In the biblical narrative, complicity in sin and wrongdoing is a recurring theme that carries significant consequences. The Bible provides numerous examples where individuals or groups face divine judgment or personal downfall due to their participation in or passive acceptance of evil deeds. This entry explores the concept of complicity and its repercussions as illustrated in Scripture.

Old Testament Examples

1. Adam and Eve (Genesis 3): The first instance of complicity is found in the Garden of Eden. Eve, deceived by the serpent, eats the forbidden fruit and gives some to Adam, who also eats. Their joint disobedience results in the fall of humanity, bringing sin and death into the world. Genesis 3:17-19 records God's words to Adam: "Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life."

2. Achan's Sin (Joshua 7): Achan's theft of devoted items during the conquest of Jericho leads to Israel's defeat at Ai. Despite being a single individual's sin, the entire community suffers the consequences. Joshua 7:11 states, "Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant that I commanded them. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, lied, and put them with their own possessions."

3. Saul and the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15): King Saul's partial obedience in sparing King Agag and the best of the livestock, despite God's command to destroy everything, results in his rejection as king. Samuel confronts Saul in 1 Samuel 15:22-23 : "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams."

New Testament Examples

1. Pilate's Complicity (Matthew 27): Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, finds no fault in Jesus but succumbs to the crowd's demands for crucifixion. Despite washing his hands as a symbol of innocence, Pilate's complicity in the unjust execution of Jesus is evident. Matthew 27:24 records, "When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. 'I am innocent of this man’s blood,' he said. 'You shall bear the responsibility.'"

2. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5): This couple conspires to deceive the early church by withholding part of the proceeds from a land sale while claiming to donate the entire amount. Their complicity in lying to the Holy Spirit results in their immediate deaths. Acts 5:3-4 states, "Then Peter said, 'Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!'"

Theological Reflections

The Bible consistently warns against complicity in sin, emphasizing personal responsibility and the communal impact of individual actions. Proverbs 1:10-19 advises against joining sinners in their schemes, highlighting the self-destructive nature of such complicity: "My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them... Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors."

The consequences of complicity serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of integrity and obedience to God's commands. The biblical narrative underscores that even passive participation in wrongdoing can lead to severe repercussions, both for individuals and communities.