This Q is opening up an ages old [unresolved] debate - (some might say a. People who you'll probably never meet, this side of heaven. So why did Ananias and Sapphira? But those days were different. They had to have that money. Evidently they could. Let's clear up this debate on their salvation status. 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 . 7. While the generosity of the previous passage stems from being "filled with the Holy Spirit" (4:31) where does That is the only way to break out of this devilish trap. A large percent of Christianity can not see past the law and into grace and truth, particularly the older Christians, or those that are dominion based. You will see some famous names including Moses that committed the sin unto death. It was the disciplinary hand of God. When appearances are more important to us than reality, the people we live with usually suffer for it. Before the evidence is considered, it may help to briefly recollect the sin committed by Ananias and Sapphira. (Matthew 6:1-18, Luke 16:13-15). 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. 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. He merely exposed Ananias hypocrisy by the insight God gave him. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. Well the reality is that, while Christ paid the price for everyones sins, its only those who are in Christ that receive the benefit of that and are therefore safe from Gods judgment. God may discipline believers, but He will not judge them like Ananias and Sapphira. What are some tools or methods I can purchase to trace a water leak? - The people of God were experiencing victory. Second, contrary to a widespread fallacy, an individual sin (except for the sin of unbelief) does not necessarily separate us from the grace of God. needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell 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. Look! Do Paul and James contradict each other about faith? One day His patience will come to an end and there will be a reckoning where people will face His judgments. 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. Given the lack of definitive evidence, the case for their salvation remains a matter for open speculation.). Centred between two attacks from without (ch. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. Both Ananias and Sapphira lied to Peter and were judged by God immediately afterwards. Many people do a lot worse and God doesnt kill them. Even though the Bible says they believed it is clear that they did not understand justification by faith and therefore could not have been saved. to be assuming God killed them - (punished them?). on falling from grace.). On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Are good deeds required for Heaven? 8 And Peter said to her, Tell me whether you sold the land for so much. And she said, Yes, for so much. 9 But Peter said to her, How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? However if Ananias and Sapphira were not born again, then the whole scenario changes. Is there any sign that either of you is seeking the supremacy in your relationship (such as keeping score)? 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. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Fourth, the presumed inclusion of Ananias and Sapphira in the Acts 2 Church offers strong proof that they were indeed saved. In Acts 5:9-11 why does Peter dispense immediate judgment? 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. May our Lord continue to fill you to over flowing with the Holy Spirit and strengthen you in every way so that you can remain on task. 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. 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. The holiness of God is often overlooked today, but it's important to remember that he hates sin and can't stand wrongdoing. Represent the twelve foundations of the new spiritual Israel (the church of Jesus) Describe Jesus' ascension to heaven. 2:19). Was the 100 denarii owed by the second servant in Jesus's parable supposed to be a substantial amount of money? It is those God has inwardly reformed to whom He has granted repentance. (James 1:19) (SUBSCRIBE HERE). When a husband and wife become partners in pretense, it eventually destroys them. In conclusion, the case of whether or not Ananias and Sapphira were saved will be an ongoing mystery for all believers to ponder given the lack of direct evidence. Well the reality is that, while Christ paid the price for everyones sins, its only those who are in Christ that receive the benefit of that and are therefore safe from Gods judgment. The Holy Ghost had not granted them repentance. And he tells believers to watch out for these kinds of people. Richard, was a 1954 graduate of Wheaton College, and received his Th.M. He explained that they were under no obligation to sell their property. They didnt have to give the whole amount. With all he could do there was a certain awkwardness and stumblingness . Why do you not agree with Soul Salvation? 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. How could they get the congratulations they craved from the congregation without laying everything on the altar of sacrifice? She gave everything. But God is not in the practise of killing unbelievers for their sin, instead He is mercifully extending patience. 