Divine punishment for deceiving the Holy Spirit

Scripture reference

Acts 5:1–11 (ASV)

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4While it remained, did it not remain thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thy power? How is it that thou hast conceived this thing in thy heart? thou has not lied unto men, but unto God. 5And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost: and great fear came upon all that heard it. 6And the young men arose and wrapped him round, and they carried him out and buried ...

Stories

Three examples show the variety of motivations people had in giving to the orphanage work, from the giving up of idols in their lives, to the stern spiritual warning of Annanias and Saphira when one donor "kept back part of the price" after having promised it to the Lord.