Ananias and Sapphira
Winter, Dec- Feb AD34 - Acts 5:1-11
A HIGH THAT TURNED SOUR
All the believers were of one accord and shared what they owned, even selling land and houses, giving the money to the apostles who then gave this to those in need.
But there was sin (doing things from man's motives) in the camp. So we get the story of Ananias and Sapphira, husband and wife. In trying to make themselves appear more spiritual to others, they lied to God.
Background Reading:
Ananias and Sapphira
5 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira,
also sold a piece of property. 2 With his
wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but
brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet. 3
3 Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your
heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself
some of the money you received for the land? 4
Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold,
wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing?
You have not lied to men but to God." 5 When
Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all
who heard what had happened. 6 Then the young men
came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. 7 About three hours later his wife came in, not
knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her,
"Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?" "Yes,"
she said, "that is the price." 9 Peter said
to her, "How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The
feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will
carry you out also." 10 At that moment she
fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding
her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who
heard about these events.
Acts 5:1–11
More Information:
Ananias and Sapphira were a couple of believers who thought they could lie to God.