In brief
Sapphira is the wife of Ananias, a member of the early Church in Jerusalem. Together they sell a property, keep part of the price, and lay the rest at the apostles' feet, letting it be believed that they are giving everything. Peter first exposes Ananias, who falls down and dies. About three hours later, Sapphira arrives knowing nothing, repeats the same lie, and dies in her turn. Great fear seizes the Church. This account reminds us that God looks for truth in the heart.
What does the name Sapphira mean?
The name Sapphira is generally linked to an Aramaic word that evokes beauty, or to a Greek word for the sapphire. The Bible gives no explanation of it. It simply introduces her this way: a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property (Acts 5:1).
The story of Sapphira
A sale and a hidden share
Acts 5:1-2Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sells a piece of property. He keeps back part of the price, with his wife's knowledge, then brings the rest and lays it at the apostles' feet. The couple act together and present this sum as if it were the whole.
Peter exposes Ananias
Acts 5:3-6Peter tells Ananias that Satan has filled his heart to lie to the Holy Spirit. He reminds him that the land and its price were at his disposal, and that he has lied not to men but to God. Ananias falls down and breathes his last. Great fear seizes all who hear of it.
Sapphira comes in
Acts 5:7-8About three hours later, his wife comes in, not knowing what has happened. Peter asks her whether the land was sold for such a price. She answers yes, that was the price, knowing nothing of her husband's death, and so confirms the couple's shared lie.
Her judgment
Acts 5:9-11Peter asks her why they agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord. At that moment she falls at the apostle's feet and breathes her last. The young men come in, find her dead, carry her out and bury her beside her husband. Great fear then seizes the whole Church and all who hear of these things.
What Sapphira teaches us
- God looks at the heart: he cannot be fooled by an appearance of generosity.
- Agreeing together to lie does not make the lie any less serious.
- No one was required to give everything: the sin was not in keeping some, but in lying.
- The fear of God protects the Church from religious theater.
Key verses
Peter asks why Satan has filled Ananias' heart, to the point of lying to the Holy Spirit. The lie is presented as an act against God himself.
Peter points out that the field and its price were at Ananias' disposal. Nothing forced him to give: it is the lie that is condemned.
Peter asks Sapphira how they agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord. She had a chance to tell the truth, but she holds to the lie.
Sermons about Sapphira
Frequently asked questions
Who was Sapphira in the Bible?
Sapphira is the wife of Ananias, a member of the early Church in Jerusalem. They sell a property, keep part of the price and claim to give the whole. Peter exposes their lie, and they die one after the other (Acts 5:1-11).
What does the name Sapphira mean?
Her name is generally linked to an Aramaic word that evokes beauty, or to the Greek word for sapphire. The Bible gives no explanation of this name. What matters in the account is not the meaning of her name, but the warning about honesty before God.
Where can I find the story of Sapphira in the Bible?
Her story is found in the book of Acts, chapter 5, verses 1 to 11. The account immediately follows the example of generosity of Barnabas, who sells a field and brings the price to the apostles, at the end of chapter 4.