The tragic story of Acts chapter 5 is well known to us Christians.
In the days of the early church at Jerusalem, the believers were pooling their possessions for the apostles to distribute to believers who were in need. Some Barnabas is mentioned specifically sold houses and lands and brought the proceeds to be distributed to the believers. Then Ananias and his wife Sapphira decided to do the same, but secretly kept some of the money for themselves. They had every right to do this as there was no obligation for them to give any of the proceeds of the sale away. But they chose to do so, or at least to appear to do so. So when Peter asked Ananias frankly whether that was the total sum for the sale of the land, he said yes. He just had time to hear Peter berate him for lying, not to him (Peter), but to the Holy Spirit, when he dropped dead. A couple of hours after the body was removed by the young men of the congregation, Sapphira appeared with the same story. She too, lived just long enough to hear Peters accusation of colluding with her husband to test the Spirit of the Lord, and then she also dropped dead (Acts 5:1-10). Two lies, two deaths just like that.
Perhaps they wanted to look generous and measure up to the standards of the other givers. Or maybe they lacked the faith and trust in God to provide for their needs, so they kept some money for themselves just in case. Have some of us felt it was a bit of a harsh punishment for two relatively new Christians? And havent we all been guilty of lying some time in our lives? Why werent Ananias and Sapphira at least given a chance to repent and come to their senses?
Its worth taking a look at the background and setting of this particular sin.
Shortly before this, Peter and John had been released by the Sanhedrin after questioning about the healing of the lame man at the temple gate. Reporting back to the other disciples, they praised God and asked that he would further enable them to speak boldly and perform miracles. The place where they met was shaken, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. All the believers were of one heart and mind. No one claimed that his possessions were his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them (Acts 4:32-34).
A premeditated sin
It was against this faith-affirming background that these two conspired to lie not just to the apostles, but to the Holy Spirit. By any standards it was a premeditated act of deception. How would this have affected the onlookers? The Bible tells us that great fear fell upon the church fear in this context meaning a total respect for God a realization that God cannot be fooled. Following Christ was a serious business, and if they were half hearted they should back out now. Its clear that God hates lies. How many times did Jesus say, I tell you the truth ? He also called Satan the father of lies.
God hates all sin, but we know he loves sinners. Jesus parable of the prodigal son shows a father who loves his disobedient rebellious son so much that he forgives him everything, and receives him back joyfully into the family. But the son confessed, I have sinned against heaven and against you
So what would Ananias and Sapphira have done if they had been exposed or punished but not killed? Would they have turned around as the prodigal son did? Perhaps they would when they realized how foolish they had been. Though we dont have specific answers, we can be certain of Gods unconditional love for all even the worst of sinners. Would the merciful God who gives us multiple second chances (see article in Face to Face volume 4. No.5), not give these two foolish people a chance to repent and come back to him? Will their loving Father in heaven yet embrace them and welcome them into Gods Kingdom?
There is no sin so evil that it is not covered by Christs sacrifice. He died for the ungodly (Romans 5: 6), for people who make foolish mistakes, deliberate mistakes, even for those who commit heinous crimes. But like the prodigal son, all must turn and accept the love and sacrifice of Jesus with gratitude and repentance.
So, if at the resurrection Ananias and Sapphira choose to do that, there is no reason they would not also enter the Kingdom of God. Our loving Father does not want anyone to perish, but all to come to repentance and salvation (2 Peter 3:9).