One Last Chance: Ananias and Sapphira
Ananias and Sapphira kept part of the money promised to God
The story of Ananias and Sapphira are found in the book of Acts, in the New Testament, as we wrap up this series on last chances from God.
Jesus has recently ascended to heaven and the first followers of Jesus have bounded together.
In this time followers of Jesus “did not consider their possessions to be their own but held in common.” They used what they had to help those that were in need.
Following, Barnabas example, Ananias sells their land and presents the money to the apostles.
When Peter confronted both Ananias and Sapphira they lied and immediately dropped dead
However, what he’s not told anyone, other than his wife, is that he’s kept part of the money back for himself.
Peter confronts him and ask “how has Satan filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit?…” {Acts 5:3}
Upon hearing this, Ananias falls dead. Men came forward, wrapped up his body and buried him.
The story is far from over, though. Three hours later his wife, Sapphira, arrived unaware of what happened to her husband. Peter ask her if the money Ananias presented is the price received from the land. She states it is.
“How can you test the Spirit of the Lord?” Peter demands. With that she falls dead and is buried.
“ Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.” {Acts 5:11}
So what can we learn from Ananias and Sapphira?
- When we promise something God expects us to keep our promise
- Honesty is essential
Ananias and Sapphira serve as an example to give God what is rightly His
- We are not to test the spirit of God
- Satan wants to trip us up
- We cannot hide from God
- God knows our hearts, even when we deceive others
- God hates sin
- God is to be feared {but in a reverent way, not a bad way}
- We should give wholeheartedly
For others in the One Last Chance Series:
Adam and Eve, Cain, Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot’s Wife, Er and Onan, The Israelite Children, Korah, Nadab and Abihu, King Saul, Uzzah, Achan, Nabal, and Jehoram
For the Second Chances series:
Old Testament: Jonah, Job, Samson, Rahab, David and Bathsheba, Moses, Joseph, and Jacob
New Testament: Zacchaeus, Woman Caught in Adultery, The Prodigal Son, The Thief on the Cross, Saul to Paul, John Mark, and Peter