Ananias and Sapphira
5:1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.
7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 But Peter said to her, “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.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.
Many Signs and Wonders Done
12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
The Apostles Arrested and Freed
17 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy 18 they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” 21 And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.
Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council and all the senate of the people of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” 24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. 25 And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. (ESV)
3Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?
4Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.”
5When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened.
This is happening all of the time in this sinful world. People are stealing money from each other, or only paying half or any other circumstance…. Back when this happened, its crazy to see that they died when this happened!! Imagine all of the death that would occur when people steal all over the world!
41The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
42Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Mmmmm amen! Even after being beaten and flogged, the apostles kept on proclaiming the name of Christ to everyone! Look, house to house even! Lets be more like the apostles, especially with the evangelism night tonight!
41.) The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
This is definitely an encouragement and an example we should follow daily. We should evangelizing and rejoicing in any persecution we receive. Also like Derek said, we should totally be taking this mindset into evangelism night tonight.
39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” …
42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Day after day, week after week, for almost 2,000 years, the message has been spreading and people have been saved. This should give us confidence that our message is truly of God, and give us the boldness to go out and be a part of spreading it to the world! The first thing the disciples did after being miraculously released from prison was to go and evangelize, and even after they were flogged for it, they still could not be stopped. If we at True North adopt this same kind of determination and go boldly out onto our high schools for Jesus Christ, we will find that there is no force that can stop the spread of the Word or prevent others from coming to repent and place their faith in Christ.
How awesome would it be to have boldness like the disciples, being persecuted and then rejoicing over being county worthy for it and then immediately proclaiming the gospel again. We need to be praying for this with fervor like in chapter 4 and go out and take advantage of every opportunity and we will see people saved.
39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
God promised to never leave us, and like Mike said, that promise has continued for 2,000 years. We can’t fear men because they will not be able to do anything, but must fear God like the church did when Ananias and Sapphira were struck down, because He wants and deserves all glory. If we don’t bring it to Him He will be upset, but if we actively seek Him, we will see success and people repenting. And I know for myself at least that I would much rather see people saved than be called a wicked lazy servant or struck dead.
39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
This verse is really encouraging to me because it really reasures that if we are fighting with God by our side, we will never be able to be stopped. No matter what the situation or who we are fighting, its impossible!
wow this chapter was soooo awesome! the courage and boldness of the apostles just amazes me! AGAIN they are thrown in jail, AGAIN the Lord provides for them and gets them out, and AGAIN the apostles refuse to stop preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ. this chapter showed me so many things. the Lord will always be there for us, and He will always do what is right and just. He gets the disciples out of jail, and then gives them the boldeness to call out and witness to the leaders and members of the church, right after they were sent to jail. Jenae also made an awesome point that with God on our side, the words of Him will never be stopped, and we will never lose. like Chris and Mike mentioned, the gospel has been going on since our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ died and rose again, which was 2000 years ago! this is so encouraging and it really shows the power of the Lord
39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
42Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
It’s a spirtual battle that Peter and the apostles were facing, and men couldn’t stop them from preaching that Jesus is the Christ, the messiah, God was on their side, who can stop that. The apostles were getting locked up in prison, but it did not stop them from telling everyone about God. They did not fear man because they knew if they did not evangelize, they knew that God’s punishment would have been greater.
41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
Wow! The apostles received harsh persecution and still were rejoicing. It’s so amazing and encouraging to see their positive attitudes. We need to all be like this when we face hardships because of standing up for Jesus Christ. They still considered themselves lucky, we should too!!
14Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.
more and more people were getting saved every single day, this is such an encouragment to go out and evangalize to our friends so that they can be saved!! the apostles had such great boldness for the lord, even after going to jail and bring flogged and stuff, and they still were proclaming the lords name…we should try to be living like them ever day!!!
4Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.”
5When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened.
6Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.
7About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
8Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”
9Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”
10At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
11Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.\
We always have to be honwst in all of our dealings. God takes lying very seriously. Also, we have to make sure that we don’t lie to the holy spirit. The magnitude of that sin, God clearly explains in this passage
28″We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”
29Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men!
42Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Clearly the apostles feared God more than they did man. After being brought before the authorities and persecuted for preaching the Gospel, they continued to teach about Jesus all the more. The persecution did not deter or silence them but rather it motivated them to be even more bold. This inspires us to respond in the same way.
8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”
THe fate that these two had should teach us a lesson. We should confess our sins to God so that we will be forgiven. God knows all and there is no point in trying to hide something from Him. If we withheld our sins we will only be hurting ourselves.
See all of you at church tonight.
5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened
Same God in the new testament. God kills him because of his sin. Money is a big sin especially around this area.
This was actauly really encouragin and convicting These men had such courge to stand out of this jail and talk to others about Christ. All the harsh people bashing had no effect on them but just made them preach more. This is a great example of how I need to be more bold in my evengslism.
29Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men!
I love how straight foward the apostles are!! So simple and to the point!! It reminds me of the people at our schools who choose to call themselves christians, but fall into temptation and peer pressure, losing sight of what is important in this world.. Loving the Lord and obeying His commands!! There is no such thing as being luke warm, and this is something we should be spreading at our schools!! The fear of God should be FAR greater than that of man, so I know I’m going to pray for boldness and open doors for those who believe they are “christians but not super religious” at my school!!
