Acts 4:32–37 says that the early Christian community supported itself by selling property to meet needs. Luke gives an ideal example: Joseph the Levite, also known as Barnabas (4:36) Barnabas is a significant figure in the book of Acts, introduced here as a member of the community at Jerusalem. Barnabas sold some property and turns the proceeds over to the apostles. This stands in contrast to Ananias in the next paragraph, who claims to do the same thing but is not telling the truth. Ananias and Sapphira also participated in communal living, but not fully (5:1-2) Taking the end of chapter four together with the beginning of chapter 5, it looks as though Barnabas and Ananias are intentionally place in contrast with each other.
Since the sale of property is voluntary, there is no reason for Ananias to lie about the price of the property – what is his motivation? Possibly he is simply motivated by greed, he did not want to give as much as the price of the property but when others gave the whole amount, he claimed a larger amount that he actually gave. Since Peter describes him as “filled with Satan” many scholars see him as parallel to Judas, another man who was filled with Satan, whose sin also include money (eventually) used to buy some land.
Ananias “held back” some of the money from the sale. The word Luke uses here (νοσφίζω) refers to financial fraud, such as embezzlement or “a type of skimming operation” (BDAG). The word is used for people who hold back some of their crops which are to be used for the public good (Diodorus Scourus, 5, 34, 3). A more surprising use of this word is in LXX Joshua 7:1, 19-26 to describe the sin of Aachen. In that text, Aachen holds back some property which was supposed to be devoted to the Lord. His theft is therefore described as stealing from the Lord.
Peter confronts Ananias and his judgment is immediate (5:3-6) Peter tells Ananias that Satan has filled his heart. How is this possible, if the Jerusalem community is was filled with the Holy Spirit? Was Ananias possessed, or does this language simply describe temptation? This must be parallel to the experience of Judas, who was the only other person in the gospels described as “filled by Satan.” Peter makes it clear that Ananias’ sin is against the Holy Spirit – his lie is not told to the apostles or the apostolic community, but to the Holy Spirit. His wife Sapphira also lies, and is likewise judged (5:7-11) Luke tells us about three hours have passed since Ananias died before Sapphira came to Peter. We know that Ananias acted with the full support of his wife. Just as the apostolic community is of “one mind and heart,” so too this couple was of one mind in heart.
The community in Jerusalem was like a new Israel. Like the original Israel, there is no room for the double-minded. Ananias is a negative example of someone not fully committed to the new community. Barnabas is fully committed, and will be a significant player in the missionary efforts of the earliest church. For more on this, see my post, Potential Background to Ananias and Sapphira.
The problem is how we “apply” this story to a present day church situation. I doubt very many churches use this text to prod people to “catch up” on their tithe or faith promise, but what reasons do we have for ignoring that aspect of the story? Usually we have to add a great deal to the story in order to make the story more applicable, and many of these application aer valid. But is this application what Luke intended?
Does God “strike people down” who lie/steal from the Church? (At least in my experience this does not happen, some televangelists would be in big trouble!)
What principles should we draw from the story?
I have always thought of their motive as being trying to please others rather than God. However this motive is not necessarily clearly defined. It is apparent that the money was being given to the apostles but that this was not necessarily a requirement. Peter does not reprimand them for holding the money back but instead for the lie to the Holy Spirit. I think that greed may have been an aspect of this but that the lie was the deadly sin. Perhaps this was fulfillment of what Jesus said in Matthew when the Pharisees accuse Jesus of driving out an evil spirit by the power of Satan. Jesus responds saying that whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven (Matthew 12:22-32). If this action of Ananias and Sapphira was indeed blaspheming the Holy Spirit perhaps the severe punishment was meant to explain the severity of the situation to the rest of the church. As far as the area of how this scripture should be applied to the church today I think that it is a reminder for the church to take things seriously. The Holy Spirit is not to be lied to. But I also do not think that God deals with the church in the same way as he did in this instance. Going back to Matthew, Jesus did not strike the Pharisees dead. Jesus simply warned them of the sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit. I think that this passage may have been a reminder to the church to heed the instructions of Jesus.
