Topical Encyclopedia Sapphira is a notable figure in the New Testament, primarily recognized for her role in the early Christian church's first recorded act of communal deception. Her account is found in the Book of Acts, specifically Acts 5:1-11. Sapphira, along with her husband Ananias, is remembered for their deceitful actions and the severe consequences that followed.Biblical Account: In the early days of the Christian church, believers were known for their communal living and sharing of resources. Acts 4:32-35 describes how the early Christians were "one in heart and soul," and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions. Instead, they shared everything they had, and those who owned lands or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds to the apostles to distribute to anyone in need. Ananias and Sapphira, a married couple, 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. Acts 5:1-2 states, "Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet." Deception and Judgment: The couple's actions were not merely a matter of withholding money but were a direct attempt to deceive the Holy Spirit and the community of believers. When Ananias presented the money to the apostles, Peter confronted him, saying, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?" (Acts 5:3). Ananias fell down and died upon hearing these words, and great fear seized all who heard about it. About three hours later, Sapphira entered, unaware of what had happened to her husband. Peter questioned her about the sale price of the land, and she confirmed the false amount. Peter said to her, "How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men 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 Implications: Sapphira's account serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin, particularly the sin of deceit within the community of believers. Her actions, in collusion with her husband, demonstrate a lack of integrity and a willingness to prioritize personal gain over truth and communal trust. The swift and severe judgment that befell both Ananias and Sapphira underscores the holiness of God and the importance of honesty and transparency in the Christian life. From a theological perspective, Sapphira's account highlights the danger of hypocrisy and the consequences of attempting to deceive God. It serves as a warning to believers about the perils of allowing greed and deceit to infiltrate one's heart, as well as the importance of maintaining purity and sincerity in one's relationship with God and the church community. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 5:1,2But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Mystery of Iniquity Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility The Pilgrim's Progress A Treatise of the Fear of God; Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Resources How many wives did King David have? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did the Israelites have to abandon their foreign wives and children? | GotQuestions.org How many wives did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org Wives: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wives of Ministers should be Exemplary Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To be Faithful to Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To be Subject to Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Love Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Obey Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Remain With Them for Life Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Reverence Them Wives: Good are a Blessing to Husbands Wives: Good are a Token of the Favour of God Wives: Good are Benevolent to the Poor Wives: Good are Diligent and Prudent Wives: Good are Praised by Husbands Wives: Good: Bring Honor on Husbands Wives: Good: Duty of, to Unbelieving Husbands Wives: Good: Secure Confidence of Husbands Wives: Good: should be Silent in the Churches Wives: Not to be Selected from Among the Ungodly Wives: should be Adorned with a Meek and Quiet Spirit Wives: should be Adorned with Good Works Wives: should be Adorned with Modesty and Sobriety Wives: should be Adorned: Not With Ornaments Wives: should Seek Religious Instruction from Their Husbands Related Terms |
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