Character Studies - ElectronicGospel

Ananias and Sapphiraa character study by Jeff S. SmithIntroductionThe fate of Ananias and Sapphira is a New Testament version of the story of Achan from the OldTestament. In that event, Achan took some of the plunder of Jericho for himself against God’s will,causing the fledgling Hebrew army to fall in the battle for Ai found him out and his entire family wasexecuted on the spot for the transgression.Ananias and Sapphira forgot that lesson or assumed that it would not apply so immediately to them. Astudy of their character quickly shows that what lay beneath the surface was darker than what theirbrethren saw above.DiscussionI. Suddenly Struck DeadA. Three Old Testament Events1. the Bible reveals three Old Testament events in which people were suddenly struck dead at verypivotal moments in the revelation of God’s scheme of salvation2. each time, a person underestimated the holiness, omniscience and omnipotence of God to hisown destructiona. Nadab and Abihu modified the worship pattern to suit themselves (Leviticus 10:1-3)b. Achan transgressed God’s command and spoiled Jericho for himself (Joshua. 7:1-5, 19-26)c. Uzzah fell over David’s stumbling block cart (Second Samuel 6:6-8)3. in each of these events, the will of God was violated, but only once maliciouslya. Achan was greedy, Nadab and Abihu were expressing themselves and Uzzah was justcareless with David’s unlawful innovationb. why did God react so powerfully and mercilessly with these four men?1. the congregation in the wilderness needed to learn the truth and become impressed withthe awesomeness of God’s holy character from the very beginning or the conquest of Canaan wouldquickly fail2. disrespect for authority brings down armies, businesses and families and would surelybring down a theocratic kingdom as wellB. Ananias and Sapphira1. because confessing Christ sometimes meant estrangement from family and neighbor and alsobecause of a first century famine, the church in Jerusalem practiced extreme benevolence (Acts 4:32-37)a. there was no requirement that every saint sell his possessions, or that one who did had tobring all the proceeds to the apostles, but that is what Barnabas chose to dob. although he did not seek an immediate reward for his actions, Barnabas did become knownamong the apostles and saints as the “Son of Encouragement”c. his reputation was admirable, because it was deserved, and not surprisingly, others wereinfluenced to follow his example, but there was a price tag attached2. enter Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-2)a. Ananias and Sapphira apparently wanted the recognition and immediate reward that comeswith making a greater sacrifice than they were really willing to makeb. their sin was not in keeping back some of the proceeds, but in claiming they had not3. probably by miraculous revelation, Peter learns of their sin and calls Ananias on it (Acts 5:3-4)a. Peter confesses that Ananias was under no requirement to sell his land or donate all theproceeds, for it was under his control, but when he chose to lie about it, he ventured into sin just as Achanhad done by spoiling the Jericho plunderb. lying to men is serious enough, but there is an added element of dishonor when one feels thathe can fool God and get away with it4. his judgment is immediate and powerful in the minds of the witnesses, who learned to respectGod in the newly established kingdom (Acts 5:5-6)5. Peter later questions his wife, who was yet unaware that she was a widow (Acts 5:7-11a. she had tested the Holy Spirit, doubting his ability to sort out their lies and expose themb. she joined her husband in instant punishment, and great fear came upon the churchCharacter Studies! 99