If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”–John 20:23
This is a powerful gift of authority that was given by Jesus specifically to the disciples after His resurrection.
When do we see any of the disciples exercising this gift?
I believe we see Peter exercising this gift in Acts 5. This is the story of Ananias and Sapphira. Notice that Peter never once invites them to repent. He knows what he is doing. Especially in the case of Sapphira we can see that Peter’s mind is made up that she will suffer the same outcome. I believe that he withheld forgiveness (If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven).
Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”
5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.
7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”
“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”
9 Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”
10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died.
Notice again that Peter is clearly NOT pleading with them to repent. He is not making an effort to get them to turn things around. He withholds any plea for repentance. He withheld forgiveness and immediate judgment was the result. “…if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
If he had chosen to do so, Peter could have done it again with Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8. Peter pronounces judgment on him, Watch what happens:
“May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. “
If Peter had stopped there, I believe the man would’ve dropped dead like Ananias and Sapphira. But in this instance, Peter choses to offer an opportunity for repentance and forgiveness. He did not do this with Ananias and Sapphira. AND Simon clearly recognizes that he is near death without Peter’s help.
22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”
24 Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”
Peter did not hold a grudge or hold an offense. It wasn’t that type of unforgiveness. He simply had the authority to withhold forgiveness…or give it. His choice had consequences for people.
How did Peter get this power? Did he receive it in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost? Did he receive it in the earthquake of Acts 4? No. He received the Holy Spirit the 1st time in John 20. That is when this gift was imparted.
22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
What’s the point for us today? Let’s not limit our minds to thinking that the Holy Spirit is limited to only giving us one experience of receiving Him. The disciples received the Holy Spirit in John 20 (power to forgive), Acts 2, (power of tongues), Acts 4 (power of exceptional boldness), and got another filling of joy in Acts 13. How can you be filled when you are already filled? Maybe your cup (needs, responsibilities, stage of journey) got bigger or changed.
Defrosting Windows 