SAPPHIRA: Seeking Honor Receiving Shame

The couple Ananias and Sapphira have become notorious in Christian memory. They are often cited as classic bad examples of giving in the church. But there is more to their story than the usual sermons suggest. Let’s take a closer look at this couple and understand why God dealt with them so severely.

THE COMMUNITY

The story of Ananias and Sapphira unfolds during the earliest days of the church. Luke described this vibrant new community with these words: “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” (Acts 4:32)

Some believers even sold property and laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet so the money could be distributed to those in need (4:34–35). The result was that no one lacked anything. These gifts were not required but were done out of love and generosity. This was a community “one in heart and mind,” operating under God’s grace (4:33).

Luke highlights a positive example: Joseph, also called Barnabas (4:36–37). As a Levite, Barnabas likely had wealth, status, and influence. He sold a field and gave the proceeds to the apostles. His generosity earned him the respect of the community and a new name—“Barnabas,” meaning “Son of Encouragement.”

THE CONSPIRACY

In contrast to Barnabas, Luke introduces Ananias and Sapphira. The name “Sapphira,” a rare and elegant name, suggests wealth. The fact that they owned property to sell shows they were not poor. 

Here lies the problem: they conspired together to sell a piece of land, secretly withhold part of the proceeds, and present the remainder as if it were the whole amount (Acts 5:2, 9). Only the two of them knew. To everyone else, it looked like a full donation. Their conspiracy may have been hidden from people, but not from God.

THE CONFRONTATION

Through the Spirit’s discernment, Peter saw through the deception. He confronted them separately, and both were struck down as a result of their sin. What exactly was their sin? Was God angry simply because they did not give the full amount? Certainly not. Peter made it clear that the property and the money were theirs to do with as they wished (5:4). Selling property was never mandatory. The problem was not in the amount they gave—it was in the lie. They pretended to give all when they had secretly held back part of it.

When Peter confronted Sapphira, unaware that her husband had already died, she upheld the lie rather than confessing (5:7). She too fell under judgment. Had she admitted the truth, the outcome might have been different.

Why did they do it? Though the text doesn’t say directly, it strongly implies they sought recognition and honor, like Barnabas, but without genuine sacrifice. They valued reputation over integrity, even at the cost of deceiving the community. But as Peter declared, their lie was ultimately not against people but against the Holy Spirit (5:3, 9). God despises hypocrisy. To protect the purity of the growing church, He set Ananias and Sapphira as a sobering warning (5:11).

______

Sapphira was as guilty as her husband. Even if Ananias conceived the plan, she was his partner in deception. Instead of correcting him, she chose to participate. She too was given the opportunity to repent, yet she refused. This story is not primarily about giving—it is about integrity. God values honesty and purity of heart. Ananias and Sapphira remind us that those who sacrifice their integrity for the sake of appearances will ultimately face shame. “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” (Prov. 10:9). Stay Curious.