Why was Ananias and Sapphira put to death?

Many of us are familiar with the story of Ananias and Sapphira. However, very few of us are aware as to why they got put to death in the first place. We will uncover the laws that they were in violation of. But first let us look at the big picture and understand the story.

Acts 5:1-14 KJV

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, [2] And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. [3] But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? [4] Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. [5] And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. [6] And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. [7] And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. [8] And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. [9] Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. [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. [11] And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. [12] And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. [13] And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. [14] And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

This is the whole story. But even with this information you need the understanding. For that we will break it down into parts that are easier to digest.

1 Corinthians 1:22 KJV

For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

It may seem simple enough but without a good understanding of the law you can be left to guess work.

Acts 5:1 KJV

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

First we must understand that they sold a possession. This is usually going to be property or real estate of some sort. We can also confirm this using the Strong’s Concordance:

Strong's Number

G2933

Original Word

κτῆμα

Transliterated Word

ktēma

Phonetic Spelling

ktay'-mah

Parts of Speech

Noun Neuter

Strong's Definition

From G2932; an acquirement that is estate: - possession.

Based on context and the Strong’s definition we can say that Ananias and Sapphira had a property that they sold. But why did they sell it to begin with. For this we visit the previous chapter to understand what was going on.

Acts 4:32-35 KJVS

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. [33] And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. [34] Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, [35] And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

We have to understand that they had a way of doing things. An agreed upon way that the “multitude”; the majority of them as a whole agreed to. Which is even more vital to understand. As many may have the mind, “That’s just what y’all men say.” “I never agreed to that.” Or “that’s what the leaders said.” But no, this was something the people generally agreed to. The congregation was of one mind and one heart to move in a certain way. That way was one of charity concerning alms and possessions. Not everyone was in a place to give and build but those that were sold there “lands or houses” as we read in verse 34 adding to the proof that we needed in Acts chapter 5 that the possession was one of land or houses. That was sold with the intent to go towards the ministry as others were doing. But what did Ananias and Sapphira do?

Acts 5:1-2 KJV

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, [2]And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

In the spirit of the body and as all were doing, they sold a possession and “kept back part of the price” meaning, they did not disclose the true amount it was worth nor the true amount that they sold it for. Then they only delivered “a certain part“ or portion to the apostles when it was time to bring forth their alms.

Acts 5:4

[4] Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

Now we get into a portion that I will partly explain now and then elaborate more on shortly. “Whiles it remained, was it not thine own?” Before they sold the property it was there’s. There property. “And after it was sold, was it not in thine own power?” After you sold the property you had options, you had a choice. Why did you choose this? So let’s back it up and then press replay.

Colossians 3:5 KJV

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Ananias and Sapphira began to commit sin after sin. As, if you did not know, when you commit one sin you never really commit one sin. Usually you commit two to three within one. Ananias did what some of us have been guilty of doing. You said you would sell your possession and donate it to the cause but you found out it was worth more than you thought. And now that you got more money than you thought you would get covetousness comes in your mind and spirit you made more but now want to give less. And now this spirit of covetousness is removing you further from God and becoming an idol over you, that is a God or power over you. As you are listening to your desires over the word of God.

Acts 5:1-2 KJV

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, [2]And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

This was a thing that was being devoted to God for the ministries sake. And it was based off of a law already established.

Leviticus 27:28-29 KJV

Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the LORD of all that he hath, both of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is most holy unto the LORD. [29] None devoted, which shall be devoted of men, shall be redeemed; but shall surely be put to death.

Mark these words carefully, if you devote something to The Most High God. ANYTHING. If you give something, promise something to the ministry be sure it is what you want to do from the beginning. You cannot give something or say you will give something and then try to take it back later. You can’t give it away or try to get it back. It’s not like selling a car, “oh, you too late I sold it to this person because they was ready. I couldn’t wait on you.” No, God is first and last in line. Ain’t no I got tired of waiting or changed my mind. If it is an issue don’t devote, promise etc that you was going to do it in the first place. As you can read above the judgment is death. This is why they were put to death.

Acts 5:4

[4] Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

This one is a double whammy as they say. You not only lied unto men but unto God. That is what many do not understand. They do not have respect unto the word of God nor his ministers, prophets, leaders etc. They cannot look past the flesh. So they think the word only comes from just you. Not realizing that if they are speaking according to the word then it is the word of God and if it is the word of God then it is his words not man’s. Man, is just a messenger. Similar to when an heavenly angel is sent and speaks they are not coming of there own accord but on the accord of The Most High God.

Leviticus 19:11 KJV

Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.

Further more, as you can see, we should not make it our will to lie to one another or deal falsely as Ananias and Sapphira did. They stole from God when they held back part of the price and only gave a certain portion as it was devoted to God. And they also lied to the apostles and to God and dealt falsely and not honestly. So you see how this sin adds up quick.

Acts 5:4-10

[5] And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. [6] And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. [7] And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. [8] And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. [9] Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. [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.

Ananias was leading the sin and his wife followed him in sin. She should have helped him avoid the sin, not join him in his sins. This is another thing our people do not understand. You can’t go along with the sin and then try to play dumb and act like “well I didn’t know.” And now you want to make it seem like it is all his fault. “Well he is the leader, I am just the woman.” That is not a valid reason. And is not what the word of God says, else Sapphira would have been innocent. They would have said something to the effect of, “we know thou hast no power over thine husband and he beguiled thee thou art free from this matter.” But no, they said nothing like that because it is not true. Showing you, (ladies) that you have a duty to play your role and HELP your husband do the right thing. You are not off the hook just because he is the head. Use your power for good. A woman’s power to seduce or entice does not have to be limited to evil. She could have said something to her husband that could have prevented this, or even intervened like Abagail did and did the right thing on behalf of her husband. She could have said well, I know we sold it for $1,000 more than we thought we would get here is 10% of that extra $1,000. Need it have came from her personal stash or from the joint account. Or from his stash that she knew of and had access to. As it wouldn’t be stealing but giving what should have been given in the first place. Nevertheless, the solution could have come from a number of options before Ananias even went in to see the apostles. As you can see, both parties are held accountable and both parties play a role in what judgment ultimately befalls them.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 KJVS

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. [10] For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. [11] Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? [12] And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.