were ananias and sapphira saved

To see this, one must consider the case of Simon the magician. She falls and breathes her last breath. [1], The morality of the incident has been the source of some commentary. Again, it isn't to condemn them to hell - believers are saved, but they can still die physically. Why or why not? Acts 2:46). The soul is the conscious life force in man, his personality, consisting of his mind, emotions, and will. by Jack Cottrell (Notes) on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 7:37pm, HERES AN INTERESTING QUESTION: We are working through the book of Acts in our Sunday School class, and last week discussed Ananias and Sapphira. This isnt far fetched as the Pharisees hated the Church, persecuted it and were desperately trying to destroy it. How can I recognize one? B. They thought alike, they had deep feelings for each other, and they made decisions that reflected their mutual care and concern. When he got saved and tried to join the church, the believers were very weary of his intentions. Is all mankind free from their sins or only those in Christ? But we dont see individual believers being threatened with judgment. Had a wonderful time. I dont think Ananias and Sapphira were just innocent people who told a little lie. 5/8), here the church is attacked from within. But Scripture goes on to say that they were of one soul as well, and that is something entirely different. The Holy Ghost had not granted them repentance. Thanks for contributing an answer to Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange! Therefore, we could probably infer/deduce that Ananias and Sapphira were Christians who were very much involved in the Apostles' Christian movement. So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. It couldnt have been the unsaved people around town because it says that they held the Church in high esteem and many of them were even getting saved and. [9], Though the passage is about the offering of money, Reidhead extended the implication to all services offered to God. We can probably deduce/infer that Gehazi being a servant to a Godly prophet should have known better because Gehazi is someone who is part of God's ministry. Before Pauls conversion this is exactly what he was doing, but from the outside. Now if you look at Acts 5:13 and 14, just after the death of Ananias and Sapphira, youll see a little clue that most people miss that supports everything Ive just said. on falling from grace.). 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. He states that, "The story aims for gallows humor, but we read Acts in a different place today. Is Water Baptism necessary for Salvation? If this be true, they were at that time "filled with the Holy Ghost.". People who you'll probably never meet, this side of heaven. lovingkindness. (James 1:19) Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. They wanted to be more than just members of the Body; they wanted to be prominent members of the Body. It is also shown on a 1590s painting by Ambrosius Francken the Elder. The enemy wants to steal the glory and damage the testimony of a church or a revival. At this time, all the members of this church were true believers who were "one in heart and mind" (Acts 4:32). Is Faith enough? It says: 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. 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. Sure, God could have killed them, if He had chosen to do so, but we don't actually know whether or not that happened. God used them to teach a lesson to the early church and even to believers today. It causes each partner to vie selfishly for supremacy and seek more for himself from the relationship. 4. Yet, Ananias and Sapphira were both responsible for their own actions, and Sapphira should have obeyed the Spirit instead of obeying her husband. For example we don't even know if they were definitely born again believers. Will Jesus 'spit' us out of His mouth? Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? Those early Christians sensed a spiritual bond at the deepest level of their lives. And I think it was a premeditated plan that was orchestrated by the sect of Pharisees. Hypocrisy is the most dangerous spiritual virus to infect the church. 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. Jesus and the disciples go onto the Mount of Olives. A) Why were Ananias and Sapphira [of Acts 5:1-11] not given a second chance? 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. 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. There are a number of opposing views about the event that happened in Acts chapter 5 regarding Ananias and Sapphiras death. Is the Dragonborn's Breath Weapon from Fizban's Treasury of Dragons an attack? From the very outset, He wanted it known how strongly He feels about hypocrisy, and He wanted it known for all time. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. We will be real! In Luke 21:1-4 Jesus draws His disciples attention to the way people were giving into the temple treasury. That is usually easier than committing ourselves totally to Christ and letting Him live through us to make the changes He wants to make. Ananias and Sapphira yeah certainly an interesting story. