The account of the death of Sapphira, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, is a significant event that underscores the seriousness of deceit and the holiness required within the early Christian community. This incident is found in Acts 5:1-11 and involves the Apostle Peter, one of the foremost leaders of the early Church.

Context and Background

The early Church in Jerusalem was characterized by a profound sense of community and shared resources. Believers were selling their possessions and distributing the proceeds to those in need, ensuring that "there was no needy one among them" (Acts 4:34). This communal living was a testament to their unity and commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

The Deception of Ananias and Sapphira

Ananias and his wife Sapphira were members of this early Christian community. They sold a piece of property, but with full knowledge of each other, they conspired to keep back part of the proceeds while presenting the remainder as the full amount to the apostles. This act was not merely a financial misdeed but a spiritual deception, as they attempted to lie to the Holy Spirit and the community.

Peter's Role and the Miracle

Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, discerned the deceit of Ananias. He confronted Ananias, saying, "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?" (Acts 5:3). Upon hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died, a divine judgment that instilled great fear in all who heard of it.

About three hours later, Sapphira entered, unaware of her husband's fate. Peter questioned her about the sale price of the land, and she perpetuated the lie. Peter responded, "How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also" (Acts 5:9). Immediately, she fell at his feet and died.

Theological Significance

The deaths of Ananias and Sapphira serve as a sobering reminder of the holiness and purity expected within the Church. This miracle, wrought through Peter, highlights the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the early Church, affirming the divine authority bestowed upon the apostles. It also underscores the seriousness of sin, particularly deceit, within the body of Christ.

The fear that gripped the Church and all who heard of these events (Acts 5:11) reflects the awe and reverence due to God, who is both loving and just. This incident reinforced the integrity and sincerity required of believers, setting a precedent for the conduct expected within the Christian community.

Impact on the Early Church

The miraculous judgment upon Ananias and Sapphira had a profound impact on the early Church. It served to purify the community, ensuring that the fear of the Lord was maintained and that the Church remained a place of truth and holiness. This event also demonstrated the apostolic authority of Peter, affirming his leadership and the divine backing of the apostolic mission.

In summary, the death of Sapphira, as orchestrated through the discernment and authority of Peter, stands as a powerful testament to the sanctity required in the early Church and the miraculous workings of God through His chosen servants.Acts 5:10
Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... The subject of the import of the miracles that were wrought by Him and by the Holy
Spirit, is ... Through the whole of the Old Testament Scriptures. ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

The Foundation of the Church among the Jews
... This fresh proof of the vitality of the Church through the active ... and multiplied
conversions, as well as by the first miracles of healing wrought in the ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter i the foundation of.htm

Continuation of the Discourse on the Holy Ghost.
... they were unlearned and ignorant men [2182] , but through the mighty ... full of faith
and of the Holy Ghost, wrought great wonders and miracles among the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xvii continuation of the.htm

The Life of S. Hilarion.
... Once more he prepared for flight, and in thought ranged through solitary lands,
grieving that ... And yet in both places great miracles are wrought daily, but ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the life of s hilarion.htm

On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ...
... Spirit; and to another workings of miracles; and to ... The Father through the Son, with
the Holy Ghost ... he did righteously, and grieved Him not, wrought deeds above ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xvi on the article.htm

The Romance of M. Renan. By Napoleon Roussel.
... whole people for a man who, indeed, wrought no miracles ... effected its entrance into
the world through him; an ... Thus the miracles of the Gospel are not designed to ...
/.../the romance of m renan and the christ of the gospels/the romance of m renan.htm

The Strait Gate;
... and the hearer, the workers of miracles, and workers of ... themselves] to this ministry,
how they wrought for him ... are "kept by the power of God, through faith unto ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the strait gate.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... fire is the work of grace that is wrought in the ... had sinned himself quite out of
hopes of God's mercy; and ... a venturous man and cut his way through the armed ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

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