Crs 2014 JAMB Past Questions - Question 37: What effect did the death of Ananias and Sapphira have on the Early Church?

Correct Answer

A

Explanation

Despite the oneness of heart and soul and the communal nature of the early Christian community, some members of the church still exhibited dishonesty. A typical example was Ananias and his wife, Sapphira The couple sold a piece of land and conspired to present only a part of the proceeds to the church while they kept a part. When Ananias had laid a part of the proceeds at the apostles' feet, Peter rebuked him lying to the Holy Spirit, by keeping back part of the proceeds of the land before it was sold and even after it was sold, the proceeds remained his own and at his disposal. He further told him that he had not lied to men, but to God. When Ananias had heard Peter's approval of his conduct, he fell down and died. The event caused great fear the church and in all those who heard of it. Acts 5:1-11