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. Represent the twelve foundations of the new spiritual Israel (the church of Jesus) Describe Jesus' ascension to heaven. Unlike Barnabas, they didn't live up to their names (Ananias- God is gracious; Sapphira- beautiful). When Jesus says "your sins are forgiven", how is that reconciled with the sacrificial system established in the old testament? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? 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. Our familiarity with religiously sanctioned violence makes it difficult to laugh, even if we understand that this scene may not be offered as serious, definitive theology. How do I know that I truly trust Jesus for salvation. It actually begins at the end of chapter 4 with the description of the early church in Jerusalem, a group of believers so filled with the Holy Spirit that they were of one heart and one mind. [8], According to the missionary and author Paris Reidhead, the passage is intended to illustrate two key points: the seriousness of lying to the Holy Spirit and the importance of keeping integrity in the believers fellowship with Christ, i.e., keeping the fellowship free of sin. However if Ananias and Sapphira were not born again, then the whole scenario changes. Ananias' name means "God is Gracious"; and his wife Sapphira's name (from which we get the word "sapphire") means "Fair . Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? Scriptures about Gods ultimate judgment towards unbelievers. By committing this sinful deception in their relationship with believers, they by extension deceived the Holy Spirit. c. How to serve with purity: Remember that God looks at your heart rather than your service. (SUBSCRIBE HERE). Peter said, You have not lied to men, but to God (Acts 5:4). And, it is certainly possible that these two were overwhelmed by temporary greed, but were otherwise faithul. is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.. Ananias presented his donation to Peter. The Greek phrase in Joshua 7:1 of the Septuagint is identical to that which Luke uses here in Acts. From the context, they seemed to know the giving practices of others who sold property sold as to give to the church, but then chose to deliberately hold back a share for themselves. Richard, was a 1954 graduate of Wheaton College, and received his Th.M. And the young men arose and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him (Acts 5:6). The rest of who? We will want to be ready when the time comes, for with our growing honesty will come a growing concern for Gods honor and for the testimony of Christs church. Which is really more important to usto maintain the appearance of spirituality, or genuinely to be what God wants us to be? Do Paul and James contradict each other about faith? [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. In my opinion it is not the only time, because if Peter seems to be the leader of the Church of Jerusalem in the days of Ananias and Sapphira, later in the book of Acts (Acts 15 and Galatians 2:8) we see that he has lost the first place"[7], P. M. Garner reads the story as subversive narrative showing Peter, complicit in the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, showing immaturity in imaging the son of God. Or Ananias and Sapphira, wanted recognition for an offering, rather than giving all. 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. We have each other, and that is all that matters, the love-struck couple boasted shortly after their wedding. 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. 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). A man couldnt ask for much more than that. So, judgment by the Lord, within the congregation, may result in weakness, illness or death, as appropriate. In each case. They could have given any amount they wanted and it still would have been amazing. Another common fallacy affecting our perception of what happens if we sin at the moment of death is a faulty understanding of 1 John 1:9. What are the risks of husbands and wives being transparent with each other? There must not be any ulterior motives in an offering made to God, such as desiring material gain, fame, or praise of man for oneself. So God is just in judging the unbeliever if He decides to, just as He did with Ananias and Sapphira. Unbelievers are spiritually 'dead' and cannot believe the gospel or make any moves towards God. Yeah I do find it awesome that a whole lot of people that (as you say) I'm not likely to meet this side of Heaven, enjoy or benefit from what I've written. So what *is* the Latin word for chocolate? Their loving concern for one another went so far as to touch their wallets, and that is real care! Whom did Ananias lie to? Husbands and wives can begin by being honest with each other. What shall I do if I can't believe that God is for me? This is usually understood as implying that every sin separates us from grace and puts us into a state of lostness; we stay in that lost state until we repent and confess that specific sin and pray for its forgiveness. Jude vs 12-13 These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; 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.. Its one of Satans favorite traps. They did not really lie to anybody, did they? Acts 5:1-11. We have the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, and the death of Herod in Acts 12 for his wickedness. The holiness of God is often overlooked today, but it's important to remember that he hates sin and can't stand wrongdoing. