³³ With great power the apostles continued to testify^(A) to the resurrection^(B) of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace^(C) was so powerfully at work in them all ³⁴ that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them,^(D) brought the money from the sales ³⁵ and put it at the apostles’ feet,^(E) and it was distributed to anyone who had need.^(F)

³⁶ Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas^(G) (which means “son of encouragement”), ³⁷ sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.^(H)

Ananias and Sapphira

5 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,^(I) but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.^(J)

³ Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan^(K) has so filled your heart^(L) that you have lied to the Holy Spirit^(M) and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?^{(N) 4} Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal?^(O) What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”^(P)

⁵ When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died.^(Q) And great fear^(R) seized all who heard what had happened. ⁶ Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body,^(S) 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.”^(T)

⁹ Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord?^(U) 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.^(V) Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.^{(W) 11} Great fear^(X) seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.