Acts 4:23-5:11

New King James Version

Prayer for Boldness^(A)

²³ And being let go, ^(B)they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. ²⁴ So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, ^(C)You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, ²⁵ who ^[a]by the mouth of Your servant David have said:

²⁷ “For ^(E)truly against ^(F)Your holy Servant Jesus, ^(G)whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together ^28 (H)to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. ²⁹ Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants ^(I)that with all boldness they may speak Your word, ³⁰ by stretching out Your hand to heal, ^(J)and that signs and wonders may be done ^(K)through the name of ^(L)Your holy Servant Jesus.”

³¹ And when they had prayed, ^(M)the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, ^(N)and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Sharing in All Things

³² Now the multitude of those who believed ^(O)were of one heart and one soul; ^(P)neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. ³³ And with ^(Q)great power the apostles gave ^(R)witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And ^(S)great grace was upon them all. ³⁴ Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; ^(T)for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, ^35 (U)and laid them at the apostles’ feet; ^(V)and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

³⁶ And ^[b]Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of ^[c]Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, ^37 (W)having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Lying to the Holy Spirit

5 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. ² And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. ^3 (X)But Peter said, “Ananias, why has ^(Y)Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? ⁴ While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

⁵ Then Ananias, hearing these words, ^(Z)fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. ⁶ And the young men arose and ^(AA)wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.

⁷ Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸ And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”

She said, “Yes, for so much.”

⁹ Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together ^(AB)to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” ^10 (AC)Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. ^11 (AD)So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.