Great point Mary, I did not think of the Blasphemy against the HS, although since that statement is in Matthew there is no real literary connection to Luke. I wonder if lying to the HS is equivalent to blasphemy, especially as Matthew 12 describes it. Worth a thought, though.
When I first read the bible and was asking my holy spirit for discernment this story jumped out like a sore thumb. I immediately had the impression that this story was used to scare Christians into donating what they had. The fact that Paul rejected and lied about Jesus and nothing was done to him and all of the killing going on around them at that time makes me believe this is a lie. Why in the world would this couple be killed when they were believers and gave the majority of their money to the church. Listen to your heart it will tell the truth. The laws of Jesus are written upon your heart. Just another attempt at religious leaders trying to extort or guilt money out of it’s followers.
I think that their motivation was status within the church. Remember, Barnabas sold something and laid the money at the apostles’ feet and it’s one of the things he’s remembered for. (Is this laying money at their feet a ceremony, like bringing up tins of soup for the poor at some church’s harvest festivals?) I think Ananias & Sapphira want to do this act of laying money at the apostles’ feet and be seen to be generous benefactors of the new church. But they mistook financial support for giving their all. We best apply it today by being very careful about status-seeking in the church.
When Peter makes it clear that Ananias’ sin was against the Holy Spirit, this verse immediately came to my mind: “Truly I tell you, all sins and blasphemes will be forgiven for the sons of men. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, but is guilty of an eternal sin” (Mark 3:28-30). Ananias did not only sin, but he sinned against the Holy Spirit because he was filled with evil. It makes it even more clear to me that he was possessed by evil because the Holy Spirit did not come upon him like the rest of the community. He and his wife were very content with their sin and their deceiving ways because they assumed they would get what they wanted. It is evident to me that in this life if something or someone is allowing evil into their hearts and their minds, they will become numb when doing harm to others. However, I don’t think the overall message of Ananias and Sapphira is that you will be killed if you sin or blaspheme the Holy Spirit. I think an important message out of it is that we cannot deceive the Almighty God. He knows our thoughts before we think them, He knows what we are going to say before we even say it, and He knows our intentions when we do something. Ananias and Sapphira did not have the intention to be humble servants of the Lord but to appear as though they were when really they were lying and greedily hiding the remainder of the money. God knew that they were sinning against Him, yet they attempted to lie to Peter and cover it up anyways. In Acts 5:3-4, Peter in a way questions them why they would even THINK to sin against the Spirit and lie about it. Reading Peter’s response to their lying translated into my head to something like, “How could you be so foolish? Did you really think this was going to work? Did you really think you could fool the Lord?”
Peter condemned Ananias and his wife Sapphira for not giving all the money for the land they sold. It was a triple sin: 1. Thou shalt not kill, 2. Peter wasn’t satisfied with what was donated but wanted it all!, and 3. Let no man separate the husband and wife that God has joined in matrimony. On all levels he was wrong, Peter acted like judge, jury and executioner, just a further example of the brash actions that he often took. This story disappoints me.
The death of Ananias and Sapphira signifies how greed can infect the soul and mind of the believer, leading them to abandon their devotion to God. The end of chapter 4 describes how Barnabus sold his property and gave the profits to the apostles to further the gospel. As Long notes, this is paralleled with the dishonesty of Ananias and Sapphira, who sold their property but did not donate the entirety of the profit to the apostles. One might question why Ananias and Sapphira were punished for keeping a portion of the profits, wasn’t the money their’s to use? However, the issue was not firstly keeping a portion of the money, it was the dishonesty of claiming they gave all of the profits to the apostles. In Greek, the word used refers to financial fraud or embezzlement, which is considered a crime for most countries of the modern world.
