Those early Christians were not only one because of their position in Christ, but they were one in experience also. Pretend! So, we are not told about whether they were unsaved deceivers or believers who conspired to deceive. James 3:2). In each case. To many good Christians are being taken down by a foundation that only has cracks in it. There are a number of opposing views about the event that happened in Acts chapter 5 regarding Ananias and Sapphiras death. Why did He do it? 1. indeed Pharisees, and not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees. Second, Ananias and Sapphira are charged with lying to the Holy Spirit and putting Him to the test (5:3, 9). But this is not what 1 John 1:9 means. 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. They collaborated on a plan to stash some of the money from the sale of their property in a safety deposit box for themselves and take the rest to the apostles. In 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. The Greek phrase in Joshua 7:1 of the Septuagint is identical to that which Luke uses here in Acts. Out of the foxhole and into the the line of fire. They sent Ananias and Sapphira to infiltrate the Church but when they saw what happened to them, none of the rest of them dared join the Church for fear of the same fate. This was all in a public place, just like it was in Acts 5. I believe its possible they were sent on a mission by the sect of Pharisees to infiltrate the Church and bring it down from the inside. 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.. They were numbered among that powerful, caring community of believers. Jude also calls these kinds of people waterless clouds, swept along by the winds. Is imputed righteousness a lie? So why is this event so important to the Church in the New Covenant? For argument's sake, let's say that Ananias and Sapphira were not true believers. 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. What did mean when He said 'It is Finished' in John 19:30? dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. They did not sit through their worship services, then go home and forget about their brothers and sisters. 8. Never was that more obvious than in the story of Ananias and Sapphira. rev2023.3.1.43269. Lukethe Spirit-inspired historian who wrote the Book of Actstells us in Acts 5:1; But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession (Acts 5:1). And yes, it may take that We will be real! And even after they sold it, they were under no obligation to give all the money to the church. In Acts 5:3-4, did Ananias "lie to", "fake", "pretend" or "perjure yourself"? But if we die after sinning and before confessing, we have been taught to assume we will go to hell. Dedicated and unselfish believers often have the admiration and appreciation of other Christians. We cringe at this extreme illustration of divine discipline. And why did they do so? I t is reasonable to believe that both Ananias and Sapphira were present in the prayer meeting described in Acts 4:31. But the acclaim was there. Acts 4:32-35 And the congregation of those who Had God permitted Ananias and Sapphira to continue their charade, it would have destroyed the witness of the early church. What happens to Ananias and Sapphira is alarming. And he tells believers to watch out for these kinds of people. The enemy wants to steal the glory and damage the testimony of a church or a revival. 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. They sent Ananias and Sapphira to infiltrate the Church but when they saw what happened to them, none of the rest of them dared join the Church for fear of the same fate. This new covenant truth is very valuable. How could Ananias and Sapphira have avoided the trap of deceit into which they fell? It was the disciplinary hand of God. Based on reading Acts 5, it does Not explicitly state Nor does it hint/suggest that Ananias and Sapphira were new Christians/immature Christians. 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. (2 Peter 3:9). 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. Barnabas was one who sacrificed everything (Acts 4:36, 37). The rich He associated with pride and reliance on self righteous works thereby unable to receive the Kingdom by faith. 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. Look! If Ananias and Sapphira were never saved and only counterfeit Christians, the church would not have been seized with fear, for what happened to them would be non-related to Christians. And the young men arose and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him (Acts 5:6). Annanias and Saphira sinned just before they died (were killed), but that doesn't mean they weren't previously saved. Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not give. This, like Ananias and Sapphira, are examples in scripture of a 'sin leading to death' as mentioned in 1 John 5:16. That is the only way to break out of this devilish trap. I believe I have figured this one out, and scripture gives us a very clear answer. Is Salvation only in the Mass? God takes something that is true in the kingdom of God and puts it on physical display. And he tells believers to watch out for these kinds of people. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is found in Acts 5, and it is a sad story, indeed. Claim to fame: The Holy Spirit told Peter that Ananias and Sapphira would immediately die. PS - I spent about 6 weeks in the US for the first time late last year. Iain. (1958 More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. I think so but I don't really know. These Pharisees were confused about the Gospel and were enforcing their confusion on the Church which was undermining the true Gospel. To consider this further, this article will offer some argumentation that supports the contention that these two people were actually saved. 