Ananias and Sapphira

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eternally-gratefull

Guest
#81
No legalist will admit that what they are...and the fact that so many are relating to you as a legalist...could mean you are?

Look I don't want to be rude to you...I just don't think you have dealt with this issue in a biblical way.
judgmental again as usual. Instead of judging, why do you not wait awhile and listen to what she believes.

Ember is far from legalistic..
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
42,556
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Tennessee
#82
They probably cheated on their income taxes too. The death penalty they received seems a bit harsh to me but I'm sure that it happened for a spiritual purpose. In any case, lying is not a good thing to do as it against the commandment forbidding it.
 
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Mitspa

Guest
#83
An interesting question...

If this was God’s protective hand, keeping the church from being deceived by this unsaved couple—as some allege, and which they apparently find very consoling—then why did “great fear” come “upon the whole church”?

It would seem that the church would be thrilled that "unbelieving outsiders" would be taken down by God, keeping the church even safer. After all, "believers" were in no danger here......... were they?

Just going by the Scripture, in context, ya know.

Just something to think about.
Good point and at least your trying to reason within the scriptures ...but read the next two verses and you see that this stopped the nonbelievers from joining and the believers increased more and more....so yes this was fearful thing and all should be warned against playing games with God....but real believers increased and more and was added to the church...so they seen it as evidence of Gods power and justice....but nonbelievers seen it as a fearful thing that kept them out of the assembly.
 
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Mitspa

Guest
#84
Kind of like,why did God not overthrow nations like Sodom and Gomorrah,and it is probably because we only need one example in the Bible on how not to behave that way,so it might of only happened once as an example not to behave that way,which it might have happened at some other time,but we only need one example on how not to act that way.

[SUP]3 [/SUP]But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
[SUP]4 [/SUP]Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God(Acts 5:3-4).

It appears that the moral of the story is do not make a promise to God,and then do not keep it,for it sounds like the Bible is saying it is his land,and he can do whatever he wants with the money of the land,but he made a promise to God to give all the money to the disciples,and then only gave a partial amount.

Also the Bible says great fear fell on the Church concerning this,so do not make a promise to God and not keep it,but of course you probably will not drop dead,but you will be guilty of it that you will pay for later if not repented of it.


[SUP]32 [/SUP]And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
[SUP]33 [/SUP]And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
[SUP]34 [/SUP]Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
[SUP]35 [/SUP]And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need(Acts 4:32-35).

That is how the early Church operated,at least in this instance,and Ananias,and his wife,must of went along with it,but did not go through with it,keeping some of the money.

It would appear that this is how God operates,that no money is our own personal money,but our finances,and possessions,are to supply our needs,and the needs of others,as best we can,but God will not be so mad if you neglect the poor by not doing so,but if you make a promise to God and not keep it,it is seriously wrong.

I believe Ananias,and his wife,made a promise to God to give all their money,going along with the people that were doing the same,and then did not follow through on it,but kept some of the money.

I believe the only thing we would have to do is repent of not caring about the poor like we should,by not selling possessions that are not needed,and God would not be so mad about that to drop us dead,but do not make a promise to God that you will do it,and not do it,for that is more terrible,but I believe God will not drop anybody dead,for we have the example in Acts 5 that tells us not to make a promise to God,and not keep it,like God does not drop anybody dead for being homosexual,although Sodom and Gomorrah is an example not to act that way.

Remember,watch what you say,and do not make a promise to God,and not keep it,so I think it is better to say,I will do the best I can,and not make any promises,but of course God will know if you are overextending yourself in a zeal to make Him happy,and your intentions are good,but if it is a promise that is within your grasp,do not make it,and not keep it.
Of course we should not lie to God...but these folks where not believers
 
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Mitspa

Guest
#85
judgmental again as usual. Instead of judging, why do you not wait awhile and listen to what she believes.

Ember is far from legalistic..
Dude ...stop trying to start another personal debate...you lost the last time...get over it :(

If you want to make a point about the issue of the thread, I will address that but not playing your childish and ungodly game today.
 
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eternally-gratefull

Guest
#86
Dude ...stop trying to start another personal debate...you lost the last time...get over it :(

If you want to make a point about the issue of the thread, I will address that but not playing your childish and ungodly game today.

