About 8 minutes, from Acts 5
Participants (no need to memorize lines; the aim is to relive sacred events, not to perform)
- Barnabas
- Peter
- Ananias
- Saphira
- Prompter: Shouts a brief line and Echoes repeat it.
- Echoes: Children and all adults who want to take part. Echoes need no script.
PART I. God punishes those who lie to the Holy Spirit
Saphira |
Which dress should I wear, Ananias? |
Ananias |
One that shows our social standing, Saphira; |
Saphira |
Yes, we must be careful of appearances. |
Prompter & Echoes |
Some of them live in hovels! |
Ananias |
Jews from many lands celebrated Pentecost and became believers; |
Saphira |
How foolish! Why don’t they just go home! |
Ananias |
Barnabas started all the fuss over helping the needy, Saphira. |
Saphira |
Ha! Leave it to Barnabas to make people feel guilty, |
Ananias |
Well, he won’t outdo us. |
Saphira |
Well, the time has come; now here we are in James’ home. |
Barnabas |
The Holy Spirit has moved us all to share joyfully with those in need. |
Ananias |
Barnabas, you talk as if the Holy Spirit were God. |
Barnabas |
The Holy Spirit is God, but we did not come here to discuss theology; |
Prompter & Echoes |
We care for those who suffer. |
Ananias |
Yes, quite. |
Barnabas |
We give poverty’s victims what they need ourselves, Ananias. |
Saphira |
Let’s build a Nutrition Center and use it to hold social gatherings also. |
Ananias |
Yes, Saphira and I sold a field and we bring to you the entire amount. |
Barnabas |
Later, at another meeting, Peter and I are alone with Ananias. |
Peter |
Ananias, you let Satan move you to lie to the Holy Spirit; |
Prompter & Echoes |
Perilous! |
Peter |
Hearing my words, Ananias falls down and breathes his last. |
Peter |
Saphira, tell me honestly if you sold your land for the price you said. |
Saphira |
Of course, Peter. That was the price. |
Peter |
Oh, Saphira! |
Barnabas |
Saphira falls, breathes her last, and they bury her by her husband. |
Peter |
News of this spreads, and all the people fear God now! |
Prompter & Echoes |
A lesson for all time! |
PART II. Ananias and Saphira in a Modern Setting |
|
Barnabas |
Here are Ananias and Saphira in today’s world, |
Ananias |
Saphira, I have always wanted to visit Mexico. |
Saphira |
Why, yes, Ananias! You and I will have a free vacation! |
Ananias |
Well, here we are with the elders. |
Barnabas |
Are you sure that to evangelize in another culture is all you want? |
Ananias |
No, Barny! We want the kids to see another land |
Barnabas |
That is all? Are you sure? |
Saphira |
Of course, Barny! That is our only motive. Nothing else. |
Barnabas |
Nothing else? Then I can save you a huge amount of money. |
Prompter & Echoes |
OH! |
Barnabas |
You will find them receptive, Ananias. |
Ananias |
Oh. That is not quite what we had in mind, Barnabas. |
Barnabas |
And perhaps, you, too, would enjoy visiting Mexico? |
Saphira |
Ah! Well, Barnabas, that had crossed our minds. |
Barnabas |
It is normal and wholesome to want to travel |
Prompter & Echoes |
Truthfully this time! |
Barnabas |
A well-planned trip can be useful for you, the kids, |
Saphira |
That is right. Thank you, Barny. |
Barnabas |
Do you know why many congregations wither spiritually? |
Prompter & Echoes |
We will be honest before God! |