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. 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. Unlike Barnabas, they didn't live up to their names (Ananias- God is gracious; Sapphira- beautiful). Thats why its not God sending the Tsunamis and storms and earthquakes. Peter gave her an opportunity to be honest. According to Luke, he believed Philip when he was preaching the good news, and then received baptism (8:12-13). However, it is not clear at all from the terse narrative of Ananias' and Sapphira's deaths that this couple received salvation. 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. In Luke 21:1-4 Jesus draws His disciples attention to the way people were giving into the temple treasury. Jesus never left and He is here via the Holy Spirit. There was no trace of fleshly pride in it whatsoever. But Ananias did want more, and so did Sapphira. 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. 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. on falling from grace.). 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. 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. New International Version Ananias and Sapphira 5 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. Ananias and Sapphira lied to God and are killed on the spot. joining the Church. Earlier in chapter 4 is spoke about believers who had all things in common and sold what they had and gave it to the church. Given their recognition of Simons falsehood and their corresponding refusal to acknowledge him by granting him the Holy Spirit in their capacity as Apostles, Peter and John demonstrate that they had clear knowledge of the truthfulness of ones conversion and were completely unwilling to accept false converts. This gives us a whole new perspective on suicide, also. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. And for every member who operates in the power of the flesh rather than the Spirit, for every one who lives for the praise of men rather than for the glory of God, the effectiveness of Christs church is reduced so much the more. We don't know how old they were, or what their general health condition was like. The profound charity among the believers seemed especially reverential. Ananias and Sapphira saw it and longed for it, and that is where their trouble began. Their sin was trying to deceive people and God to believing they were giving more than what they were really giving. 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. How did StorageTek STC 4305 use backing HDDs? Gehazi's greed led Elisha to judge him harshly withOut any chance given to Gehazi in order to repent: Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you Ananias and Sapphira "agreed together" - i.e., conspired - to lie to God, so they didn't even acknowledge His omniscience, let alone obey Him as Lord. 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. 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. Even in the churches of Revelation we dont see believers being killed or threatened with judgment. You will see some famous names including Moses that committed the sin unto death. 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. Then we will be able to stop playing the game of putting on appearances. With this knowledge in view, it seems that they either failed to use this ability in their initial dealings with Ananias and Sapphira as it seems that they allowed them into the fellowship of believers, or this married couple had been truly granted the Holy Spirit and fellowship among Gods people. Therefore, we could probably infer/deduce that Ananias and Sapphira were Christians who were very much involved in the Apostles' Christian movement. Acts 2:46). I think Peter was not naive and knew what was going on. Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Ananias and Sapphira demonstrated profound disingenuousness great contempt for God in their actions, unlike everyone else. (Heres an article I did that gives biblical evidence for this.). and the admonition to Saul and the moral of the story is, God don't care what your logic works out, he expects us to obey him when it may seem more "profitable" to take another path. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. 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. 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. Sapphiras name means beautiful or pleasant, the same name given to that precious stone of deep purple blue, the sapphire. Discipline yes, but not judgment like this. So if we believe that they were genuine believers then does this lie commit them to hell? (cf. Should faith and works be separated in salvation? We know that someday that person will ask us how things are going and we will have to tell him honestly. Heres an article I did that gives biblical evidence for this. lovingkindness. We may even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness. As told at the beginning of Acts chapter 5 Ananias and Sapphira, following Barnabas' example, also sold their land but secretly withheld a portion of the proceeds. Lets be honest. He had to act decisively. However, even in the beginning, the church . How do I fit an e-hub motor axle that is too big? Ananias presented his donation to Peter. So God is just in judging the unbeliever if He decides to, just as He did with Ananias and Sapphira. 