Topical Bible: Covetousness: Ananias

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Introduction

Covetousness, often understood as an intense desire for wealth or possessions that belong to someone else, is a theme addressed throughout the Bible. It is considered a sin that can lead to further transgressions and spiritual downfall. The account of Ananias, as recounted in the Book of Acts, serves as a poignant illustration of the dangers of covetousness and deceit within the early Christian community.

Biblical Account

The account of Ananias is found in Acts 5:1-11. Ananias, along with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. However, they conspired to keep back part of the proceeds for themselves while pretending to donate the entire amount to the apostles. This act of deceit was motivated by covetousness, as they desired the appearance of generosity and spiritual commitment without the corresponding sacrifice.

Acts 5:3-4 records the confrontation by the Apostle Peter: "Then Peter said, 'Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God.'"

Theological Implications

The sin of Ananias was not merely in withholding part of the money, but in lying to the Holy Spirit and the community of believers. This act of covetousness and deceit was seen as a direct affront to God, highlighting the seriousness with which God views the integrity and purity of His church. The immediate judgment that befell Ananias and Sapphira—both fell dead upon being confronted—served as a sobering reminder to the early church of the holiness required in their communal life.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

The account of Ananias underscores several key lessons about covetousness:

1. Integrity in Stewardship: Believers are called to be honest stewards of their resources. Ananias's failure was not in retaining some of the proceeds, but in his deceitful representation of his actions.

2. The Danger of Hypocrisy: Ananias and Sapphira sought the esteem of the community without the corresponding sacrifice, revealing the peril of hypocrisy in spiritual matters.

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The narrative emphasizes the active presence of the Holy Spirit in the church, who discerns the hearts of believers and upholds the sanctity of the community.

4. Consequences of Sin: The severe consequences faced by Ananias and Sapphira serve as a warning of the spiritual and sometimes physical repercussions of sin, particularly when it disrupts the unity and purity of the church.

Conclusion

The account of Ananias is a stark reminder of the destructive nature of covetousness and deceit. It calls believers to examine their own hearts, ensuring that their actions align with their professed faith and commitment to God. Through this narrative, the early church learned the importance of sincerity, transparency, and the fear of the Lord in their communal and individual lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 5:1-10
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, and Judas, which they ...
... Prolegomena. Chapter XXV. Of the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, and Judas,
which they underwent through the impulse of covetousness. ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxv of the deaths.htm

Ananias and Sapphira.
... upon us the fury of his wrath. You see the dreadful effects of vanity
and covetousness, in the conduct of Ananias and Sapphira. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture vi ananias and sapphira.htm

A Warning against Hypocrisy
... given as a danger-signal. It was covetousness that Ananias and Sapphira
had first cherished. The desire to retain for themselves ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 7 a warning against.htm

The Remedies against the Disease of Covetousness.
... Keeping then in mind the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira let us dread keeping ... also
fear the example of Gehazi, who for the sin of covetousness was chastised ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxx the remedies against.htm

Instances to Show that the Disease of Covetousness is Threefold.
... Instances to show that the disease of covetousness is threefold ... But Ananias and Sapphira,
keeping back a part of that which was formerly their own, were at the ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xiv instances to show.htm

Tenth Commandment
... how soon the first outbreaks of covetousness occurred. Think of Eve in Eden, Achan
just after Israel had entered the Promised Land, Ananias and Sapphira in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/tenth commandment.htm

Achan's Sin, Israel's Defeat
... need. I have already pointed out the singular parallel between him and Ananias
and Sapphira. Covetousness was the sin of all three. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/achans sin israels defeat.htm

Acts iv. 36, 37
... The writer is now about to relate the affair of Ananias and Sapphira ... miracles, he,
taught by none of these, but blinded by covetousness, brought destruction ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xii acts iv 36.htm

Internal Foes.
... Covetousness enticed Lot into Sodom. It caused the destruction of Achan and all
his house. ... It brought about the death of Ananias and Sapphira. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/part ii internal foes.htm

Book 20 Footnotes
... and Caiaphas so often mentioned in the four Gospels; and that Ananias, the son ... the
like presently, ch.9. sect.2. Such fatal crimes are covetousness and tyranny ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 20 footnotes.htm