Acts 5

1 But a certain man named Ananias, along with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession,

2 And kept back part of the (sale) price, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part (of the money), and laid it at the apostles' feet (which was not of necessity but a gesture that communicated the surrender of the entire proceeds).

 

3 But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to deceive the Holy Ghost, and to (fraudulently) keep back part of the price of the land?

 

4 While it remained (your possession), was it not your own? And after it was sold, was the money not in your own power? Why have you conceived this fraud in your heart? You have not lied to men, but (futilely attempted) to (deceive) God.

 

5 And when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and gave up the ghost (breathed his last breath): and great fear (and awe) came on all that heard these things.

6 And the younger men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

7 And it came to pass about three hours afterwards, when his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in (inquiring).

8 And Peter answered her, Tell me whether you sold the land for so much? And she said, Yes, for so much.

9 Then Peter said to her, How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord (to test if the Spirit could be tempted)? Behold, the feet of them who have buried your husband are at the door and shall (also) carry you out.

10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

11 And great fear came upon all the church, and on as many as heard these things (even outside their fellowship).

 

12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders (and miracles) worked among the people; {and they were all with one heart and one mind in Solomon's porch.

 

13 And of the rest (of the people who had not yet believed were deterred by the fate of Ananias so that) no man dared join himself to them (deceitfully, or under false pretenses): but the people magnified the apostles (as having the Spirit of God).

 

14 And more believers were added to the Lord (continually), multitudes of both men and women.}

 

15 So that they brought forth those who were sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, so that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them (and heal them).

 

16 There came also a multitude (of people) from outside of the cities around Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and those who were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one of them.

 

17 Then the high priest rose up, and all those that were with him, {which were of the sect of the Sadducees (that did not believe in the resurrection),} and were filled with indignation,

18 And laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the public prison.

19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them out, and said,

20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life (in Christ Jesus).

 

21 And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest came, and those that were with him, and called the council together, and all the Council of the children of Israel, and sent (men) to the prison to have them brought (to them).

22 But when the officers came and found they were not in the prison, they returned and reported back,

23 Saying, Truly we found the prison shut up with all safety, and the keepers standing in and outside of the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

24 Now, when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they were perplexed as to what this might mean.

25 Then came one and explained to them, saying, Behold, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence: for they feared the people (who held them in high regard), for fear they would have been stoned.

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

 

28 Saying, Did we not directly command you that you should not teach in this name (Jesus)? And behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood on us.

 

29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered them and said, We ought (of necessity) to obey God rather than men.

 

30 The God of our fathers (and yours) raised up Jesus, whom you killed and hanged on a tree.

 

31 Him has God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance (and a new heart) to Israel, and the remission of sins (the sending away of death).

 

32 And we are His witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Ghost, whom God has given to all that obey Him (from the heart).

33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart and took counsel to slay them.

34 Then one of them in the council stood up, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, who had a reputation among all the people, and commanded that the apostles be put a little space away from them;

35 And said to them, You men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do as concerning these men.

36 For before these days there rose up Theudas, claiming himself to be somebody; to whom several men, about four hundred, joined themselves to him: who was put to death; and all and as many as were persuaded by him, were scattered, and brought to nothing.

37 After this, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the taxing (census) and drew away many people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as were persuaded by him, were dispersed (and came to nothing).

 

38 And now I say to you, Withdraw from these men, and let them alone: for if this purpose and this work is from men, it will (capitulate upon itself and) come to nothing:

 

39 But if it be from God, you cannot overthrow it; (let them be therefore) lest you might be found even fighting against God.

 

40 And after hearing him, they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus (any longer), and they let them go.

41 And the apostles departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they never ceased to teach and preach Jesus Christ.