Some Bible stories really make you stop and wonder, “Did that truly happen? And why would God do something so harsh?” The story of Ananias and Sapphira, husband and wife, in the Book of Acts is one of those tales. It’s a shocking scene in which the couple lies about the money they’ve given to the early church. But each one falls dead as soon as they lie. Dead! You might ask, “Lying is wrong but did this punishment really fit this crime? Is God really like that? And what does this mean for us here and now?”
This dramatic story can leave you feeling uneasy and unsure about many things. It’s one of those stories that seems to go against the loving picture of God you see in Jesus. You are certainly not alone in asking these difficult questions about Ananias and Sapphira’s story. In fact, more than one Bible scholar has quietly said they’d probably leave this story out if writing the Bible were up to them today! Some even wonder if this story might have circulated through the early church in a way that helped keep new believers honest, a kind of shocking cautionary tale.
But we’re not going to diminish the shock value of this story or come up with an overly-simplified explanation. Instead, we’re going on another “unburdening” journey. In this pocket guide, “Ananias and Sapphira: How Not to Give to God,” we’ll explore the story of this husband and wife couple, not just as a simple warning about giving money. But as a deep, important event in the early church meant to emphasize God’s holiness. We’ll look at what this amazing moment truly meant to Jesus’ first followers and what lasting truths it offers us today. We’ll see what it means for God’s presence in the church, and how seriously God takes our words. Hopefully you’ll discover a richer, more meaningful way to understand this surprising story and you’ll find that it sets your faith free to grow.
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