Theory question 108
Pentecost and the Early Church(a) Trace the circumstances that led to the death of Ananias and Sapphira
(b) Indicate two lessons that could be drawn from this incident.
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(a) The believers were of one heart and soul and had everything in common (Acts 4:32).
Those who owned land or houses sold them and laid the proceeds at the apostles' feet for distribution to the needy (Acts 4:34-35).
Barnabas sold a field and brought the money (Acts 4:36-37).
Ananias with his wife Sapphira sold property and, with her knowledge, kept back part of the proceeds, bringing only part to the apostles (Acts 5:1-2).
Peter asked why Satan had filled his heart to lie to the Holy Spirit; the land and money were his own; "You have not lied to men but to God" (Acts 5:3-4).
Ananias fell down and died; young men buried him (Acts 5:5-6).
Three hours later Sapphira came, not knowing; she lied about the price (Acts 5:7-8).
Peter asked how they agreed to tempt the Spirit of the Lord; she fell down and died (Acts 5:9-10).
Great fear came upon the whole church (Acts 5:11).
(b) Any two: God hates lying and hypocrisy; giving should be honest and voluntary; one cannot deceive God; sin in the church is punished; husbands and wives should not agree to do evil.
Narrate Acts 4:32–5:11, then two lessons.