The story of Ananias and Sapphira has often been described as being one of the most frightening, tragic, sad, and thought-provoking stories in the Bible. At the end of (Acts 4) the believers of the early church in Jerusalem were said to all be united in heart and mind. With the feeling among the believers being that what they owned was not their own, they shared everything they had. At times some of the believers who owned land and houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles, who would then distribute the money to those in need. (Acts 4:32-34)
Ananias and Sapphira Sell Some Property
Among those who sold some of their property was a man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira. With an okay from his wife, Ananias brought only part of the money to the apostles, claimed it was the full amount, and kept back the rest of it. This would end up being a deadly mistake (Acts 5:1-2). When Ananias laid the partial amount of money at the apostles feet, Peter said to him, “Why have you let Satan fill your heart so that you would lie to the Holy Spirit and keep some of the money for yourself? The land was yours to sell or not sell, and the money was yours to give away. What would make you do such a thing? You have not only lied to us, but you lied to God!” When Ananias heard Peter say these words he fell to the floor and died. (Acts 5:3-5)
After some young men carried Ananias out and buried him, Sapphira his wife came in not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Was this the price you and your husband were paid for your land?” She replied, “Yes, that is the price.” Peter then said to Sapphira, “How could you and your husband agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? The men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.” She immediately fell to the floor, died, and was carried out and buried beside her husband. (Acts 5:6-10)
Your Sins Will Find You Out
Needless to say, a great fear spread among the church and everyone else who heard about what happened to Ananias and Sapphire. It is often said that you can sometimes hide your sins from others, but you can’t hide them from God. In the case of Ananias and Sapphira, they were not able to hide their wrongdoings from God or man.
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