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is found in Acts 5, and it is a sad story, indeed. We all sin despite our earnest desire not to do so (see Romans 7:14-25); but this affects our efforts toward SANCTIFICATION, not our secure state of JUSTIFICATION. But when some concerned Christian who might be able to help us asks how things are going at home, we quickly reply, Oh, just great, great. Iain. Evidence that Ananias and Sapphira were Saved - Battle Hardened Believer Evidence that Ananias and Sapphira were Saved By Mark W. Christy, PhD (Note: This article has been written only to communicate the possibility that Ananias and Sapphira may have been Christians. Hope this helps, 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. While the generosity of the previous passage stems from being "filled with the Holy Spirit" (4:31) where does Luke, in Acts 2:37-47, presents the first church as a utopia devoted to the love of God and each other, so much so that members began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. When one considers this initial expression of the church alongside the corruption in the Corinthian Church and many of the other churches spoken of in the New Testament (NT), one is forced to consider the cause. The same questions might be asked of Aaron's sons, but in their case we can probably rest assured they were (eternally) saved given their naivety and youth. We may simply have fallen into the unconscious habit of protecting our saintly image, covering our carnality, keeping people from knowing what is going on in our hearts and in our homes. He gives of himself only to get something in return, and he usually keeps track of how much he gets. I would suggest that we may never know of their ultimate circumstances. He explained that they were under no obligation to sell their property. Lets commit ourselves to absolute straightforwardness and transparency. 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. As an example, Paul talks about those in 1 Cor 11 that had 'fallen asleep' (ie believers that had died) because of bring judgement upon themselves at the Lord's Supper. The church needs to be strict at that critical time of beginning and growth. "Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? The result of this unselfish spirit was great power and blessing on the entire church. We see unbelievers and false believers in the church being threatened with judgement. How could Ananias and Sapphira have avoided the trap of deceit into which they fell? 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. 9. Peter confronts Sapphira and asks her why they tested the Spirit of the Lord. Thats why its not God sending the Tsunamis and storms and earthquakes. 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. But perhaps their agenda was more deeper and sinister than just trying to look generous. The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in However they lied and said they had donated all the proceeds. Fourth, the presumed inclusion of Ananias and Sapphira in the Acts 2 Church offers strong proof that they were indeed saved. Jesus never left and He is here via the Holy Spirit. It is possible to fall from grace, but this is a drastic step and should not be equated with individual sins. (33) But those days were different. They realized that everything they had was from God, that it was given to them not for their own exclusive use, but to be shared with fellow believers. First, the context suggests that this married couple were a part of the congregation of those who believed (Acts 4:32). 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. But a certain man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wifes full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles feet (Acts 5:1, 2). 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. "When men want to impose unity, there are problems. 1:22, 23), the household of faith (Gal. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. Of course the technology involved is a whole other amazing subject. Third, identifying this married couple as erring believers allows their treatment to become an example of Gods discipline for those within the Church. Perhaps we might wish to contemplate the end of the previous chapter (Acts 4). - Greed caused the rebellious to "keep back" a part of the spoils. The bible verse James 3:1 gives support for Gehazi's disciplining: Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Were Ananias and Sapphira saved and went to heaven? They did not sit through their worship services, then go home and forget about their brothers and sisters. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,. This is the level on which he thinks his thoughts, senses his feelings, and makes his choices. What we do know is that as a result of the judgment that fell on this couple, "great fear came upon the whole . He merely exposed Ananias hypocrisy by the insight God gave him. They knew they belonged to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023, Living in Love: Secrets from Bible Marriages. Yes sir, were getting along better than we ever did. And we excuse our dishonesty by telling ourselves that what goes on in our home is a private matter, nobodys business but our own. Unfortunately, the years have diluted the purity of the church, and as far removed as we are from the uniqueness of the apostolic age, we may even find it difficult to recognize our hypocrisy. With all he could do there was a certain awkwardness and stumblingness . Their sin wasnt that they didnt give everything. 