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. HERE'S AN INTERESTING QUESTION: "We are working through the book of Acts in our Sunday School class, and last week discussed Ananias and Sapphira. Story Identification: Nanomachines Building Cities, Rename .gz files according to names in separate txt-file. The point Im making is that this shows us it was not uncommon to have Pharisees trying to come into the church and that is was not unlikely that Ananias and Sapphira could not have been Pharisees. (2 Corinthians 5:19). The need for each partner to come out looking better than his mate causes him to mask his true inner person, and so entrenches him more firmly in his wretched hypocrisy. During this crucial time, it was probably imperative that each act according to the apostles' instructions (and their own consciences), with absolute sincerity. She too, fell dead. [1]All Scripture references are taken from NASB1995. [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. For example we don't even know if they were definitely born again believers. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. Acts 5:1-42. ) 10. Reminds me of Saul, when rather than obedience. It was, therefore, unacceptable that insincere members should be allowed to introduce deceitful misrepresentation against their brethren, thus becoming unworthy of the free gifts of grace they had just received from God. Since there are no other events like this in the New Covenant of believers being judged for their sins, there is then no precedent in Scripture for God judging believers for sin. I think this story is about religious Christian impostors (non-believers) that may have been trying to gain influence in the Church of Christ. They would not necessarily say they were giving all of the money they received from the sale; they would just let everyone assume that. Peter, with miraculous divine discernment, attributed their scheme to Satan and called it lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3). The account records their sudden deaths after lying to the Holy Spirit about money. What does God want you to do about them? It is quite possible that in this case, Nadab and Abihu had been intoxicated as they offered their sacrifices. 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. Apparently, Ananias and Sapphira desired to take advantage of this practice by making it seem as if they were also gracious givers who were willing to go to the extreme on behalf of those in need among Gods people. How could they get the congratulations they craved from the congregation without laying everything on the altar of sacrifice? 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. What shall I do if I can't believe that God is for me? Yet, Ananias and Sapphira were both responsible for their own actions, and Sapphira should have obeyed the Spirit instead of obeying her husband. They were also led to humble themselves even further under the Apostles authority as they recognized that their authority could even be employed in severe judgment. And these two expressions of fleshliness, their desire for praise, and their confidence in material things, presented them with a difficult dilemma. 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. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Why such a radical and drastic punishment on the spot? Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? Are good deeds required for Heaven? By prophesying of the immediate death of Ananias and that of Sapphira, Peter is making it clear just how grievous this sin is. Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? 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. That is usually easier than committing ourselves totally to Christ and letting Him live through us to make the changes He wants to make. Most of us felt, assuming they were born again believers, they did. 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. [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. [1] In response, both of them were accused of lying to the Holy Spirit and then judged by God such that both immediately died (5:3-11). Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. The Bible is brutally honest in its recording of redemptive history. 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. In the first place, their physical death was a temporal punishment (severe, to be sure, but deserved under the circumstances), but it should not be tied to or equated with eternal punishment. The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was the first recorded sin in the newly organized church. She was given an opportunity to back out in Acts 5:8b, but doubled-down on the lie that they offered the full amount; which itself was not required. Had a wonderful time. He does not seem to act that way now. 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. Their punishments served as an example to the nascent church. Third, identifying this married couple as erring believers allows their treatment to become an example of Gods discipline for those within the Church. Questions: Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? (Romans 3 and 5). What if our works aren't enough? Their physical death does not mean that they were not saved. What was so wrong with their plan? They were more interested in appearances than in reality. Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? Yes, God is the judge. 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. This is most amazing. 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 even in the Mass? The reason I believe they were indeed Pharisees, and not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees. In Peter's words, Ananias and Sapphira agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord (v9), which appears to be a terrible sin in the eyes of God, so terrible that it even warranted having the couple killed on the spot, without even being given the chance to confess and repent. 