Why God killed two church members

The event as recorded in this text happened when the church was in its infancy. It had not been long since the day of Pentecost when Peter preached his sermon and 3000 people were saved and baptized. The first miracle that was performed by an apostle was when Peter, following the death of this couple, was used to heal a lame man. Him him

Then we come to our text that occurred when many believers decided to share what they had in common. The result was that no one lacked anything. Some people have interpreted this as a form of communism. However, this was a stark difference because it was not government demanded but voluntary.

To the contrary, a husband and wife named Ananias and Sapphira, sold property but only brought a portion of the profits before Peter saying that  was all they got from the sale. When the Holy Spirit revealed to Peter their deception, they each and separately were struck down dead. The question before us is why. Could they did not have been admonished and still lived? Could not some other punishment occur instead of death?

We are going to observe why it was necessary for them to lose their lives. We already noticed that the church was in its infancy. Deception and falsehood could not be found within the life of the church. This would be an inbreeding as well as toleration of sin in the very heart of the church started by Jesus himself.

As a result of this discipline within the body of the church, verse 11 tells us that great fear came upon anyone and everyone who heard this incident. The type of fear they had was not like that of a wild animal coming into their midst. It was more of a reverential fear, and awe. This is the same kind of fear that generated respect.

The important part of this word as applied to our text is that the rest of the church was reluctant to do the same thing these people did. They were so impressed that they walked the straight line of obedience within the church. This word would have value today for the congregants to display more respect and reverence in their relationship to the church. It would be more of an inspiration for anyone not to step outside the area of what is pleasing to the Lord and proper in the relationship of each church member to the others.

Peter reminded this couple that they had full authority over the money they gained by selling property. No one coerced them to give anything. It is obvious that they had ulterior motives in this act so that they would be recognized on the same level that Barnabas had been noted. (4: 36,37)  They performed the sin to massage your egos as opposed to a concern for the needs of less fortunate church members.

With sin in the church, it was likely that the performance of miracles would be hindered. To the opposite, after their death, many people were added to the church. The sick was even brought into the street so that the shadow of Peter would follow them and they would be healed. Many people came from areas outside of Jerusalem who were sick and possessed by unclean spirits. They also were healed.

What we are saying is that when the church operates in its purity according to Scripture and led by the Holy Spirit, powerful and wonderful things happen. This event is an example and a challenge to modern churches. By the death of this couple, believers confirmed that they were serious about their relationship with God. If only modern-day believers would come to a place in which they also have a deeply ingrained and serious relationship with God. That cannot happen with sin in our lives. That cannot happen while tolerating sin in the church. What do you think needs to be different in today’s church so that we regain a higher plane in our relationship with the Lord?