![]() ![]() Both events happen amid new beginnings: Israel just coming into the promised land and the New Testament Church taking root in Jerusalem.In the very least, this parallel reminds us it is not out of character for God to bring swift judgment and guard his holiness. 7:1 where it is said that the Israelites (represented by Achan) “broke faith” by retaining for private use property that had been devoted to God. 2), he uses the same Greek word as is used in the Greek version of Josh. It may be that the author of Acts himself wished to point this comparison: when he says that Ananias “kept back” part of the price (v. In both narratives, an act of deceit interrupts the victorious progress of the people of God. ![]() The story of Ananias is to the book of Acts what the story of Achan is to the book of Joshua. Bruce writes in the Acts commentary in the NICNT series: There are strong parallels to Joshua 7Ĭommentators are quick to point out parallels, whether intended by Luke or not, to the story of Achan in Joshua 7. Ananias and Sapphira did not, and God made his authority known by laying them down.Ģ. The generous disciple held God’s authority in high esteem and showed it by laying his possessions at his appointed messenger’s feet. ![]() Note, too, that Sapphira falls down dead at Peter’s feet (5:10), whereas Joseph brought all his money and laid it at the apostles’ feet (4:37). Amid the glorious expansion of the church, Ananias and Sapphira sneak in as a threat. Greed and deceit enter the community like a virus. “One heart and soul,” “everything in common,” “not a needy person among them.” There is euphoria and utopia in the scene described. Read 5:1–11 and then go back and read the paragraph before, and a sense of sadness may come upon you. In all the shock and awe of the couple’s fate, it’s easy to forget the first word in the story: “But.” (The chapter division certainly doesn’t help, either.)Īnanias and Sapphira’s deceit and greed stand in contrast to the sincerity and generosity of the community of faith (4:32–37). My goal isn’t to send you away with every question answered (though these insights helped me with mine), but to leave you with a new question drawn from the text itself. No amount of commentary will ever take the edge off this passage-and that may be the point.īelow I offer five insights for unlocking why Luke, under the Spirit’s inspiration, may have included this story in Acts. “Why this swift act of judgment? Why no opportunity of for repentance and restoration?” It strikes many readers as harsh, a return to Old Testament retribution. The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 is difficult. Facebook Reddit Pinterest Email LinkedIn WhatsApp ![]()
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