1. lol. now thats funny, I did not lose anything, nor do I care to win or lose.. You think to highly of yourself. Funny how it seems every-time you get into discussion this same thing happens every time, why is you you always want to blame others?
2. why is it you never want to talk about the issues but always want to prove your right?


You judged a gal based on nothing.. It seems to be a habit
 
Feb 7, 2015
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#87
Dude ...stop trying to start another personal debate...you lost the last time...get over it :(

If you want to make a point about the issue of the thread, I will address that but not playing your childish and ungodly game today.
Is that what you look for? A game, to see if you can win?
 
Feb 7, 2015
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#88
Good point and at least your trying to reason within the scriptures ...but read the next two verses and you see that this stopped the nonbelievers from joining and the believers increased more and more....so yes this was fearful thing and all should be warned against playing games with God....but real believers increased and more and was added to the church...so they seen it as evidence of Gods power and justice....but nonbelievers seen it as a fearful thing that kept them out of the assembly.
"More were added daily" is a pretty common theme throughout the beginning of the church. Even today, it is estimated that 10,000 new Christians are born each day throughout the world.

People signing up, despite supposed fear outside the church would stand in strange opposition to people being scared off from a movement that killed people, on the spot. No, the Bible did not say unbelievers got cold feet because two other unbelievers were killed that day........ it said "the church" got scared. I wonder if any quit?
 
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Mitspa

Guest
#89
"More were added daily" is a pretty common theme throughout the beginning of the church. Even today, it is estimated that 10,000 new Christians are born each day throughout the world.

People signing up, despite supposed fear outside the church would stand in strange opposition to people being scared off from a movement that killed people, on the spot. No, the Bible did not say unbelievers got cold feet because two other unbelievers were killed that day........ it said "the church" got scared. I wonder if any quit?
Read it in context Willie... The real believers increased and the phonies did not join the church... that's what it clearly says. I think its clear that A and S was considered in the group that was not believers.
 
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Mitspa

Guest
#91

1. lol. now thats funny, I did not lose anything, nor do I care to win or lose.. You think to highly of yourself. Funny how it seems every-time you get into discussion this same thing happens every time, why is you you always want to blame others?
2. why is it you never want to talk about the issues but always want to prove your right?


You judged a gal based on nothing.. It seems to be a habit
Whatever :p
 

jb

Senior Member
Feb 27, 2010
4,940
591
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#92
Yes I gave a clear biblical context ...you said you disagree but want to ignore the clear biblical context of my point....Yes I want you to deal with the point I made ....
Gives us a smile, you look so serious in the photo in your profile...:p
 
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eternally-gratefull

Guest
#93
Read it in context Willie... The real believers increased and the phonies did not join the church... that's what it clearly says. I think its clear that A and S was considered in the group that was not believers.
History shows otherwise. So does the NT writers who were always writing against false people being in the church.

But I guess that form of evidence does not mean anything?
 
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GaryA

Guest
#94
Acts 5:

[SUP]1[/SUP] But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, [SUP]2[/SUP] And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. [SUP]3[/SUP] But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? [SUP]4[/SUP] Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. [SUP]5[/SUP] And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. [SUP]6[/SUP] And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. [SUP]7[/SUP] And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. [SUP]8[/SUP] And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. [SUP]9[/SUP] Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. [SUP]10[/SUP] Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. [SUP]11[/SUP] And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. [SUP]12[/SUP] And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people;
(and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. [SUP]13[/SUP] And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. [SUP]14[/SUP] And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) [SUP]15[/SUP] Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. [SUP]16[/SUP] There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.


The parenthetical statement is indeed a separate "thought process", and is not directly connected to the subject matter outside of verses 12-16. For an interval of time ( apparently somewhat 'long' ), the apostles - "with one accord" - in Solomon's porch - wrought signs and wonders among the people ( who were [ physically ] 'separated' from them by virtue of not being in Solomon's porch ). In verse 13, 'them' is the apostles [ 'in' Solomon's porch ] ( not "the Church" ) -- 'join himself to them' simply means "go onto ( 'in' ) Solomon's porch and / to stand with them" - in close proximity to them ( the apostles ). Verse 13 is indicating that the people stood [ a short distance ] away from the apostles - while "magnifying" them - but, "kept their distance" from them - not 'mingling' with them [ 'in' ] Solomon's porch. Verses 15-16 are the 'evidence' of the 'proof' of what was happening in verses 12-13.