39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Seriously, if it is from God, then shouldn’t you listen? Shouldn’t you listen to what the apostles have to say? Shouldn’t you obey what our creator has to say? AND since it is from God, if you don’t listen then you will find yourself fighting against God which is no bueno! Fighting against Him and His will can lead you to death just like the man and his wife who tried to hide the money from the apostles. They did not listen to Him and they followed their selfish hearts. They thought they could hide it, but since God see EVERYTHING they could not conceal it. Like Christa said today at girl’s workshop nothing is made hidden, and everything is revealed no matter where you go. God knows everything and what is in your heart so we should be constantly reminded of this verse and the fear of the Lord! Let us not fight against our God who is more powerful than we can imagine! Fear the Lord and always seek Him for guidance!
WE must be more like the servents of God, who boldly proclaimed the message after being torture. Never keep any secrets from Him for He knows all things. Always beleive in the truth an let nothing stop you! I love how brave and down to earth the apostles are! Always look to the Lord for help for He will forgive your sins!
21At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told
To love God is to obey his commands. And to know his commands we need to be reading His laws and statutes, and meditating on them. That why I like Scripture of the Day. Thanks for all the posts True North peoples.
3Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?
4Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.”
5When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened.
you don’t want to mess with God. many people go through their lives not thinking about the consequences of dissobeying him, and this verse shows exactly why we shouldn’t act like that: God will punnish you.
36Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.
37After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.
That’s a neat verse. after two thousand years, it still hasn’t failed. He sure proved those men wrong.
40His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
42Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
How cool is that? after being flogged they were still preaching to others. they didn’t even let it slow them down, but celebrated over the awards that they had won in heaven. it can be very difficult praising God when times get rough, but the apostles have proven it possible, and this seems like a subject that a lot of people, including myself, need to improve on.
41The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
42Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Wow this chapter is insane! Its so awesome how the apostles just got told off for preaching and they were flogged and then they just go out praising the Lord! this is truley an inspiring passage
31God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.
As I said in church tonight this passage is inspiring. The apostles stand up and say that they are going to obey God over men. They will continue preaching repentance no matter the consequences. My prayer is that those of us at True North with also be so bold!
38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.
39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Wow! It is amazing to think that it was a non-christian who made this statement! Even he was aware of the awesome power of the one-true God yet he was stil an unbeleiver. “if God is for us , who can be against us?”. We must remember this at all times.
29Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men!
This is such an important statement for our everyday lives. When we have a problem, why is it that the first thing we often do is run to a friend for advice? Or do what ‘seems’ right to us? Or read a ‘self-help-book’? “People” will let us down. “People” are faulty, but the Lord is not. We must always got to Him in prayer and read the Bible for guidance.
40His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
42Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Wow!!! It’s easy to wince when someone rolls their eyes at me-but these men were flogged and came out rejoicing!!! Rock-On apostles of the Lord! We need to remember that it is an honor to suffer for our Lord Jesus Christ. And we, like the apostles should NEVER stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that is Jesus Christ!! MARANATHA!
first of all I read this passage 14 hours ago and just figured out the wonders of cut and paste, although i will continue to write my thoughts only.
The first part illustrates the importance of giving with a giving heart and the right motives. Ultimately God knows the condition of our gifts.
I also love the bravery and obedience of the apostles that continued preaching because they were filled with the spirit, even after the distain and physical abuse of the Sanhedrin.
The logic of Galilean says it all…
i hope that one day i will have the bravery of an apostle so i can spread the word without being scared or nervous of what people will say to me
14Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.
15As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.
16Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed
These are some verses that really stuck out to me. First off with talking about growing the number of men and women following christ each day. A great thing and i cant wait till the day we double it up! Then how all the sick and demon possesed people were brought into the streets and tey were all healed!! Amazing how God presented himself through others lives!
31God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.
It’s Jesus that gives repentance and forgiveness of sins. This verse reminds me that salvation is a complete gift from God. There is no part of it that I can boast about because even repentance is a gift from him. Without God drawing us, we could never turn to him on our own. Thank God that he does, and that he uses us to spread the message of salvation to those he’s going to save.
The end of the chapter is so amazingly cool. It is proof that Jesus Christ is God. His word is still being taught today and people are becoming saved. And it is not being taught like other religions as a tradition of a culture but as truth!
The story of Ananias and Sapphira is a big warning to us Christians. Their deceit did not go unpunished. How can we defend Christ or the church if we let Satan deceive us and lead us into sin? We need to remember that we are the first line of defense against Satan infiltrating His church. God made an example of Ananias and Sapphira to show others that the Holy Spirit cannot be deceived. I pray that we as believers in Christ will continue to arm ourselves by reading God word daily.
29Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men! ”
We cannot let people control our actions. What we do should not be based off of what people will think of us. We should not be trying to impress people, or follow the crowd. We should be doing what God is commanding, and spreading the Word of God whenever we can. At the end of the day, only what God thinks of you matters.
28″We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood”
Oo man this verse is amazing!!! Can you even imagine people comeng up to you firiouse because you have told all of orang county about Jesus Christ!!!!! We should be making everybody know about our lord like it has been told in Gods word.
Good job evangalizing tonight
S.
C.