A Miracle of Instant Death
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | March 9, 2025
Turn with me to Acts chapter 5. Today, we’re looking at a miracle unlike the ones we usually celebrate—a miracle of instant death. It’s the story of Ananias and Sapphira, a sobering moment in the early church that I’ve titled "A Miracle of Instant Death." We’re in a series on the miracles of Acts, and this passage from verses 1 through 11 carries a weighty message. It’s not about healing or deliverance, but judgment—a judgment that teaches us about hypocrisy, accountability, and the fear of God. Let’s explore three truths: the hypocritical action before men, the higher accountability to God, and the haunting judgment that follows.
A Hypocritical Action Before Men
Picture the scene: the gospel’s being preached, souls are coming to Christ, and the church is alive with revival. Many new believers, especially the poor, have needs—food, shelter, the basics. So, the church steps up. People with extra money or property decide to sell what they have and lay the proceeds at the apostles’ feet. One man, Joseph, sells land and gives it all, earning honor from the church—maybe even a plaque in the foyer. It’s a beautiful thing, folks.
But then there’s Ananias and Sapphira. They see Joseph’s recognition and want it too—without the sacrifice. They sell a possession, keep back part of the price, and pretend they’ve given everything. Peter confronts Ananias: “Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whilst it remained, was it not thine own? And after it was sold, was it not in thine own power?” The land was theirs; no one forced them to sell or give. But they lied, and Ananias dropped dead. Three hours later, Sapphira repeats the lie and meets the same fate.
Their action was heinously hypocritical. They coveted prestige without earning it. Deep in their hearts was stinginess, a self-serving attitude that angered God. Giving reveals the heart, friends. I once heard, “Love is spelled T-I-M-E,” and that’s partly true. But I told a friend about my dad—working in coal mines at 13, injured, providing for six kids with barely a day off. Love isn’t just time; it’s G-I-V-E. God so loved that He gave (John 3:16). Ananias and Sapphira didn’t have giving in their hearts—they wanted glory without the cost.
A Higher Accountability to God
Ananias and Sapphira felt accountable to the apostles—and they should’ve. Hebrews 13:7 and 17 say we’re accountable to spiritual leaders. I’ll stand before God and give an account for your souls, whether you like it or not! But Peter pointed to a higher accountability. He told Ananias, “Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.” They deceived the church, sure, but their real sin was lying to the Holy Ghost.
We’ve got a greater accountability to God Almighty. Too many worry about what man thinks when we should fear what God sees. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men.” Ananias and Sapphira didn’t grasp this. They could’ve come clean—admitted their sin, sought mercy. Instead, they doubled down, and judgment fell. Friends, live accountable to God. Come to Him as sinners, trusting Jesus, and find grace.
A Haunting Judgment from God
After Ananias and Sapphira fell dead, the Bible says, “Great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.” Can you imagine? Buried side by side, known as the couple who lied to God. That’s a haunting judgment. It shook the church, the community, everyone who heard. They’d never forget it—a stark reminder echoing, “Oh God, don’t let this happen to me.”
Their judgment was instant, a miracle of divine wrath. But Ecclesiastes 8:11-13 warns us: even if judgment isn’t instant, it’s certain. We won’t get away with sin. There’s an accounting day coming (2 Corinthians 5:10-11). Every knee will bow (Romans 14:12). On Judgment Day, it’s too late—confessing Christ then won’t save you. You’ll fall into a devil’s hell. But today? Today you can bow your knee and be saved.
A Call to Trust Jesus Today
This miracle’s message is urgent: don’t play games with God. Ananias and Sapphira could’ve been honest, but they chose hypocrisy and paid the price. You don’t have to. Right now, say, “God, I’m a sinner. I don’t want to be lost. Forgive me and save me—I trust Jesus as my Savior.” Confession with your mouth seals it (Romans 10:9). I’ve seen it—folks like Ariana, saved and baptized, and hundreds before her. God saves sinners—He came for us (John 3:16).
Don’t wait. Build your life on Jesus. Storms will come, but He’s the rock that holds. Let me show you the simple plan of salvation, pray with you, and baptize you next week. Stand with me today—get right with God and get on board for glory land!