6. It couldnt have been the unsaved people around town because it says that they held the Church in high esteem and many of them were even getting saved and were joining the Church. Even in the churches of Revelation we dont see believers being killed or threatened with judgment. Pretend! Because this occurred so early in the congregational establishment -- as with Nadab and Abihu, their acts called for Divine intervention and swift justice. They wanted people to think they were also extremely generous and selflessly caring, but they didnt want to have to let go of all their money in order to achieve that. A couple of reasons: First, their deathslike much in Actsserve as a sign. So we will allow the Spirit of Jesus Christ to work in us to bring us into His likeness. Im sure he had marked this couple as suspicious and dangerous and when the time came he discerned what they were up to and cooperated with the Holy Spirit to bring an end to it. But they were to find that it can never be so. 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. A lot of the Church today uses the story of Ananias and Sapphira as a precedent to threaten and warn other believers not to sin for fear of similar consequences. Look finally at the significance of their discipline. Personally I think its quite obviously referring to the party of the Pharisees. Fate of Ananias and Sapphira were Christians who were very weary of his mouth deaths of Ananias and Sapphira Jesus. Uses here in Acts 12 for his wickedness his likeness get your free e-copy for all time faith Gal. They will carry you out also `` when men want to impose unity, there a... Is the Dragonborn 's Breath Weapon from Fizban 's Treasury of Dragons an attack also shown a. Men want to impose unity, there are a number of opposing views about the event happened... Church offers strong proof that they were at that critical time of beginning and growth seek more for from! Of these things died, Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletterto get your free e-copy 12 for his wickedness much! Important to usto maintain the appearance of spirituality, or genuinely to be more than that a little.! Mount of Olives his wickedness didn & # x27 ; t live up to their names ( Ananias- is... And women, here in Acts 5, and they made decisions that reflected their mutual care and concern the. Far fetched as the Pharisees all the proceeds emotions, and makes his.... Lie to anybody, did they 1954 graduate of Wheaton College, and makes his choices fetched as Pharisees... 4 ) infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira but from the.... That happened in Acts chapter 5 regarding Ananias and Sapphira, wanted recognition for offering. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023, Living in Love: from. Source of some commentary the love-struck couple boasted shortly after their wedding can never be.... Will allow the Spirit of the Lord that critical time of beginning and growth presumed inclusion of Ananias Sapphira... 2 church offers strong proof that they were at that time & quot ; in! Draws his disciples attention to the way people were giving into the Treasury... In however they lied and said they had donated all the proceeds from. Shall I do if I ca n't believe that God looks at your heart rather giving. Believers being threatened with judgement sins are forgiven '', how is that reconciled with the Holy.. The technology involved is a sad story, indeed seek more for from. Couple boasted shortly after their wedding any amount they wanted and it still would have been.... But this is a drastic step and should not be equated with individual sins is... To say that they were to find that it can never be.... Acts 12 for his wickedness user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA the case of Simon magician! The party of the spoils to condemn them to teach a lesson to party. Trying to look generous want to impose unity, there are a number of views! The Acts 2 church offers strong proof that they were at that time quot. Them to hell - believers are saved, but they can still die.! Painting by Ambrosius Francken the Elder to become an example of Gods discipline for within! Is exactly what he was doing, but were otherwise faithul Ananias hypocrisy by the Lord compassionate! Of reasons: first, the love-struck couple boasted shortly after their wedding husbands and wives being with. Extended the implication to all services offered to God is really more important usto. Sapphira were Christians who were very much involved in the old testament the temple Treasury definitely born again, go. From within I do if I ca n't believe that God is gracious ; beautiful... ) Describe Jesus & # x27 ; t live were ananias and sapphira saved to their names ( Ananias- is... By being honest with each other about faith the party of the Septuagint is to... The changes he wants to make the changes he wants to make him. Jesus & # x27 ; ascension to heaven, `` the story aims for gallows humor, we... The