When Peter confronts Ananias, he says that Ananias is “filled with satan”, which is noted by scholars as a parallel to Judas. Ananias is immediately struck down because his sin was not against the apostles but the Holy Spirit, a few hours later the same fate befalls his wife Sapphira. The question must arise, how could a couple, in the midst of a community filled with the Holy Spirit commit such an act? This action is similar to Judas, who was also described as “filled with satan”. The growing community is almost like a “new Israel”, therefore, just as the old Israel did not allow doublemindedness, neither does the “new Israel”. Ananias and Sapphira, just as Judas, succumb to the temptation of worldly greed and ambitions, choosing earthly things over the worship of our heavenly Savior. We must guard our hearts against greed and dishonesty, for we do not simply sin against others, but most importantly against God.
I would agree that it is safe to say that God does not usually “strike people down” today. This passage has many dynamics to its application for us today. But to know how to apply it, we first have to understand some things. First, understanding what is happening in the book. Second, what Lukes theme is of Acts. For our papers about the centrality of Israel, I discussed that this is a new age beginning. That this is starting to establish the kingdom of God through the Holy Spirit. Ananias and Sapphire “put the Spirit of the Lord to the test” (v. 9). What could we can apply, is that this sin against the Holy Spirit is equal to Sin against God. Because the Holy Spirit is God. It’s possible that with the Holy Spirit being a “new concept” in this time? (I’m not sure about this) I could see that their could be some followers testing the Holy Spirits limits. I would say people do this today as well. The concept of the trinity wasn’t set in stone at that time, so little did they know, the Holy Spirit is God…or did they? I guess that’s were my lack of knowledge shows.
I see how this could be a way of establishing the seriousness of sin against the Holy Spirit. The Jewish people understood OT literature and could possibly recognize familiarity. Like what happened to Cain when he didn’t give the right sacrifice (Gen 4) and Joshua 7:1, 19-26 to describe the sin of Aachen. Quite possibly God could be establishing the Holy Spirit’s authority and divinity.
Another way this could be applicable to us today is our seriousness and devotion to God. I don’t think that this passage is pushing us to giving “the right amount” of tithes. But instead focuses more on our hearts behind what we are giving to God. Are we holding back ourselves? Our devotion? our trust in the Lord? The early Christian community at that time leaned on each other. They weren’t too keen on their sense of individuality. Unlike us modern 21st century, westerners hold so dearly. Instead they cared for each other. In their devotion and trust in God, they sacrificed for the care and benefit of the community. Ananias and Sapphira didn’t do that. They were selfish, and didn’t want to give what they knew they should, and could. Instead they lied, and hoarded their possessions. What we can take from this is a sense of taking serious how much we trust in others and in the Lord.
Reflecting on the story of Ananias and Sapphira, especially in contrast of that of Barnabas, there are a few points that can be drawn from it. Long points to the contrast between them and Barnabas as a small context to understand their error. Long makes some connection between the same being “filled with Satan” as Judas, the apostle. But mainly ascertains that they lied to the Holy Spirit and kept back what they said they dedicated to God. Long and Polhill also make the connection with Achan, who kept spoils that should have been totally dedicated to the Lord (Joshua 7:1). I think it would be abuse of Scripture to apply this to the context of giving in today’s church as well as to simply say that it was to inspire the community’s fear of God. I believe that Long and Polhill are correct in focusing on the lie as the main issue and the importance of unity of the group as the main concern in such swift dealing of the issue. We are not given more details of the posture of the heart of Ananias and Sapphira, nor if they were true believers or not. But maybe we should focus more on the lesson about unity. The early community of believers lived independently and communally, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42, 44). Perhaps the lack of unity and fellowship among believers and different units of the Church today limits on an individual and community level the way we experience the Holy Spirit.
I may have mentioned this story in a previous blog post, but there is a Church near my house whose Pastor was fired a few years back for having a homosexual affair and embezzling money. He was arrested, but half the congregation decided to form a new Church, where they raised his bail money and invited him back as their Head Pastor. I had the misfortune of meeting him (we visited his Church because they were selling a piano), and he was certainly a man filled by Satan. He only spoke of himself, bragging of his wealth and talents. I didn’t know his background until later on, but I certainly understand why I literally could not look him in the eye. I felt as though there was something nonhuman looking at me too. I tell this story because he reminds me of Ananias. He stole money from the Lord’s people; he lied to the Holy Spirit. I think this passage in Acts 5 serves as a grave warning to individuals who allow their greed to harm the Church. I also think this passage has another important lesson as well. By being complicit in Ananias’ misdeeds, Sapphira was equally punished. Allowing sin is a sin. Whether you explicitly promote it simply turn your back to the problem, those who allow sin will be judged just as those committing the sin.