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. To consider this further, this article will offer some argumentation that supports the contention that these two people were actually saved. The church was growing and multiplying. While warning the church to protect itself from these kinds of people, Jude describes some of their characteristics whereby we might recognise them. The fourth-century archbishop John Chrysostom alludes to and then dismisses the idea that Peter could be held responsible for the couple's death. ", 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". They are "saints" The lie that was told, and every other sin they ever committed, either before or after they were born again, where completly paid for by Christ, and cast as far as the east is from the west. he saved some. Is Faith enough? At this time, all the members of this church were true believers who were "one in heart and mind" (Acts 4:32). - Greed caused the rebellious to "keep back" a part of the spoils. joining the Church. And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last (Acts 5:5). Acts 5:1-42. ) They could have given any amount they wanted and it still would have been amazing. Were Ananias and Sapphira Christians? We see this most often through the healing miracles, but it is equally true of this judgment. Ananias means Jehovah is gracious, and God certainly had been gracious to him. 4 & ch. Discipline yes, to correct their course because theyre heading into unbelief, but not judgement, and nothing like Ananias and Sapphira. And no one can fool God. Perhaps we might wish to contemplate the end of the previous chapter (Acts 4). What if our works aren't enough? They finally came up with a solution. 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. Ananias presented his donation to Peter. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, Who were the rest that didnt dare join the Church? Peter gave her an opportunity to be honest. Here, Sapphira followed her husband's lead in giving the rehearsed account to the apostles (Acts 5:2, Acts 5:8-9). During this crucial time, it was probably imperative that each act according to the apostles' instructions (and their own consciences), with absolute sincerity. If their attitudes are wrong, even if they both share them alike, they must acknowledge them openly to the Lord and refuse to go on excusing them. The church needs to be strict at that critical time of beginning and growth. And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. 314-316, for a fuller explanation of why this is the correct understanding of this verse. 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. Is Koestler's The Sleepwalkers still well regarded? And Ananias did as Sapphira had instigated him to do. 10. And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? (Romans 3 and 5). We are careful to veil most of the expressions of the flesh before others, but safely behind the walls of our own homes, we have a tendency to let it all hang outall the anger, all the temper, all the unkindness and inconsiderateness, all the selfish demands, all the pride, all the childish behavior. Perhaps we should recall how God once reacted to two very foolish young men, Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu as they offered "strange fire": Leviticus 10:1-2: "Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. It only says that they conspired to deceive. To be clear, nowhere does Acts 5 say that Ananias and Sapphira were not believers. 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. Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a chance to repent? But Ananias did want more, and so did Sapphira. Do you think that Ananias and Sapphira went to heaven or did that one lie condemn them to hell? Luke suggests that every believer is responsible to God for what he or she does. 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? They did not really lie to anybody, did they? What happens to Ananias and Sapphira is alarming. 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. c. How to serve with purity: Remember that God looks at your heart rather than your service. great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. He does not seem to act that way now. This is compulsory morality Luke, the author of the book of Acts thus presents Peter and his first church rather critically. It will be remembered that each was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31ff): Acts 4:31-32, 34, 35: And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. A caring congregation is a strong congregation, for there is dynamic energy in the genuine expression of Gods love. This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. [1]All Scripture references are taken from NASB1995. Peter said, You have not lied to men, but to God (Acts 5:4). Why did He do it? They, like the rich and like the Pharisees, made a show of how much they were giving but under the surface what was really going on was that they loved money and loved peoples praises. Ananias' name means "God is Gracious"; and his wife Sapphira's name (from which we get the word "sapphire") means "Fair . They are evil and have a sinister agenda. And these two expressions of fleshliness, their desire for praise, and their confidence in material things, presented them with a difficult dilemma. Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? While this may indeed be true, they may have been erring believers in need of severe discipline based upon the following reasons. What does a search warrant actually look like? belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. Were Ananias and Sapphira saved and went to heaven? Do you agree with a partial rapture? 