In other words, the apostles were "on" Solomon's porch; everyone else was "off" Solomon's porch. During the 'event', no one dared to 'mingle' with them "on" Solomon's porch.

It would be somewhat similar to saying:

Nobody dared to go up onto the platform with the preacher while he was preaching such a powerful Holy-Spirit-filled message, yet many in the congregation praised God and shouted 'Amen'.


In the context of the whole passage, the parenthetical statement has nothing whatsoever [ directly ] to do with Ananias and Sapphira.

Spreading knowledge of the circumstances of their deaths caused "great fear" and a lot of "getting right with God"... ;) :cool:


:)
 
Feb 7, 2015
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#95
They probably cheated on their income taxes too. The death penalty they received seems a bit harsh to me but I'm sure that it happened for a spiritual purpose. In any case, lying is not a good thing to do as it against the commandment forbidding it.
There you go again, Jer..... assuming!!!!!! We have no Scriptural proof of what they actually did file on their income tax forms, and................ Oh, wait. I got caught up in the excitement of the game, and thought Mit was throwing out some crazy new angle.... Sorry. :cool: :cool: :cool:
 
Feb 1, 2015
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#96
IMO, they died because of the anointing on Peter and they lied to the Holy Spirit. They is no evidence to make me believe that they were unregenerate's. No one messes with God's glory or the anointing, it is very dangerous.
 
L

ladylynn

Guest
#97
An interesting question...

If this was God’s protective hand, keeping the church from being deceived by this unsaved couple—as some allege, and which they apparently find very consoling—then why did “great fear” come “upon the whole church”?

It would seem that the church would be thrilled that "unbelieving outsiders" would be taken down by God, keeping the church even safer. After all, "believers" were in no danger here......... were they?

Just going by the Scripture, in context, ya know.

Just something to think about.

ohhh oohh I got an considered answer on this one Willie!!! :D 2 people died one at a time that everyone thought were believers., 1-2-3 plop! they dropped!!! I'd have gotten scared too! But non the less more were added to the body of Christ. We don't always know right at the moment why things happen in life do we? And we have the Bible, they didn't. They were just learning about Jesus and all that God was doing in and for and through them.

Even today many believers think God is bringing sickness and death and we have the Bible that clearly tells us it is satan who is the author of such things not God.
 
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ladylynn

Guest
#98
God is sovereign and we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.

It matters little what happens to the body of flesh. The eternal soul is preserved in Christ. In the day of redemption the body will be changed into the incorruptible.

Scripture says that the death of His saints is precious in His sight. The wicked are not so.

Do not fall into the trap that God only brings good things into your life. Job is a prime example of glorifying God in tribulation and suffering.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

I think it matters what happens to my flesh.,and so does God. He tells us we are the temple of the HolySpirit. We are to glorify Him in our bodies. We are to have our minds renewed and we are to serve Him with these bodies He has blessed us with. God is not out to cause us pain, agony and death. He sent Jesus to redeem us of that. Being a part of this world is what brings tribulation., not God. Be of good cheer!!! Jesus said, He has over come the world!! The death of His saints is not caused by God. He is not out to Zap us so He can get glory. He gets glory when we live for Him.

It is certainly not a trap to believe God is the giver of good things., all good things are from His hand. And when we do go through trials, He is there to get us through to the other side. Without Jesus, we can do nothing. God has given people free will and because of that and the stupid choices people make, we will all be having to deal with tribulations but God delivers His children from them all. Amen.
 

DP

Banned
Sep 27, 2015
3,325
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The context in the previous Acts 4 chapter is important to understand this. The other believers sold their lands and brought all the money to the Apostles. The purpose for that gathering was to distribute among the poorer members, for that was the beginnings of the early Church. And because that was a time of many miracles done by The Holy Spirit they had a greater witness to them in those things so they had no excuse to fully put their trust in God and in His Apostles.