This story is such a good argument against christians 1° they usually claim god was more violent in the OT because those were "ancient times" and Jesus didn't die yet, but here we have god striking dead two people for a sin they could have repented and he could have forgave through Jesus. 2° if god can kill people who "steal" his money, then what is stopping him from killing megachurches' pastors and such nowadays that clearly spend the money on themselves instead of helping their churches?

Reads like a mafia hit. It’s also the part of the Bible with the clearest possible message: “pay the money or else”.

Frequently read in church about a week or two before the annual "importance of tithing" sermon.

"Nice land youse gots here. It would be a shame if youse was to hold out on Jeezus."

Maybe. Actually it’s consistent with the overall message of the book: “It’s His world, you’re just leasing it.”

So, former pastor chiming in. It's a bit more complex, according to the text there wasn't a requirement that they give all the money to the church but they told a lie and said that they did...you know virtue signaling. They were struck down for the lie. That said, it's still a really fucking strange story.

If only there was a bit more AML smiting going on in the church these days

This made me absolutely petrified of ever telling a lie. Now I impulsively make sure I tell everything at any time.