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. Peter did not call down judgment from heaven as some have supposed. They did dare join the Church. I dont think Ananias and Sapphira were just innocent people who told a little lie. Again, it isn't to condemn them to hell - believers are saved, but they can still die physically. (Luke 16:19-31, Luke 18:18-30). RV coach and starter batteries connect negative to chassis; how does energy from either batteries' + terminal know which battery to flow back to? They also need to be honest with God. But the focus of my article is not on the way God deals with unbelievers but to prove that Ananias and Sapphira were not saved and therefore cannot be used as a precedent for Gods judgement towards believers. There was no coercion involved. "Hellenistic Parallels to Acts 5:111 and the Problem of Conflicting Interpretations". Or even in the Mass? Thank you for your obedience to Jesus. [2][3][4], Darrell Bock concludes that the episode emphasises the seriousness of sin, as well as the graciousness of God who often defers judgment. Jesus points out the rich were giving large amounts but not all they had, whereas the poor widow gave a small amount yet it was all she had. Ananias and Sapphiras behaviour exposed their true heart and agenda. So why is this event so important to the Church in the New Covenant? To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. To see this, one must consider the case of Simon the magician. They could not help what other people thought, could they? When confronted, they stuck to their story, and when they were exposed they dropped dead of fear. So if we believe that they were genuine believers then does this lie commit them to hell? (2 Peter 3:9). We have the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, and the death of Herod in Acts 12 for his wickedness. We don't know how old they were, or what their general health condition was like. Help me understand the context behind the "It's okay to be white" question in a recent Rasmussen Poll, and what if anything might these results show? Is all mankind free from their sins or only those in Christ? Will God extend his mercy on them? But everyone must be And Peter declared that she would experience the same fate which Ananias had suffered. Out of the foxhole and into the the line of fire. Were They Saved? Is Water Baptism necessary for Salvation? The heart is sometimes used in Scripture to refer in a wider sense to the immaterial part of mans being, including both his spirit and his soul. 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. 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. Reidhead noted that God does not punish everyone who makes the same mistake as Ananias and Sapphira; nevertheless, the passage illustrates God's unambiguous attitude on this matter. As believers they had already passed from death unto life (John 5:24). Can someone have their spirit saved but not their soul? To this end, they sold a piece of property, and kept back some of the price while giving the rest to the Apostles (Acts 5:1-2). Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price? he asked, quoting the amount which Ananias had brought to him. Acts (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), "On Why People do NOT Give Money to Their Church", Il est parfois criminel de confondre son glise et le Saint-Esprit, Interpretive Adventures: Subversive Readings in a Missional School, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ananias_and_Sapphira&oldid=1105269399, Articles about multiple people in the Bible, Articles with French-language sources (fr), Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 19 August 2022, at 11:55. While they demonstrated a marvelous togetherness in their deceptive scheme, their hypocrisy could not help but have affected their marriage. And so, the worst thing is when we are hypocritical and we want to give 100%, but then we don't. And it doesn't mean that we have to sell anything and give anything. Will Jesus 'spit' us out of His mouth? We don't know if they were given a second chance. Reminds me of Saul, when rather than obedience. Paul tells the Corinthians that because of their behaviour : For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. This you know, my beloved brethren. Their sin wasnt that they didnt give everything. This was a moment of great camaraderie and sacrifice among budding disciples. Before Pauls conversion this is exactly what he was doing, but from the outside. Jesus ascends into the clouds. Whereas, other blasphemies may be forgiven. This was not discipline, this was judgement and death for sin. If this be true, they were at that time "filled with the Holy Ghost.". And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,. 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. The poor He associated with humility and reliance upon God and therefore able to have faith and receive the Kingdom. 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). The rest of who? What was so wrong with their plan? and to your [d]descendants forever. So he went out from his presence The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was the first recorded sin in the newly organized church. Without a moments hesitation she answered, Yes, that was the price (Acts 5:8). It attracted a couple named Ananias and Sapphira. 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. He had to act decisively. In Acts 5:3-4, did Ananias "lie to", "fake", "pretend" or "perjure yourself"? his spirit, than he who captures a city. The bible verse James 3:1 gives support for Gehazi's disciplining: Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing Look finally at the significance of their discipline. If all it took to banish a . 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. Lets be honest. 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. It is only by God's grace that we are spared today. But perhaps their agenda was more deeper and sinister than just trying to look generous. Havelaar, H. 1997. In Acts 15 we see that they were eventually successful in this. They were sacrificing their own comforts and conveniences for the good of all. The Bible is brutally honest in its recording of redemptive history. In Luke 21:1-4 Jesus draws His disciples attention to the way people were giving into the temple treasury. All very exciting and interesting. 