by Irene Davault

Created on: December 28, 2010   Last Updated: January 01, 2011

Though the scriptures do not come out and say that God struck Ananias and Sapphira dead, we do learn that Peter could discern their hearts and chastised them for their dishonesty. Peter knew the consequences of their actions and revealed it to them. It could have been God or it could have been the result of realization of what they had done so that their hearts failed them. 

After all, Ananias and Sapphira, as members of the church were asked to help the church take care of members in need. “Neither was there any among them that lacked; for as many of them that were possessors of land or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles’  feet: and dis-tributaries was made unto every man according as he had need” (Acts 4:34-35). Ananias and Sapphira were among those asked to donate.  Moreover, Barnabas was asked to donate. “And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation) a Levite, and of the country of  Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet (Acts 4: 36-37).

Barnabas was honest with his dealings with the church and God. He sold his land and brought the money and laid it at the feet of the apostles, namely Peter.  Nevertheless, Ananias sold some land and kept part of the money for himself, and his wife Sapphira, knew about it.  Ananias brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.  Peter asked Ananias why did he lie against the Holy Ghost, and had kept back part of the money. Peter told Ananias that he did not lie against men, but  Ananias choose to be dishonest and lie to God, when Ananias heard these words, he died.

Three hours passed, and Sapphira, not knowing what had happened came to Peter.  Peter questioned her about selling the land and keeping back some of the money. He asked her why she went along with her husband to tempt the Spirit of the Lord. They both knew it was wrong to be dishonest and not do what the Lord had asked them to do. Peter warned her that the same men who carried her husband away, was waiting outside the door to take her away. When Sapphira heard this, she fell at his feet and died. They buried her by her husband.  

This story is a lesson of being honest, trustworthy, and truthful.  Who can be hurt by being dishonest?  Even though we may not see immediate consequences of our dishonesty, like Ananias and Sapphira, we hurt others and possibly ourselves.  This story is to teach us to be honest with man and God, and for every choice, there will be a consequence to follow, eventually.

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