Death of Ananias and Sapphira
Summary
Ananias and his wife Sapphira were members of the early Christian church in Jerusalem. They sold a piece of property but secretly kept part of the proceeds while claiming to donate the full amount to the apostles. When confronted by Peter, both fell dead—a dramatic demonstration of divine judgment against deception within the early Church.
Biblical Reference
Book(s): Acts of the Apostles
Chapters/Verses: Acts 5:1-11
Artworks Depicting This Story
The Death of Ananias and Sapphira Self-researched
Originally painted for St. Peter's Basilica, this large canvas depicts the dramatic biblical episode from Acts of the Apostles where Ananias and Sapphira fall dead before the Apostles for lying about their donation to the community. Transferred to Santa Maria degli Angeli in the 18th century.