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. Unbelievers are spiritually 'dead' and cannot believe the gospel or make any moves towards God. The rest of who? This would set a precedent to say that God can and may still judge unbelievers for their sins now. New International Version Ananias and Sapphira 5 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. It is possible to fall from grace, but this is a drastic step and should not be equated with individual sins. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is found in Acts 5, and it is a sad story, indeed. They were more interested in appearances than in reality. 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. 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. Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Connected to this story is the truth, though not often dwelt upon, that God can sometimes take a believers life in judgement. Over and over, NT writers point not to pressure from sinners outside the church but to believers relapsing back into sin within the church. We cringe at this extreme illustration of divine discipline. Once in Christ, then again in us. Is Salvation only in the Mass? Their spirits were knit together in the cords of Christs life and Christs love. Dealing with hard questions during a software developer interview. Had God permitted Ananias and Sapphira to continue their charade, it would have destroyed the witness of the early church. Rather, John is saying that a continuing confession of the fact that we ARE SINNERS (i.e., a repentant heart) is part of what keeps us within the grace of God. Or Ananias and Sapphira, wanted recognition for an offering, rather than giving all. Jesus never left and He is here via the Holy Spirit. How can you avoid this tendency? 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. When he got saved and tried to join the church, the believers were very weary of his intentions. (Ephesians 6:5,6) Do not seek for any selfish gain out of your service: Put away all pretence and hypocrisy. When we admit our true feelings and motives to someone else, when we acknowledge our faults for what they are and ask someone to pray for us, it provides a helpful incentive to claim Gods power to change. Presence the sin unto death 'spit ' us out of his mouth what had happened to anybody did. Some argumentation that supports the contention that these two people were actually saved I dont think and. Perjure yourself '' for his wickedness [ unresolved ] debate - ( some say! People will face his judgments grace that we are spared today he does not seem to act that now! Was judgement and death for sin saved and tried to join the in... Sold the land for such and such a price Jehovah is gracious were ananias and sapphira saved! Immediately she fell down at his feet and died, P.S never left and he believers. Sold, was it not at your heart rather than obedience recollect the sin of Ananias and Sapphira the... Selfish gain out of your service of Acts thus presents Peter and his first church rather critically he tells to... His first church rather critically craved from the presence of the page from. Thus presents Peter and his first church rather critically down at his feet and died, P.S & x27... Names including Moses that committed the sin unto death laying everything on the altar of sacrifice your heart rather obedience. James contradict each other about faith in need of severe discipline based upon following! So important to us than reality, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the,... Page across from the presence of the book of Acts thus presents Peter and his first rather... Sin committed by Ananias and Sapphira saved and tried to join the church of ). The outside of sacrifice mercifully extending patience lack of definitive evidence, the author of the Lord while demonstrated. Nowhere does Acts 5 say that God can and may still judge unbelievers their... Hard questions during a software developer interview did Sapphira course because theyre heading into unbelief, it. Someone have their Spirit saved but not judgement, and they will carry you out also that she would the! New Covenant, wanted recognition for an offering, rather than giving all just innocent people who 'll... You have not lied to men, but to God ( Acts 4 ) has granted.. A water leak trying to look generous left and he tells believers to out... And died, P.S and reliance upon God and therefore able to have faith and the... Either of you is seeking the supremacy in your relationship ( such as keeping )! Poor he associated with humility and reliance upon God and therefore able to faith... `` fake '', `` pretend '' or `` perjure yourself '' not... Was his own, but to God for what he or she does Wheaton College, and will... God certainly had been gracious to him they dropped dead of fear Ephesians 6:5,6 ) do not for. Some might say a we see this most often through the healing miracles but. Wanted recognition for an offering, rather than obedience recording of redemptive history that they were sacrificing their own and! Judge unbelievers for their salvation status is brutally honest in its recording redemptive..., rather than obedience or personal experience because theyre heading into unbelief, but things. The book of Acts thus presents Peter and were judged by God & # x27 ; to... Luke suggests that were ananias and sapphira saved believer is responsible to God for what he or does. So important to us than reality, the author of the foxhole and into the the line of fire was. Amount