The apostle Paul will later write in Timothy 6:10 ”the love of money is the root of all evil.” This same evil was shown through the doubt and greed of Ananias and Sapphira. Joseph the Levite had voluntarily sold his property and gave the money to the apostles. Similarly, Ananias and Sapphira wanted to give the apostles money from the property they sold, just not all of it. The doubt that many Christians have today is similar to the reason Ananias and Saphira withheld funds and lied about it. They did not fully trust God and were seeking success by their own means. Peter describes Ananias as being “filled by Satan” (Acts 5:3). Polhill states “Satan was the instigator behind the couple’s deed, ‘filling’ their hearts just as the Spirit has ‘filled’ the community for witness” (Polhill, 2089). I do not believe Satan could fill someone’s heart already claimed by the Holy Spirit, but Satan does have the ability to influence believers. In this case, Ananias and Sapphira fell into temptation and did not place their trust in God to provide financially. They also seemed to care about their social status; yet another thing they placed before trusting God. The financial and social temptations are still relevant today. Many Christians seem to keep God as their “backup plan” as they tithe only the required amount or only when it elevates their social status. Just as the early believers in Acts were encouraged to voluntarily give proceeds of their possessions to the apostles, we are encouraged to joyfully give to the church. We must protect ourselves from the financial and social temptations of Satan and focus on the call of the Holy Spirit solely.
The story of Ananias and Sapphira has always fascinated me, even as a kid. I remember in Sunday school being totally astonished that God just smote this couple down from the heavens, and wondering what they could have done to deserve such a punishment. As I reread the story in later years I slowly started to understand the reason behind the punishment, although I still thought it was quite extreme. This story is not one of the happy David and Goliath stories in the Bible, where you see God’s kind and faithful promises coming true, but it does have a purpose, and it ultimately still brings God glory.
Although maybe not the most applicable at first glance, there is a lot to be considered in the passage. Polhill points out the Spirit’s role in the community of believers at that time, and how based on what Ananias and Sapphira did they broke that trust and unity. “Ananias and Sapphira abused the fellowship through their deception and thereby threatened its unity” (Polhill, 2089). This points to the heart issue. It was not necessarily the deed that Ananias and Sapphira were struck down dead for, but the deceitfulness and greed in their hearts. They were willing to lie about a stupid field in order to boost their own pride and popularity.
There are a few principles that can be taken out of this passage, firstly God does not take well to lying and cheating, but more than that it has to do with the betrayal of everything that Christ stood for. “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). This passage I think fits well with this story. Somethings it’s not just our physical appearance that we take the most pride in, often it can be things like how much money we title, or how much we volunteer, it can be easy to feed pride with that mindset. One of the biggest principles to take away from this passage is that it’s not the thing we do for God that matters, it’s the heart and attitude behind them.
Basically, the answer is no. Well, maybe. I personally have never seen God strike anyone down for the fact that they lied to the church, or withheld money from the church. However, it was the manner in which Ananias and Sapphira withheld money from the church. Peter is quoted by even saying in Acts 5:3, “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?’”. The issue wasn’t an external financial issue, though that is what is perceived. Mainly, it was a heart issue. What was happening was a failure to their commitment to their people. “a couple who abused the practice by holding back a portion of a gift while claiming to be giving it totally to the church” (Polhill, 2089). They had committed, and decided, to live a life that would line up with the practices of their people, but instead what they did was act selfishly, and not uphold this rule. Now, what this means for us, is almost (in a way) the act of us professing our faith and commitment to the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus said himself in Matthew 10:33, “but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven”. It isn’t exactly the same, but that is the flavor I am sensing from this passage in Acts. Now, when talking about God’s Grace and our Salvation is secure in Jesus, I believe in that whole heartedly, but what I am pulling from this story is the fact that we should be taking this faith thing seriously. This is the God of the universe we are talking about. Not some grandfather in the clouds making sure we don’t break any rules.