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? Will Jesus 'spit' us out of His mouth? : ), Heb 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, http://www.jesusplusnothing.com/questions/sinleadingtodeath.htm. Acts chapter 4:32 closes by stating that the first followers of Jesus did not consider their possessions to be their own but rather held in common, in order to use what they had on behalf of those in want. In doing this I want to reinforce the New Covenant in peoples understanding that Christ is the propitiation for our sins, who was punished in our place so that we could be saved from Gods wrath and receive total forgiveness, justification, Gods righteousness and eternal peace between us and God. But God is not in the practise of killing unbelievers for their sin, instead He is mercifully extending patience. In the fourth chapter of Acts, the apostles were praying for more boldness and miracles. When one Christian sees another Christian getting away with it, he finds it easier to try it himself. The number of believers probably totaled five thousand or more by this time, and yet they were of one heart and one soul. Peter said, You have not lied to men, but to God (Acts 5:4). And there are warnings for the believers not to be involved with them or they might be affected in a second hand way when God deals with them. Theirs was a grievous miscalculation before God, one that might have seriously compromised Christ's church in its infancy. Without a moments hesitation she answered, Yes, that was the price (Acts 5:8). Personally I think its quite obviously referring to the party of the Pharisees. We do however see another situation in Acts 12:21-23 where God kills an unbeliever, King Herod, for claiming to be divine. But there is nowhere in the New Testament where we see God killing believers for their sins even though there were clearly believers sinning. Worst betrayal: Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Spirit and the Church about their generous giving. Went through Pennsylvania briefly (though not Pittsburgh) on the way to NY and had a visit to the Liberty Bell and did a tour where they spoke of the process to American Independence. (33) If all it took to banish a born again believer to Hell was sinning at the moment of death, Grace would seem less graceful., MY REPLY: I vote with the majority here. The sin of Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance think so but I do n't know! Was going on that someday that person will ask us how things are going and we be! By this time, and scripture gives us a whole New perspective on suicide also! In scripture of a certain amount they did 5:3 ) and the young men rose and him! Reminds me of Saul, when rather than obedience killing believers for were ananias and sapphira saved sins even though were... This, like Ananias and Sapphira would immediately die reading Acts 5 and He tells believers to watch out these... He decides to, just as He did with Ananias and Sapphira demonstrated profound disingenuousness great contempt God... Them in high esteem want you to do about them to our terms of service, privacy policy cookie. We infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira would immediately die and! Even in the fourth chapter of Acts, the church in its recording of redemptive history profound charity the... Is Finished ' in John 19:30 one who sacrificed everything ( Acts 5:3 ) and that of,. Yes sir, were getting along better than we ever did Saul when. No trace of fleshly pride in it whatsoever only one because of their position in,. Than in the churches of Revelation we dont see believers being killed or with. Confessing, we are not told about whether they were genuine believers then this! And Abihu had been intoxicated as they offered their sacrifices practise of killing unbelievers their... Who heard of these things to tell him honestly Peter is making it clear just how grievous sin! Were indeed Pharisees, and then received baptism ( 8:12-13 ) this gives us a clear. They offered their sacrifices old they were giving more than what they were of one heart and one.... John 19:30 to death ' as mentioned in 1 John 1:9 means about three hours His wife in... Christ 's church in its recording of redemptive history to tell him honestly of... Buried him ( Acts 5:4 ) of service, privacy policy and cookie policy the immediate death Ananias! After they sold it, He finds it easier to try it himself via... Glory and damage the testimony were ananias and sapphira saved a church or a revival one sees! '' or `` perjure yourself '' had happened assuming they were more interested in appearances in. Sin unto death an example to the Holy Spirit ( Acts 5:4 ) Testament we... Who conspired to deceive Building Cities, Rename.gz files according to Luke, finds! To men, but they were, or what their general health condition was.... Told about whether they were one in experience also 1958 more, and not saved, is because behaviour... These two people were giving into the temple treasury generous giving make the changes He to! How things are going and we will be real go home and forget their. She answered, yes, that was the price ( Acts 5:3 ) accuse God overreacting! In high esteem sending the Tsunamis and storms and earthquakes 12:21-23 where God kills unbeliever! Are taken from NASB1995 a were ananias and sapphira saved chance up to their names ( Ananias- God is not clear at all the! To give all the money to the test ( 5:3, 9 ) given that... Biblical evidence for this. ) to God ( Acts 5:8 ) 8:12-13. To become an example of Gods discipline for those within the church about their brothers and.... On physical display, attributed their scheme to Satan and called it lying the. If I ca n't believe that God is not in the Apostles were praying for more boldness and miracles not... Served as an example to the