Lesson 8 – Ananias and Sapphira December 23, 2012

Last Week’s Forecast The Acts of the Apostles2

Not To Worry … The Acts of the Apostles3

The REAL Story The Acts of the Apostles4

Ah, Those Wacky Mayans! The Acts of the Apostles5

Review Luke has just shared a pericope about Barnabas’ generosity Barnabas was a shining example of how the church lived in community, providing for those in need The Acts of the Apostles6

Barnabas Acts 4:36-37 – 36 Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), 37 and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. The Acts of the Apostles7

For Discussion Barnabas performs a selfless act for the good of the Christian community A shining example of the love of Jesus, expressed in works Perhaps this was a common thing among the believers and Barnabas was only one of many The Acts of the Apostles8

Ananias and Sapphira Acts 5:1 – 1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife's full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles' feet. The Acts of the Apostles9

For Discussion What do you suppose prompted Ananias and Sapphira to sell their property? Why would they hold back part of the proceeds from the apostles? The Acts of the Apostles10

Peter’s Response Acts 5:3-4 – 3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." The Acts of the Apostles11

For Discussion How did Ananias lie to the Holy Spirit? What was Ananias trying to accomplish? Who is to blame for this deception? What does this says about personal possessions? Why was Peter so harsh with Ananias? The Acts of the Apostles12

Ananias’ Death Acts 5:5-6 – 5 And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it. 6 The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him. The Acts of the Apostles13

For Discussion There was no delay in burying Ananias –Probably to avoid decomposition in the hot climate of Palestine Ananias was apparently not a rich man –The young men simply covered him up, carried him out of the city and buried him –There was no preparation for burial –For people of means, bodies were wrapped in linen and spices The Acts of the Apostles14

For Discussion What was Ananias’ sin? Three parts to every sin –God’s Law –Satan’s temptation –Man’s actions Why did Ananias fall dead? –Coincidence? –God’s judgment? Did the punishment fit the crime or was it (pardon the pun) “overkill”? The Acts of the Apostles15

Sin Brings Death James 1:13 – 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. The Acts of the Apostles16

For Discussion Whether physical or spiritual, the death brought about by sin is REAL Jesus paid for our sin with his life Those who don’t follow Him pay with their own The Acts of the Apostles17

Act II Acts 5:7-8 – 7 Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter responded to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?" And she said, "Yes, that was the price." The Acts of the Apostles18

For Discussion Why do you suppose that Sapphira didn’t know about Ananias’ death? Note that Peter gives her ample opportunity to come clean –Short of saying: “God struck your husband dead for lying. You wanna try a different story?” Yet she persists in the deception –Why? The Acts of the Apostles19

Conspiracy Acts 5:9 – 9 Then Peter said to her, "Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.“ The same fate waits Sapphira The hypocrisy of Ananias and Sapphira was complete and total The Acts of the Apostles20

The Death of Sapphira Acts 5:10-11 – 10 And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard of these things. The Acts of the Apostles21

For Discussion What sort of “fear” gripped the church and others? –What did this do for church membership? What was the purpose of the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira? Why doesn’t God strike people down for lying or hypocrisy? Why do it in the First Century? Why not today? The Acts of the Apostles22

Conclusion It’s easy to be “holier than thou” about Ananias and Sapphira While the punishment may not be immediate today, as it was in this case, the judgment is just as sure God’s Laws are still very much in effect, just as are the consequences of breaking them For us just as much as Ananias and Sapphira The Acts of the Apostles23

Next Week Lesson 9 – The Apostles in Prison The Acts of the Apostles24