The best answer to theological questions is “Basically, the answer is no. Well, maybe.”
I think this passage in Acts 4 should have more focus put on the lying aspect rather than God putting to death aspect. I feel that God striking down Ananias and Sapphira was significant in showing how lying is something that should not be tolerated. Polhill reminds us that giving to the church’s charity was voluntary (Polhill 2090). Ananias did not have to give to the church like Barnabas did, and that these accounts contrast each other (Long). A question that I have is what really were his motives? To have some back up money? To gain recognition and attention after Barnabas? To act on greed? (Long). Regardless of what his motives were to not give the full amount to the church, we see he still lied about it. We see how Satan is mentioned as being a temptation in this scenario (Acts 3). “Satan was the instigator behind the couple’s deed” (Polhill 2089). Ananias did not only lie to the church, but the Bible specifically says he “lied to the Holy Spirit” (Acts 5:3). This passage is an example how Satan tries to work against God and “instigates” the couple to go against and lie to God, specifically the Holy Spirit. I feel this passage can be used an applied today to show how Satan tempts us, how lying is against God, and how the Holy Spirit is one with God.
This has to be one of a challenging blog post I have ever come across out of all the comments that I gave. It is a bit challenging in the sense of how do we apply the story into our modern culture, if deceiving the Holy Spirit meant to be being strike down by the Holy Spirit resulting in death, then none of us will survive. The sin that Ananias and Sapphira committed was occupying back some of the money from the property that he and his wife sold which is an acts of deceiving the Holy Spirit in their cultural contexts, but its seem to be rare if we look at in our modern cultures. Not only that many Christian lie against the Holy Spirit, we have a habitual sins in our daily life, which is in contrary with being filled with the Holy Spirit, none of us will make this far. However, if I have to give my best input here, I am convince that God is trying to teach us something through this couples on the danger aspect of lying against the Holy Spirit for the coming generation to learn the lesson and being aware of dreadful it is when a person lied against the Holy Spirit. During that time, the community of believers were filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the couples were also apart of “the believers”. By the conviction of the Holly Spirit, many believers were enlighten and willingly to sales their property for the ministry, so that the gospel will be spread all over. But unfortunately, I don’t think both couples had the intention of lying the Holy Spirit, but rather to men, if they knew about this they would have resisted. But according top Peter, lying to men was not the big issue here, instead Peter was furious the facts that both couples were lying to God(the Holy Spirit) for the prospect of gaining money. God is all about intention, heard and mind of a person, obviously both couples stand in the complete opposite of what God want. As a result of their action, God strike them down resulting in death, because God is trying to teach us something from this couples. Rev. 2:23 said, and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and xI will give to each of you according to your works. God want, people to know that He searches mind and heart of people, and nothing can be hidden in his sight.
I see the similarities to Cain and Abel. Like Cain, Ananias and Sapphira try to pull one over on God, but the church is the realm of the NEW ADAM. Sorry but none of that stuff here…
I sometimes wonder why the Lord doesn’t strike people down more often but then again He didn’t do it very often in the early church either, or maybe He does do it, but we don’t realize it…
The key verse of importance in this passage is verse 4. “ While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God” (Acts 5:4, ESVSB). Polhill explains that Ananias was not required to give anything to the community (2008, p. 2271). Yet, Ananias was still being deceitful and pretending as though he was giving over what he really was. Living in community is a theme that is stressed throughout Acts. In Acts 2, all of the newly gained followers of Christ “devote” themselves to the teachings of the Lord, prayer, and breaking bread (Acts 2:42). Later in the chapter, Luke explains that people have started selling their houses and possessions so that they can give to the needy and witness to them in that way (Acts 2:45). Furthermore, they had “all things in common” (Acts 2:44). The death of Ananias and Sapphira is undeniably surprising. However, after digging into the historical background and intent of the text, it becomes easier to digest. I think there is a possibility that God struck down the couple because they did not have “all things in common” with the rest of the believers. They were being deceitful among a group of people who were following God to experience eternal life and witness to others. God’s grace was extended to them in that He did not expect them to give anything, and when they did- they lied about the amount. God’s act to kill Ananias and Sapphira may have been in part to cleanse the new community of such sinful acts before it infected others.
