Every night at bedtime, my 10-year-old son Sam and I read a little bit of the Bible.  We worked our way through the Gospel of Luke and went into the Book of Acts (Luke’s sequel).  Tonight, we started on Chapter 5, which began by detailing a couple’s plot to sell some land and lie to the Apostle Peter about the proceeds.  Peter confronts the husband and launches into a guilt trip.

All well and good.  You kind of feel bad about reading it, sort of like you are in the room during an awkward conversation.  Unfortunately, however, the worst part is yet to come.  Peter says, “How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart?  You did not lie to us, but to God!”

Like I said, awkward.  Then the author writes, “Now when Ananias (the husband) heard these words, he fell down and died.”

My son and I looked at each other a little stunned and then shared (again, here comes that word) an awkward laugh.  Now, the argument is between the husband, Peter, and God, but really?  What was the author thinking?  Soften the blow a tad for the reader.  Harsh stuff, but there was more.

They bury the guy, then the wife walks in (unaware) and also lies to Peter.  Sure enough, “Immediately she fell down at his feet and died.”  Ouch.  Seems like this sequel was rated PG-13 for awkward violence.

Plus, at Heaven’s Gate, best that you don’t lie to Peter.  Just saying, not a wise move.