ZwPI8cfkAnanias and Saphira Dare Lie to God the Holy Spirit
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
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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 |
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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 |
Olé! |
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! |