Why was God so quick to kill Ananias and Sapphira on the spot?

TonyChanYT · Apr 3, 2024

In the OT, the Lord kill Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, on Day 1 in the inauguration of the brand-new tabernacle/temple.

In the NT, God was setting up a brand-new church. Two brand-new members of this church, Ananias and Sapphira, lied to the Holy Spirit. Peter said to Ananias in Acts 5:

4b "You have not lied to man but to God.” 5a When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last.

Why was God so quick to kill Ananias on the spot?

So that,

5b great fear came upon all who heard of it.

It was to deter others from doing the same thing.

7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord?

She lied like her husband. God struck her dead also.

Why was God so quick to kill Sapphira on the spot?

So that,

11 great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

Their exemplary punishments served as an example to the nascent church. The church needs to be strict at that critical time of beginning and growth. It was a special time for the church.

12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people.

Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira?

I cannot.

quietthinker · Apr 4, 2024