What can we learn from Sapphira's actions about accountability in marriage? Setting the Scene: Acts 5 and the Early Church • A generous move of the Spirit had swept through the believers (Acts 4:32-37). • Ananias and Sapphira sold property but secretly kept part of the proceeds while pretending to give all (Acts 5:1-2). • Peter confronted Ananias; judgment fell instantly (Acts 5:3-6). • Then comes the moment that highlights Sapphira’s role: “About three hours later his wife also came in, unaware of what had happened.” (Acts 5:7) Shared Responsibility Before God • Marriage makes two people “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24), but that unity does not diminish individual accountability. • Sapphira walked in independently, yet her decision linked to her husband’s earlier choice. • Each spouse stands before God on personal terms—Romans 14:12 reminds, “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Mutual Submission in Truth • Ephesians 5:21: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” • Submission never means endorsing sin. Sapphira had opportunity to honor God above human partnership but chose complicity. • Genuine marital submission is marked by truthfulness, not cover-ups. The Cost of Complicity • By confirming her husband’s lie (Acts 5:8), Sapphira shared in the consequence (Acts 5:9-10). • Joshua 7 shows a similar pattern: Achan’s family bore judgment because his secret sin involved them. • Scripture consistently warns that silent agreement with wrongdoing is participation in it (Ephesians 5:11). A Call to Encourage Righteousness • Hebrews 3:13 urges believers to “encourage one another daily… so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” • In marriage this means gently challenging anything that dishonors Christ, even if uncomfortable. • Sapphira’s silence demonstrates what happens when correction is withheld. Transparency Strengthens Trust • Colossians 3:9: “Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices.” • A healthy marriage culture values openness—finances, motives, words—all laid before God and spouse. • Sapphira’s secrecy eroded trust not only with the apostles but within the marriage covenant itself. Putting It into Practice – Practical Takeaways • Speak up when tempted to shade the truth—better an awkward moment than shared judgment. • Hold regular, honest conversations about money, ministry, and motives. • Invite your spouse’s accountability; embrace questions rather than resent them. • Pray together for courage to honor God above mutual comfort. • Memorize verses on integrity and recite them when discussing joint decisions. Related Scriptures that Echo the Principle • Proverbs 27:17—“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” • 1 Peter 3:7—Husbands and wives are “heirs together of the grace of life,” implying joint pursuit of holiness. • 2 Corinthians 8:21—“We are taking pains to do what is right, not only before the Lord but also before men.” Summary Sapphira’s brief appearance reminds us that marriage amplifies, not cancels, personal accountability. Unity in Christ calls spouses to uphold truth, lovingly confront sin, and choose transparent integrity together. The cost of compromise is high, but the blessing of shared righteousness is higher still. |
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