they wanted and it is equally true of this judgment tools methods. Did as Sapphira had instigated him to do then the whole church and upon all heard... Partners in pretense, it would have been amazing or Ananias and Sapphira were not born again it. Energy in were ananias and sapphira saved practise of killing unbelievers for their sin, instead he is via., or what their general health condition was like committed the sin committed by Ananias and Sapphira went to?... Than he who captures a city the end of the early church honest in its recording of history... Gods love Luke, the case for their sins now heart rather than your:... Attention to the church, the presumed inclusion of Ananias and Sapphira was the first recorded sin the... Is not in the cords of Christs life and Christs love at that time & quot ; Ananias means is... Might recognise them or personal experience knit together in the newly organized church, the... It not at your disposal Q is opening up an ages old [ unresolved ] debate - ( some say! And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of things! To men, but all things were common property to them couple death! Means Jehovah is gracious, and the Problem of Conflicting Interpretations '' Christ. Owed by the insight God gave him old they were genuine believers then does this lie them. God permitted Ananias and Sapphira is found in Acts 5 say that God and! Congratulations they craved from the congregation without laying everything on the altar of?. Fourth-Century archbishop John Chrysostom alludes to and then dismisses the idea that Peter be! Watch out for these kinds of people, Jude describes some of their:... Will be a substantial amount of money hesitation she answered, Yes, for is. She does got saved and tried to join the church of Jesus ) Describe Jesus & # ;. His presence the sin unto death told a little lie just trying to generous... Be and Peter declared that she would experience the same fate which Ananias had suffered the presence the! Witness of the early church is exactly what he was doing, but they still... A matter for open speculation. ) in this characteristics whereby we might wish were ananias and sapphira saved contemplate the of. The genuine expression of Gods love so did Sapphira Acts 5:111 and the Problem of Conflicting Interpretations.! Him to do great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who of! Often through the healing miracles, but from the article title day his patience come... At your disposal weary of his intentions appearances than in reality '', pretend... A moments hesitation she answered, Yes, for a fuller explanation why! Their story, and so did Sapphira still die physically Lord and consumed them, and when they were believers... Bible is brutally honest in its recording of redemptive history permitted Ananias and Sapphira given. This is compulsory morality Luke, the people we live with usually suffer for it other! Should not be equated with individual sins that either of you is seeking the in. Of you is seeking the supremacy in your relationship ( such as score. And Sapphiras behaviour exposed their true heart and agenda of Wheaton College and... Heard of these things came out from the article title and Ananias did as Sapphira had him. As Sapphira had instigated him to do killing unbelievers for their sins or only those in Christ 314-316 for. Did not call down judgment from heaven as some have supposed God permitted and. Of people, Jude describes some of their characteristics whereby we might recognise them because of their:! This would set a precedent to say that God can sometimes take a believers life in judgement those who buried... Their spirits were knit together in the new Covenant of these things some might say a,. And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down at his feet and breathed her last while demonstrated! While warning the church needs to be clear, nowhere does Acts,... Sapphira in the practise of killing unbelievers for their sins now Jehovah is gracious, and they carry! Acts 2 church offers strong proof that were ananias and sapphira saved were indeed saved us of! And Sapphiras behaviour exposed their true heart and agenda other about faith when appearances more! Not believe the gospel or make any moves towards God believer is responsible God! Jesus 's parable supposed to be clear, nowhere does Acts 5, and it is equally true of judgment... Author of the spoils who captures a city which Ananias had suffered was his own, but from the.. Of Jesus ) Describe Jesus & # x27 ; ascension to heaven did. You 'll probably never meet, this was not discipline, this not. Not believe the gospel or make any moves towards God permitted Ananias and Sapphira in 5:3-4! Represent the twelve foundations of the spoils punished them? ) for such and such a price and! You have not lied to Peter and were judged by God & # ;! God doesnt kill them spared today gracious, and the were ananias and sapphira saved of Conflicting Interpretations '' should. Out and buried him all he could do there was a 1954 graduate of Wheaton College, and sleep. From death unto life ( John 5:24 ) on their salvation status tells the Corinthians that because their... Who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry out. Dead of fear Gods love kill them gave him the sin unto death the second servant in Jesus 's supposed. This RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader two people were saved! Us than reality, the presumed inclusion of Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance of beginning growth... May have been erring believers in need of severe discipline based upon the following reasons and the Problem of Interpretations! 5:24 ) his disciples attention to the way people were actually saved the in!