Judgment of Ananias’ sin

“And as he heard these words, Ananias collapsed and died; and great fear came over all who heard about it. The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.” (1) The name “Ananias” means “God has given,” yet God took his life. (a) The word rendered as “died” is a Greek verb “ekpsucho,” a medical term meaning death, indicating the soul leaving the body (similar to the English “expire”). (b) Blaming Peter for Ananias’s death is completely missing the point. Ananias brought this outcome upon himself. (2) This incident occurred in a public gathering (a house church). (a) Young men in the congregation wrapped the body in burial clothes, carried it outside, and buried him. (b) This serves as an important lesson for the youth.

Judgement of Sapphira’s sin

(1) Sapphira, unaware of what had happened, entered the house. She had become a widow three hours earlier. (2) Peter gave her the opportunity to confess her sins and speak truthfully. “Tell me whether you sold the land for this price?” This was not a trap. It was a chance for her to speak honestly, free from her husband’s influence. Although the name “Sapphira” means “beautiful,” she was unable to answer “beautifully.” (3) Hearing her answer, Peter said, “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test?” It was clear to everyone that she had conspired with her husband to deceive the Holy Spirit. (4) “Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.” This was a pronouncement of her death. Like her husband, she immediately breathed her last. The young men who had just finished burying her husband now performed a second burial. (5) This incident brought great fear upon the entire church and everyone who heard about it (ref. to Deut. 21:21). (6) This is the first occurrence of the word “church” in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 5:11). (a) In Greek, it is “ekklesia.” (b) From this point onwards, the assembly of those who believed in Christ came to be called “ekklesia.” Ananias and Sapphira’s lives were cut short, but they did not lose their salvation. Once saved, one will not lose that salvation. It was impossible for Ananias and the Holy Spirit to coexist within the church. For the Holy Spirit’s presence to continue, Ananias had to be removed. A group without the presence of the Holy Spirit is not an ekklesia. Let’s learn a lesson of faith from this.