This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Acts 5:1-11, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once there was a man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira. They sold some land and gave some of the money to the church. But Ananias, with his wife’s knowledge, secretly kept some of the money for himself, and only gave a little bit to the church leaders.
Peter, one of the leaders of the church, asked him, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.”
When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died. Everyone who heard about what happened to Ananias was very afraid. The young men then picked up his body, wrapped it up, carried it out, and buried him.
A few hours later, Sapphira came in and Peter asked her how much they sold the land for. Sapphira also lied and said they sold it for the same amount that Ananias said.
Peter then told her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”
Suddenly, Sapphira also fell down and died. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
Everyone in the church was very scared after hearing about what happened to Ananias and Sapphira.
Biblical Lessons
- It is important to be honest and truthful to God and to people.
- Lying to God is a serious sin.
- God knows everything we do, even if we try to hide it.
- God desires that we have pure and sincere hearts, not ones that are deceitful and self-seeking.
- We should take sin seriously and strive to live a life that is pleasing to God.
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