(a) Trace the circumstances that led to the death of Ananias and Sapphira. (b) Indicate two lessons that could be drawn from this incident.

Answer Details

(a) The circumstances that led to the death of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11).

1. In the early church, the believers were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. Those who owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds to the apostles, who distributed to each as any had need. Joseph, called Barnabas, was one such example, selling a field and laying the money at the apostles' feet.
2. But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property.
3. With his wife's knowledge, Ananias kept back for himself part of the proceeds and brought only a part, laying it at the apostles' feet as though it were the whole amount.
4. Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land?"
5. Peter pointed out that while it remained unsold, it was his own, and after it was sold, it was still at his disposal; he was under no compulsion to give all. Ananias had not lied to men but to God.
6. When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died, and great fear came upon all who heard of it.
7. The young men rose, wrapped him up, carried him out and buried him.
8. About three hours later his wife Sapphira came in, not knowing what had happened.
9. Peter asked her whether they had sold the land for so much, and she said, "Yes, for so much."
10. Peter said, "How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out."
11. Immediately she fell down at his feet and died. The young men came in, found her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

(b) Two lessons that could be drawn from this incident.

1. God hates hypocrisy and deceit: lying to God and pretending to be more generous or holy than one really is invites judgment.
2. God sees the heart and cannot be deceived: the couple lied to men but were in fact lying to the Holy Spirit.
3. Sin has serious consequences; the fear that came upon the church shows that God's holiness must be reverenced.
4. Giving to God should be sincere and voluntary, not for show or self-glory.