The severity of the judgment that strikes Ananias and Sapphira has often surprised readers of the New Testament. After Peter's words, Ananias falls dead on the spot (Acts 5.5). About three hours later, Sapphira, unaware of what has just happened, knowingly confirms her husband's lie and suffers the same fate (Acts 5.7-10).
It should be noted, however, that Peter does not pronounce the condemnation himself. He does not curse the couple and does not ask for their death. He merely exposes their sin under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The sentence evidently comes from God himself.
This exceptional judgment recalls several episodes of the Old Testament. Nadab and Abihu were struck down after offering strange fire before (Leviticus 10.1-3). Likewise, Achan was severely punished after concealing part of the forbidden spoil (Joshua 7.1-26). In each of these cases, God intervenes at the beginning of a new stage in the history of salvation in order to underline the holiness of his work.
The death of Ananias and Sapphira must therefore not be interpreted as the usual rule of divine government. On the contrary, the New Testament shows that God generally displays patience and mercy toward sinners (2 Peter 3.9). The exceptional character of this sentence precisely underlines its importance.
Twice, Luke notes that great fear came upon the believers and upon all who heard of these events (Acts 5.5; Acts 5.11). This is not a superstitious fear, but a renewed awareness of God's holiness and of the sacred character of the Church.
Thus, this solemn sentence recalls that God's grace removes neither truth nor the demands of holiness. The early Church, though animated by the power of the Holy Spirit, could not become a place where hypocrisy and lying would be tolerated. At the beginning of this new covenant, God reminded his people in an exceptional way that they were to be characterized by sincerity and faithfulness (1 Peter 1.15-16).