The problem suggested in this blog post is how to address this story and issue within the church today. I personally have an interesting view on this story because I have heard it in church twice. My church on this side of Michigan has talked about Ananias and Sapphira as well as my family’s church on the East side of Michigan. They both addressed the topic differently. My family’s church skipped over the story entirely only mentioning pieces from the story. However, my church did address the story mentioning how important it is. This brings up the question does God really strike people down who life or steal from the church? I think the simple obvious answer is no, but there is more to that. No, he does not send a lightening bolt and kill them instantly. However, I believe he does make them pay for their actions even if we do not always realize it. Matthew 16:18 says, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” This verse tells us that God protects his church and those involved in it. Therefore, he will not let anyone, not even Satan destroy it. The general principle I obtain from reading these passages and hearing about it in church is that God protects his church and his people. Therefore, he will remove people whose intentions are to steal or harm the church. While I think it is harsh to kill someone over this type of lie, it fit the time period. This story showed the people that lying to the church or the apostles was the same as lying to the Holy Spirit, Acts 5:9. Therefore, principles we should take from this story is for one not to lie to God or the church because he sees everything, and two, God will take care of you and the church if you are honest and truly giving the amount God calls you to give.
It surprises me that Ananias was not required to give anything to the church, but rather chose to voluntarily and then still lied about the amount (Polhill, p. 2090). In a way, he doomed himself from the start. Although it does seem harsh for God to strike down Ananias over a lie, it’s clear that God does not tolerate sin, especially within the church. I find the parallel between Satan filling Ananias’s heart and the same phrase associated with Judas interesting. Judas’s sin seems weightier than Ananias’s, but they both deal with greed. Both Ananias and Judas wanted money for themselves over doing what was right and remaining dedicated to God. I think as Christians today, it can be difficult to justify God choosing to kill Ananias and Sapphira over greed and a lie, but there’s a much deeper message in this passage. Not only should we choose not to lie to the Holy Spirit, which is equivalent to lying to God himself (Polhill), but we should never allow our greed to take a higher place in our hearts than God himself.
Also, I think because this is the first instance of greed and lying within the church, God chose to cut it off quickly. Acts 5:11 (ESV) says, “And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.” Not only were Ananias and Sapphira rightfully punished for their sin, but they were also serving as an example to the rest of the church to discourage others from making the same mistake. Although it does still seem harsh, it is clear that God was making a direct statement to all of the believers: Do not lie to the Holy Spirit, and do not allow your greed to take a higher place in your heart than God.
One principle that I believe can be universally brought out from this story is that nothing can be kept from the Lord. We see the Lord’s judgment done to Ananias in this story as he is struck dead very quickly. Now, like mentioned in the blog, we do not see this happening in today’s time. Which leads to the happenings of this story to serve as more of an example to the Christians of that time and for us now reading the Bible years later. The Lord does not deal kindly with those who lie to him, whether that be striking you dead then and there or eternal suffering. We as Christians know that the Lord is all knowing and powerful, so why would be try and hide from Him what he already knows of? In the end it was not about how much one gives, but the heart of the one giving. Ananias was greedy and kept from the Lord what was already his, showing that his heart was already in the wrong place. We know that the Lord is not as much interested in how much one gives, but the attitude of one’s heart. We can see this the very beginning with the Cain and Abel story, where God rejected ones offering because of his heart (Gen. 4:6). God wants an offering out of a heart of giving, not out of a place of force.
