The history of Ananias and Sapphira is given us that we may understand the sin of deception in regard to our gifts and offerings. They had voluntarily promised to give a portion of their property for the promotion of the cause of Christ; but when the means was in their hands they declined to fulfill that obligation, at the same time wishing it to appear to others that they had given all. Their punishment was marked in order that it might serve as a perpetual warning to Christians of all ages. The same sin is fearfully prevalent at the present time, yet we hear of no such signal punishment. The Lord shows men once with what abhorrence He regards such an offense against His sacred claims and dignity, and then they are left to follow the general principles of the divine administration. {5T 148.3}

Beretningen om Ananias og Safira er givet os, for at vi må kunne forstå, hvilken synd det er at øve bedrageri med hensyn til vore gaver og ofre. De havde frivilligt lovet at give en del af deres ejendom til Kristi sags fremme; men (149) da de havde fået midlerne i hænde, undslog de sig for at opfylde denne forpligtelse, medens de på samme tid over for andre ønskede at give det udseende af, at de havde givet alt. Straffen over dem blev af en udpræget karakter, for at den måtte kunne tjene som en stedsevarig advarsel for kristne til alle tider. Den samme synd er i en forfærdelig grad fremherskende i nutiden, uden at vi dog hører om nogen så påfaldende straffedom. Herren viser menneskene én gang, med hvilken afsky han betragter en sådan forsyndelse mod hans hellige krav og værdighed og derefter overlades det til dem at følge de almindelige principper i den guddommelige forvaltning.