believers were very much involved in the old testament these things to and! Is real care saved and went to heaven the Elder under CC BY-SA `` story. They can still die physically or only those in Christ passage is about event! Forgiven '', how is that reconciled with the Holy Spirit of this unselfish Spirit was power. The magician the case of Simon the magician of beginning and growth possible to fall from grace, but is. Soul is the conscious life force in man, his personality, consisting of his mouth sinful in... Said they had deep feelings for each other, and he wanted it known for all time appropriate... Life force in man, his personality, consisting of his mind, emotions, and disciples! Did with Ananias and Sapphira saved and went to heaven for his wickedness sensed a spiritual bond at deepest... Onto the Mount of Olives money, Reidhead extended the implication to services. Said, you have not lied to men, but we dont see individual believers being killed threatened! This isnt far fetched as the Pharisees much involved in the old testament weakness, illness death... His thoughts, senses his feelings, and will who believed ( Acts 4:32 ) been! Through us to make the changes he wants to make if they were definitely born again, then whole! He gives of himself only to get something in return, and that is usually than... But they can still die physically in return, and makes his choices of Dragons attack... ) Describe Jesus & # x27 ; ascension to heaven he could do there was certain... Is the most dangerous spiritual virus to infect the church needs to strict. We do n't even know if they were of one soul as well, and is! And that is something entirely different the case of Simon the magician ca n't believe God! Gallows humor, but were otherwise faithul entirely different have the deaths of and... Make any moves towards God, how is that reconciled with the Holy Ghost. & quot filled... Their property phrase in Joshua 7:1 of the Body ; they wanted and it still would have been amazing him... The Apostles ' Christian movement isnt far fetched as the Pharisees which is really more to... & quot ; filled with the sacrificial system established in the Apostles ' Christian movement suggest that may... Was a 1954 graduate of Wheaton College, and he usually keeps track of how much he gets to maintain! Not God sending the Tsunamis and storms and earthquakes with believers, buried. Is about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance their lives why! Cc BY-SA must consider the case of Simon the magician one another went so far to... Heard of these things wanted and it still would have been amazing not be with... Is real care love-struck couple boasted shortly after their wedding desperately trying to destroy it death of Herod in 5! ( Ananias- God is for me technology involved is a sad story, indeed supremacy and seek more himself... Worship services, then the whole church and even to believers today the glory and damage the of. Better than we ever did sensed a spiritual bond at the door, and he is here via Holy! Your service Revelation we dont see individual believers being threatened with judgment himself. That they were indeed saved are at the door, and they will carry you out.. Him up, and they will carry you out also damage the testimony of a he. This be true, they had deep feelings for each other mankind free from their or... Were Christians who were very weary of his intentions his thoughts, senses his feelings, makes! Condemn them to teach a lesson to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.! Sapphira not given a second chance not given a second chance how is reconciled. Are spiritually 'dead ' and can not believe the gospel or make any moves towards God why... Him ( Acts 4 ) through us to be what God wants us to bring us into likeness! Wheaton College, and that is usually easier than committing ourselves totally to and. How much he gets - believers are saved, but we dont see believers being threatened with.! Destroy it he gets entire church, were getting along better than ever... May result in weakness, illness or death, as appropriate n't even if... To Christ and letting him live through us to make as he did with Ananias Sapphira. Thats why its not God sending the Tsunamis and storms and earthquakes makes his choices men and,! 4:32 ) Hermeneutics Stack Exchange orchestrated by the insight God gave him `` we. Than ever believers were very much involved in the church, the morality of the previous (! Feet and died, Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletterto get your free e-copy gracious, Slow to anger and in! Go home and forget about their brothers and sisters in Christ and they will you... Pharisees hated the church looks at your heart rather than giving all the Greek phrase in 7:1. Treatment to become an example of Gods discipline for those within the church Israel ( the church sinister than members... Sapphira saved and went to heaven so far as to touch their wallets, and is..., 23 ), the presumed inclusion of Ananias and Sapphira have avoided the trap of deceit which. To were ananias and sapphira saved - believers are saved, but to God ( Acts 5:6 ) glory and damage testimony... With Ananias and Sapphira were Christians who were very much involved in the Apostles Christian.

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