There were two people living in the city of Jerusalem, a man named Ananias and his wife Saphira. They belonged to the community of the first Christians. The people in the church helped each other. Some even sold their possessions and gave the money to the disciples so that it would be given to those who had nothing.
Ananias and Saphira wanted to do the same. They sold a piece of land that belonged to them. But then they thought about something: “We keep part of the money for ourselves, but we pretend to give everything.” They wanted the others to think they were being very generous, but they weren’t telling the truth.
Ananias brought the money to Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples. But Peter looked at him and said, “Ananias, why did you do this? You act like you’re giving it your all, but you’ve hidden a part. You didn’t lie to people – you lied to God!”
Suddenly, Ananias fell to the ground. He was dead! The men in the congregation picked him up and carried him away.
After a few hours, his wife Saphira came. She didn’t know what had happened. Peter asked her, “Did you and your husband really give all the money?”
Saphira nodded and said, “Yes, we gave it our all.” But that was not true.
Then Peter said seriously: “Why have you decided to deceive God? Show! The men who carried your husband away are just coming back.”
Then Saphira also fell to the ground. She died, just like her husband.
The people in the church had great reverence for God. They understood: You can deceive people, but God always sees the truth.
Questions to think about
Is it sometimes hard to tell the truth?
Do you know that God knows our hearts and rejoices when we are honest?
Message of history
God loves the truth. He sees our heart and wants us to be honest.
Bible passage
The story of Ananias and Sapphira as a warning against deception is found in Acts 5:1-11:
Acts 5:1-11 (Schlachter 2000):
“Now a certain man, named Ananias, with his wife Saphira, sold a piece of land and set aside some of the proceeds, of which his wife also knew, and brought a part of it and laid it at the feet of the apostles. And Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart, that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and taken away some of the proceeds of the field?” Wouldn’t it remain yours if you wanted to keep it? And wasn’t it at your disposal after it was sold? Why have you resolved to do this in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God! But when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died. And a great fear came over all who heard this. Then the young men got up, wrapped him up, carried him out and buried him. But it happened after about three hours that his wife also came in, without knowing what had happened. Then Peter said to her, “Tell me if you have sold the field at this price?” But she said, “Yes, at this price!” And Peter said to her, “Why have you agreed to tempt the Spirit of the Lord?” Behold, the feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out. Then she fell down at his feet and died. And when the young men came in, they found her dead; and they carried her out and buried her with her husband. And great fear came upon all the congregation, and upon all who heard this.”
