3
episodes · 1995–2012
Sapphira
Sapphira was the wife of Ananias and a member of the early Christian community in Jerusalem. She and her husband sold a piece of property, kept part of the payment, and presented the remainder as though they had donated everything. Their gift could have been honest even if they had kept some money, but they chose deception to gain a reputation for greater generosity. Sapphira supported the plan and repeated the lie when questioned. Their attempt to mislead the church was treated as a lie to God and brought immediate judgment. Her story warns that an impressive public image cannot make deliberate dishonesty acceptable.