The deaths of Ananias and Sapphira in the book of Acts serve as an important lesson for the early Christian community and for believers today. First, the event emphasizes the serious nature of sin. The couple’s attempt to deceive the apostles and the community by pretending to give all the proceeds from the sale of their property, when in fact they kept some of the money for themselves, was a serious breach of trust and integrity. The immediate consequences of their actions, death, highlight the severity of sin and the importance of avoiding it. Second, the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira serve as a warning against hypocrisy and deceit. In the early Christian community, there was a strong emphasis on living lives that were characterized by honesty, generosity, and selflessness. The couple’s actions were in direct contrast to these values, and their deaths served as a reminder to others to avoid similar behavior. Finally, the event underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in the Christian community. The apostles were able to discern the couple’s deception because they were operating in an environment of openness and accountability. This encouraged others to live lives that were characterized by honesty and transparency, and helped to maintain the integrity of the community as a whole. In conclusion, the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira serve as a powerful reminder of the serious consequences of sin, the importance of avoiding hypocrisy and deceit, and the need for accountability and transparency in the Christian community. These lessons continue to be relevant for believers today and serve as a valuable reminder of the importance of living lives that are pleasing to God.
I had never quite thought before that Ananias’ actions could be juxtaposed to that of Judas. It does seem fitting as both betrayed one of the persons of God when they were under no means to be forced into following God. I think this is almost some means of foreshadowing the Kingdom to come. Any sin is enough to separate us from God and in doing what Ananias did it would make sense he would be cut off for his actions, thus separated from the Spirit which makes us alive in Christ. Revelation 21:4 shows us an old order of things passing away and if the Kingdom is to be established it would appear that this is to be one of those instances. This passage of Scripture reflects some of the Old Testament in that of testing the LORD, only now It is the Spirit being tested (Polhill, 2090). As mentioned in Deuteronomy 6:4, the LORD being one, this passage provides great evidence for the Spirit as well being God, and is a good defense for the Trinity. There is so much to gain from this passage both theologically as well as morally. As those baptized with the Spirit we are called to live a different life.
Reading this story in the Bible is one that may be hard to grasp but easy to read and connect with things that happen in today’s world. We know that in the world today as Christians or even people in general when we sin because we are all sinners we are not struck down directly when something happens. Living in today’s world there is a lot of access to how we perceive who God is and how to take his word and apply it to our own lives. We read the Bible, have Bible studies, we have a church, Christian schools, etc. With all of this in our lives, we have the access to make decisions for ourselves, we can either do as he says or not do what he is telling us to do, we have a choice to make. Looking at the story of Ananias and Sapphira, we can see that they sought out membership, they wanted recognition and a position in God’s church for it to serve themselves, they wanted everything to satisfy their own needs and not to care about anything else. As Christians, we want things for ourselves in our walk with God but we have to make sure this applies to God’s will, we surrender our lives to him and to serve him for all we are. We should take away from this story that we should not challenge or test God. Another thing that can be learned from this chapter is that this story is about monet and greed, this can relate to use as Christians as well and how we deal with economic issues in society. This story is important and relates a lot to us as Christians.
There is nothing in the scripture stating Ananias said to the Apostles (or in prayer to God) that his tithe was the entire amount he made on the sale.
Nor was Ananias compelled by the Apostles or God to give all of it. He tithed what he tithed.
This story is rubbish or the result of Satan’s infiltration and should disappear back into random apocrypha.
Granted, I can see why a corrupted CHURCH would want to keep the story … it scared people into tithing, even above their means. As the easiest answer is usually the truth, I’d go with that one.
Do you actually believe the story in Acts 5 aligns with the Word of Jesus Christ who saved repentant people by the thousands by doing the Will of the Father? Luke wrote the Book of Acts and yet the Gospel of Luke focuses on Christ’s love for everyone. He healed Jew and Gentile alike, people broken in body and spirit. Why would Luke write this story then? He was likely an educated man, so I submit he did not. The Book of Acts was likely not even added until after the first century … after Luke had died.
Is this Satan’s infiltration? The story sure makes Peter and the Apostles look like sinister actors in an attempt to scare people out of more tithes. That could be a class-A lying move by the Great Deceiver.