No matter how many times I read the story of this couple, Ananias and Sapphira, it's always been a mind bothering to me personally. It's so hard for me to grasp the fact that their punishment was way to severe for their act. They weren't given a chance to repent of their sins and make it right before God. It's not just physical death but perhaps eternal condemnation in result of their sin. I do understand that it was nothing wrong to keep back of their belongings if they chose to do so, rather they were punished because they lied. They wanted the credit for their generosity and they were willing to lie for their own glory and gain. They mocked God. They deceived God. With their hypocrisy and deceit brought forth God's wrath upon themselves.
According to Stott, there were reasons why this particular incident in the history of early church had to be recorded. There were lessons to learn and Stott mentioned clearly in the book.
What I learned from the passage addition to Stott's comment?
Who are we to put degree of level on our own sins as well as others! I believed that Ananias and Sapphira thought that what they were about to do wouldn't be so bad. What they said was half true and half lie. They thought they were only dealing with someone who was standing right in front of them. However, Peter said "You have not lied to man but to God" (Luke 4:3-4).
Everything we do is accountable. Moreover,God knows every detail of conditions of our hearts and hidden motives. There is absolutely nothing we can hide from God.
Question is that even knowing this truth, can we still live like Ananias and Sapphira? I think we all need to exam our hearts today!