ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA were a married couple in the early Christian church who sold a piece of land. They lied to the Apostle Peter by pretending to give all the money to the church, while secretly keeping part of it. The early believers shared their money and property to help the poor. Ananias and Sapphira sold their land. They kept some money for themselves, but told Peter the amount they gave was the full price. Peter said they lied to the Holy Spirit. Ananias died instantly and hours later, his wife Sapphira came in, repeated the lie and also died on the spot. The severe judgment brought great fear and respect for God's power into the new church community, keeping it honest from the start.