The story of Ananias and Sapphira, an infamous couple in the New Testament, actually provides insight into the workings of the early church. Communal living has been tried at various points in Jewish history, most notably with the reclusive Essenes. In case you did not know it, they were the ones responsible for the Dead Sea scrolls found in the caves of Qumran.

Communal living came into existence with the early church just a few weeks after the Day of Pentecost. The apostles had not anticipated that the preaching of Peter in two separate instances would yield 8,000 men responding to conviction of the Holy Spirit.

There was no church building for the growing congregation. They were spread out in-home groups, with the apostles and the 70 others pastoring the people. Commune living developed as people sold their possessions to support the many Jews that had come from other nations.

Ananias and Sapphira were a local couple who sold a possession with the intent to give the proceeds to the church. They wanted the recognition for such a noble act. There was just one problem. They felt the money gained from the sale was too great to give away and they hatched a plan to hold back a portion.

When Ananias came to Peter, the apostle confronted him and asked why he was lying to the Holy Spirit. Then Ananias fell down dead – killed by the third person of the Godhead! Some three hours later Sapphira comes to Peter, he questions her about the sale price, she lies and is also killed by the Holy Spirit.

Where did this couple go after they died? Heaven or hell? Most sermons focus solely on the lie told by Ananias and Sapphira. But what was the eternal fate of this infamous couple? Join me as we examine the scriptures to answer that question.

Print out the sermon outline and let's examine the Scriptures together Sunday morning at 9:00 AM PST.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor John S. Torell