From the reading of the scriptures it is certain that Ananias and Sapphira were at least “numbered with the believers.” Peter knew them by name; they were likely accepted by the body of believers, but then --??how could they possibly be counted with them in the following verses. . .? How is it possible that a man could at one moment be filled with the Holy Ghost and the next be charged that Satan has filled his heart and he is lying unto that same Spirit with which he was filled? One might ask, If Ananias lied to the Holy Ghost; lied to God - does that indicate that he is a believer? Can Satan lie to God, to the Spirit? Then does that mean he too might be a Christian?

“. . .they lifted up their voice to God with one accord. . .And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness” Acts 4:24a,31.

“But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost. . . thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God”vs.3a,4b. Notice: the body of believers were all filled with the Holy Ghost, while Satan filled the heart of Ananias. The believing Christians spake the word of God, while Ananias spoke the lies of Satan. The believers spoke the Truth unto men, while Ananias lied unto the Holy Ghost.

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud” Pro. 16:18,19. Ananias and Sapphira wanted to have their cake and eat it too. Though the monies (that is, a certain part) were laid at the apostles’ feet, these two doubtlessly expected praise and recognition, yes, words of commendation for their generous offering. This, and still hide between themselves a tidy little nest-egg. They would divide the spoil with the proud, (each other.) True to scripture, their haughty spirit led to their fall, and pride preceded their destruction. Well, look at the text: “And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost. . .Then fell she down (Sapphira) straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost” vs. 5 and 10.

In the verses preceding chapter 5 we are told of a fellow who the apostles named Barnabas, (being interpreted, the son of consolation,) [or exhortation] a suitable epitaph, a word of commendation for this Brother, indeed. Barnabas had land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But it is apparent that this generous deed was wrought after his being called “son of consolation,” and not a due reward because of his offering. It was not uncommon for a fellow believer to receive such a word of commendation. Immediately follows Ananias, who is referred to only as “a certain man.” (No commendation, nothing to identify him as a true believer.) This certain man “brought a “certain part” and followed the ritual, (true religious copy-cat that he was,) and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Strange indeed, this funeral service. The “eulogy” is given, not as the corpse lies in the casket before the apostles, but while he stands alive before them. There are no swelling words of commendation spouted forth in behalf of this man, but grievious charges: Satan hath filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost; you are a thief, possessed with greed, keeping back that which was promised to God and the body of believers. This lie is no less than a conceived deception born in his heart. In a word: sin. But man is guilty of a far worse sin. He has robbed himself away from his Creator/Owner. He is not his own; he has stolen himself away and has declared himself to be his own god. He is a thief of the greatest magnitude.

“why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart?” It is rightly called “thing“ for there certainly can be no association with this “thing” and a living, breathing being. “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” James 1:15. Notice, there is said to be a “conception;” this “thing” that is conceived is brought forth; it is “born,” if you please. It is given a name. The name is Sin. Sin likewise brings forth an offspring. The given name for this “child” of Sin is Death.

The “eulogy” being concluded, “And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost.” Can you imagine – standing before a minister and hearing him preach your funeral service – ?just before you die? And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him” vs. 6. That is, the service being ended, the young men (pall bearers) rose up, wound him up, (as morticians, they of course could not have prepared the body beforehand, seeing he was still alive and walking around.) Still, their work was not complete, for they must now take to the shovels and dig a grave (again, there was no foresight that one would suddenly be required.) Three hours later, they return from the burial site, just to find Sapphira lying dead, and they must do with her as they did with her husband.

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through the dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” Luke 11:24-26. “Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost?” “Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart?” Is there a connection here? It’s only a thought - but it might be something to ponder.

A oft-quoted scripture: “Jesus saith unto him, I AM the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” John 14:6. Ananias must have turned from and followed “another way,” he embraced a (the) Lie, Satan. At this point, Life is not an option. “Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

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