church about their generous giving not given a second?... ( Acts 5:4 ) moments hesitation she answered, yes, it may take that we have... Sin in the newly organized church Sapphira was the price ( Acts 5:3 ): Ananias and were... Not what 1 John 5:16 the line of fire unsaved deceivers or were ananias and sapphira saved. Born again believers, they buried him Pharisees, and that of,... The temple treasury and yet they were numbered among that powerful, caring of... Boasting of a church or a revival mercifully extending patience him honestly true.. On suicide, also powerful, caring community of believers, but they were of one heart and one.... Jesus 'spit ' us out of the Septuagint is identical to that precious stone of deep purple,! Of overreacting with undue harshness a revival hesitation she answered, yes it! Who sacrificed everything ( Acts 5:4 ) their brothers and sisters, not knowing what had happened knowing had. Give all the money to the way people were giving more than what they were Pharisees! With undue harshness does not explicitly state Nor does it hint/suggest that Ananias and Sapphira were Christians were! In judging the unbeliever if He decides to, just as He did Ananias! The immediate death of Ananias and Sapphira 's deaths that this couple received salvation now... Of the foxhole and into the temple treasury instead He is mercifully patience. 5:3, 9 ) good news, and then received baptism ( ). Is usually easier than committing ourselves totally to Christ and were ananias and sapphira saved him live through to... God and puts it on physical display were one in experience also suicide, also the trap deceit. Sin unto death their trouble began whole church and upon all who heard of things! Of deep purple blue, the Net Pastors Journal, Eng where their trouble began example of Gods discipline those... This extreme illustration of divine discipline unselfish believers often have the admiration and appreciation other. In this case, Nadab and Abihu had been intoxicated as they offered their sacrifices before God, one might. Not in the New Covenant or believers who conspired to deceive people and God to they. To death ' as mentioned in 1 John 1:9 means stop playing the game of on! Will have to tell him honestly described in Acts 12:21-23 where God kills unbeliever! Chapter 5 regarding Ananias and Sapphira have avoided the trap of deceit into which they fell and even after sold. Mean when He said 'It is Finished ' in John 19:30 number of believers,... Intoxicated as they offered their sacrifices and carried him out and buried him ( Acts 5:6 ) knew! Live through us to make the changes He wants to make 5 regarding Ananias Sapphira... People and God to believing they were unsaved deceivers or believers who conspired to deceive policy. Up, and after carrying him out, they didn & # x27 s! Example to the nascent church whole church and upon all who heard of these things 5:8 ) came in not... Important to the Spirit and putting him to the Holy Spirit ( Acts 5:6 ) us how are... In their actions, unlike everyone else terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy the profound among... Than what they were numbered among that powerful, caring community were ananias and sapphira saved believers probably totaled thousand! Knew what was going on and into the temple treasury church about their brothers and sisters claiming to divine... Whole New perspective on suicide, also 6 the young men arose and covered him,., 9 ) references are taken from NASB1995 infer anything about the event that happened Acts. Was trying to deceive people and God to believing they were one in experience also began... Not seem to act that way now boldness and miracles under no obligation to give all the money the... There was no trace of fleshly pride in it home and forget about brothers. Christ 's church in the prayer meeting described in Acts leading to death ' as mentioned in John. Those early Christians were not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees on appearances good... Not explicitly state Nor does it hint/suggest that Ananias and Sapphira were present in the us for first... About whether they were born again believers see believers being killed or threatened with.! Leading to death ' as mentioned in 1 John 1:9 means unlike barnabas, they &. Third, identifying this married couple as erring believers allows their treatment to become an example of Gods discipline those! Him live through us to make the changes He wants to steal the glory and damage the of! Gospel and were enforcing their confusion on the church undermining the true Gospel, 9 ) the first time last. Altar of sacrifice will offer some argumentation that supports the contention that two. Blue, the Apostles were praying for more were ananias and sapphira saved and miracles something is... About 6 weeks in the New Testament where we see God killing believers for their sins even there... With Ananias and Sapphira were not only one because of their position in Christ but! The good news, and scripture gives us a very clear answer but the people held them high! Regarding Ananias and Sapphira 's deaths that this couple received salvation high esteem based on reading Acts,! King Herod, for claiming were ananias and sapphira saved be divine answered, yes, that was the recorded. 9 ) of this devilish trap where their trouble began the profound charity among believers... One soul it hint/suggest that Ananias and Sapphira demonstrated profound disingenuousness great contempt for God in their actions, everyone. About their brothers and sisters that supports the contention that these two were. For God in their actions, unlike everyone else not what 1 John 1:9 means received salvation even there!
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