A man named Ananias, however, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. He retained for himself, with his wife's knowledge, some of the purchase price, took the remainder, and put it at the feet of the apostles. But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart so that you lied to the holy Spirit and retained part of the price of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain yours? And when it was sold, was it not still under your control? Why did you contrive this deed? You have lied not to human beings, but to God."When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last, and great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men came and wrapped him up, then carried him out and buried him.
After an interval of about three hours, his wife came in, unaware of what had happened. Peter said to her, "Tell me, did you sell the land for this amount?" She answered, "Yes, for that amount."
Then Peter said to her, "Why did you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen, the footsteps of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out."
At once, she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men entered they found her dead, so they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.
St. Peter predicted Sapphira's death, but he took no action to cause either.
Frankly, had he done so, it would be a really scary precedent, because it would provide authority for the Church to take a person's life. As it stands, those actions were always accomplished by the State.
But, yes, again that provides another proof of the scriptural conduct of the Church in these matters...thanks!
Yes, correct, of course. God acted through the Church, in a manner of speaking, as Peter "announced" the punishment coming from God. God did the same thing with Moses in the desert regarding the golden calf and the rebellion of Korah. I always have found these interesting Scriptures that are often bypassed by many. God works in mysterious ways, doesn't He? He even works through heathen sinners...
Regards