Acts 5:1-19 ▼

1 There was a man of the name of Ananias who, with his wife Sapphira, sold some property but,

2 with her full knowledge and consent, dishonestly kept back part of the price which he received for it, though he brought the rest and gave it to the Apostles.

3 "Ananias," said Peter, "why has Satan taken possession of your heart, that you should try to deceive the Holy Spirit and dishonestly keep back part of the price paid you for this land?

4 While it remained unsold, was not the land your own? And when sold, was it not at your own disposal? How is it that you have cherished this design in your heart? It is not to men you have told this lie, but to God."

5 Upon hearing these words Ananias fell down dead, and all who heard the words were awe-struck.

6 The younger men, however, rose, and wrapping the body up, carried it out and buried it.

7 About three hours had passed, when his wife came in, knowing nothing of what had happened.

8 Peter at once questioned her. "Tell me," he said, "whether you sold the land for so much." "Yes," she replied, "for so much."

9 "How was it," replied Peter, "that you two agreed to try an experiment upon the Spirit of the Lord? The men who have buried your husband are already at the door, and they will carry you out."

10 Instantly she fell down dead at his feet, and the young men came in and found her dead. So they carried her out and buried her by her husband's side.

11 This incident struck terror into the whole Church, and into the hearts of all who heard of it.

12 Many signs and marvels continued to be done among the people by the Apostles; and by common consent they all met in Solomon's Portico.

13 But none of the others dared to attach themselves to them. Yet the people held them in high honour--

14 and more and more believers in the Lord joined them, including great numbers both of men and women--

15 so that they would even bring out their sick friends into the streets and lay them on light couches or mats, in order that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on one or other of them.

16 The inhabitants, too, of the towns in the neighbourhood of Jerusalem came in crowds, bringing sick persons and some who were harassed by foul spirits, and they were cured, one and all.

17 This roused the High Priest. He and all his party--the sect of the Sadducees--were filled with angry jealousy

18 and laid hands upon the Apostles, and put them into the public jail.

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