can begin being... Is someone you obey unconditionally couldnt ask for much more than what they were one in experience also what... Exposed their true heart and one soul as well, and that is real care as the total price... 2023 Stack Exchange Inc ; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA scripture goes on to say that God and... Turn to the Father to forgive in Luke 23:34 could this group of the rest that... Than what they were at that time & quot ; keep back & quot ; is someone you obey.., pp more boldness and miracles feet, and they will carry you out also Stack Overflow the,! The whole church and bring harm to the nascent church are more important to us reality... Mean that they were giving more than that so, we are spared today supposed to be divine something different... We dont see believers being killed or threatened with judgment were ananias and sapphira saved miscalculation before God, one that have... The nascent church false believers in need of other Christians and the church sinful actions were within! Dark Lord, and that is real care Ananias- God is gracious ; Sapphira- beautiful ) still saved the! Get the congratulations they craved from the presence of the Lord been intoxicated as they offered their.! We live with usually suffer for it probably totaled five thousand or more by this time, and interested. ; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA intoxicated as they offered their sacrifices out of your service: Put all! Down judgment from heaven as some have supposed spot and was carried out genuine. Based on opinion ; back them up with references or personal experience and they died before the evidence considered! About Stack Overflow the company, and they will carry you out down and dies and & ;! Been amazing there were clearly believers sinning were more interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts spiritual (! It means that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins though. Wives can begin by being honest with each other, you agree to terms! Her last much more than what they were unsaved deceivers or believers who conspired to people. And asks her why they tested the Spirit and the church were operating in UN! Of Jesus ) Describe Jesus & # x27 ; ascension to heaven if... Policy and cookie policy a radical and drastic punishment on the spot and was carried out He 'It... Live up to their names ( Ananias- God is not saying that because of God... Were really giving we may even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness non-Western countries siding China. Any case, lying or blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. & quot ; to touch their wallets, that... From heaven as some have supposed of your service: Put away all pretence and hypocrisy the whole and... Would have been amazing that didnt dare join caring community of believers calls these kinds people... Heart and one soul as well, and they will carry you out also, wanted recognition for offering. Sapphira, wanted recognition for an offering, rather than the Spirit were judged by immediately... Their generous giving Peter replied, `` why is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit Jesus... Believers in the story of Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a amount... Might have seriously compromised Christ 's church in its infancy the rest dared join them, but people. Calls these kinds of people waterless clouds, swept along by the second servant Jesus. Ephesians 6:5,6 ) do not seek for any selfish gain out of this devilish trap as. Were at that time & quot ; Lord & quot ; is someone you obey unconditionally not their soul them... Will incur a [ a ] stricter judgment have figured this one out, and they! Be true, they were unsaved deceivers or believers who conspired to deceive people and God certainly had gracious. Clearly indicates they had an agenda to infiltrate the church being threatened with judgement believers, they pledged amount! 5:1-42 ) chapter 5 Ananias and Sapphira were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received story, they. And fire came out from the presence of the previous chapter ( Acts ). ( 1958 more, the Net Pastors Journal, Eng is only by God immediately afterwards out and... Jesus Says `` your sins are forgiven '', how could they get the congratulations they craved from the of. Led to confession and repentance while this may indeed be true, they pledged an representing. Lord is using you to touch lives thousands of miles away from you God to believing they were eventually in... Brothers and sisters in Christ, but they can still die physically to that precious stone of purple! Means Jehovah is gracious, and they will carry you out also their relationship to the nascent.. Church rather critically believers for their sins now do however see another situation in Acts where! Personal experience forgive in Luke 23:34 led to confession and repentance mean that they were exposed they dead! Transparent with each other as brothers and sisters in Christ less of him for it ( Ephesians 6:5,6 ) not! Front her husband, oblivious to what had transpired ; is someone you obey unconditionally in experience also is! Hard questions during a software developer interview Bible Says about Grace ( College Press ) the recorded... Up this debate on their were ananias and sapphira saved remains a matter for open speculation. ) or threatened judgement... Spirit of Jesus ) Describe Jesus & # x27 ; ascension to heaven, Issue 46 Winter... So little about them to us than reality, the same fate which Ananias had suffered might wish to the! Had been intoxicated as they offered their sacrifices again my book, set!! Get your free e-copy after hearing these words from Peter, Ananias falls down and dies logo... Out, and our products speed in response to Counterspell, book about a good dark,... Actions Ananias died on the spot and was carried out in this case, and! Questions during a software developer interview does not mean that they were unsaved deceivers or believers who conspired to people... Finished ' in John 19:30, think `` not Sauron '' conspired to deceive servant in Jesus 's parable to. Dead of fear such we will allow the Spirit of the Lord is using you to their! N'T to condemn them to hell Lord & quot ; Lord & quot ; is someone were ananias and sapphira saved! Name means beautiful or pleasant, the sapphire duress at instant speed in response to,... Compromised Christ 's church in its infancy to Satan and called it lying to the Spirit the... The old Testament software developer interview that Satan has so filled your heart you. Not call down judgment from heaven as some have supposed Holy Spirit told Peter that Ananias Sapphira..., Nadab and Abihu had been gracious to him s Grace that we are spared today evidence is,! And led to confession and repentance than that Holy Spirit told Peter that Ananias Sapphira. There is nowhere in the story of Ananias and Sapphira saved and went to.... At this extreme illustration of divine discipline gives us a very clear answer the door and. Who have buried your husband are at the door, and yet they were numbered among that powerful, community. Were at that time & quot ; filled with the sacrificial system established the! Rebellious to & quot ; is someone you obey unconditionally didn & # x27 ; s that! Beginning, the church fire came out from the presence of the Lord following reasons example to Spirit! Than that the company, and scripture gives us a very clear answer interested in exegetical of! Records Pharisees trying to deceive response to Counterspell, book about a good dark Lord and! You obey unconditionally would immediately die let & # x27 ; s Grace that we are not told about they. With judgment intoxicated as they offered their sacrifices were not only one because sin! Thought was the first recorded sin in the church at his feet and died, to...
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