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

And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

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

And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee 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 upon as many as heard these things.

12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.

13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

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

15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,

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

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

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

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

22 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told,

23 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before 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 doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

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

26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should 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 not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

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

34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

40 And to 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, and let them go.

41 And they 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 ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Lying to the Holy Spirit

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 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. (A)But Peter said, “Ananias, why has (B)Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 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.”

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

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

She said, “Yes, for so much.”

Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together (E)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 (F)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 (G)So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

Continuing Power in the Church

12 And (H)through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. (I)And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. 13 Yet (J)none of the rest dared join them, (K)but the people esteemed them highly. 14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, (L)that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. 16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing (M)sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

Imprisoned Apostles Freed

17 (N)Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with [a]indignation, 18 (O)and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. 19 But at night (P)an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people (Q)all the words of this life.”

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

Apostles on Trial Again

22 But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, 23 saying, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing [d]outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” 24 Now when [e]the high priest, (S)the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. 25 So one came and told them, [f]saying, “Look, 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, (T)for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, 28 saying, (U)“Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, (V)and intend to bring this Man’s (W)blood on us!”

29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: (X)“We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 (Y)The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by (Z)hanging on a tree. 31 (AA)Him God has exalted to His right hand to be (AB)Prince and (AC)Savior, (AD)to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And (AE)we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit (AF)whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Gamaliel’s Advice

33 When they heard this, they were (AG)furious[g] and plotted to kill them. 34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named (AH)Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them: “Men of Israel, [h]take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, [i]joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 (AI)but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found (AJ)to fight against God.”

40 And they agreed with him, and when they had (AK)called for the apostles (AL)and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 So they departed from the presence of the council, (AM)rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for [j]His name. 42 And daily (AN)in the temple, and in every house, (AO)they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 5:17 jealousy
  2. Acts 5:21 Sanhedrin
  3. Acts 5:21 council of elders or senate
  4. Acts 5:23 NU, M omit outside
  5. Acts 5:24 NU omits the high priest
  6. Acts 5:25 NU, M omit saying
  7. Acts 5:33 cut to the quick
  8. Acts 5:35 be careful
  9. Acts 5:36 followed
  10. Acts 5:41 NU the name; M the name of Jesus

Fate of Ananias and Sapphira

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and (A)kept back some of the [a]proceeds for himself, with his wife’s [b]full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he (B)laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has (C)Satan filled your heart to lie (D)to the Holy Spirit and to (E)keep back some of the [c]proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not [d]under your control? Why is it that you have [e]conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but (F)to God.” And as he heard these words, Ananias (G)collapsed and [f]died; and (H)great fear came over all who heard about it. The young men got up and (I)covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.

Now an interval of about three hours elapsed, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land (J)for [g]this price?” And she said, “Yes, for [h]that price.” Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to (K)put (L)the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.” 10 And immediately she (M)collapsed at his feet and [i]died; and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And (N)great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard about these things.

12 [j]At the hands of the apostles many [k](O)signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all [l]together in (P)Solomon’s [m]portico. 13 But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, (Q)the people held them in high esteem. 14 And increasingly (R)believers in the Lord, large numbers of men and women, were being (S)added to their number, 15 to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by (T)at least his shadow might fall on any of them. 16 The [n]people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together as well, bringing people who were sick [o]or tormented with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed.

Imprisonment and Release

17 But the high priest stood up, along with all his associates (that is (U)the sect of (V)the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. 18 They laid hands on the apostles and (W)put them in a public prison. 19 But during the night (X)an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and leading them out, he said, 20 “Go, stand and [p]speak to the people in the temple area [q](Y)the whole message of this Life.” 21 Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple area (Z)about daybreak and began to teach.

Now when (AA)the high priest and his associates came, they called (AB)the [r]Council together, that is, all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison for them to be brought. 22 But (AC)the officers who came did not find them in the prison; and they returned and reported, 23 saying, “We found the prison locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” 24 Now when (AD)the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what [s]would come of this. 25 But someone came and reported to them, “The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple area and teaching the people!” 26 Then (AE)the captain went along with (AF)the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for (AG)they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned).

27 When they had brought them, they had them stand [t]before (AH)the Council. The high priest interrogated them, 28 saying, “We gave you (AI)strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and [u]yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and (AJ)intend to bring this Man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “(AK)We must obey God rather than men. 30 (AL)The God of our fathers (AM)raised up Jesus, whom you (AN)put to death by hanging Him on [v](AO)a cross. 31 (AP)He is the one whom God exalted [w]to His right hand as a [x](AQ)Prince and a (AR)Savior, to grant (AS)repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are (AT)witnesses [y]of these things; and (AU)so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Gamaliel’s Counsel

33 But when they heard this, they became (AV)infuriated and nearly decided to execute them. 34 But a Pharisee named (AW)Gamaliel, a (AX)teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in (AY)the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful as to what you are about to do with these men. 36 For, some time ago Theudas appeared, (AZ)claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined him. [z]But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee appeared in the days of (BA)the census and drew away some people after him; he also perished, and all those who followed him were scattered. 38 And so in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, for if the source of this plan or [aa]movement (BB)is men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if the source is God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found (BC)fighting against God.”

40 They followed his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they (BD)flogged them and ordered them not to [ab]speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. 41 So they went on their way from the presence of the [ac](BE)Council, (BF)rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame (BG)for His name. 42 (BH)And every day, in the temple and [ad]from house to house, they did not stop teaching and (BI)preaching the good news of Jesus as the [ae]Christ.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 5:2 Lit price
  2. Acts 5:2 Or collusion
  3. Acts 5:3 Lit price
  4. Acts 5:4 Or in your authority
  5. Acts 5:4 Lit placed
  6. Acts 5:5 Lit expired
  7. Acts 5:8 Lit so much
  8. Acts 5:8 Lit so much
  9. Acts 5:10 Lit expired
  10. Acts 5:12 Lit Through
  11. Acts 5:12 I.e., confirming miracles
  12. Acts 5:12 Or of one mind
  13. Acts 5:12 Or colonnade
  14. Acts 5:16 Lit multitude
  15. Acts 5:16 Lit and
  16. Acts 5:20 Or continue to speak
  17. Acts 5:20 Lit all the words
  18. Acts 5:21 Or Sanhedrin
  19. Acts 5:24 Lit this would become
  20. Acts 5:27 Lit among
  21. Acts 5:28 Lit behold
  22. Acts 5:30 Lit wood; see Deut 21:23
  23. Acts 5:31 Or by
  24. Acts 5:31 Or Leader
  25. Acts 5:32 One early ms adds in Him
  26. Acts 5:36 Lit Who was killed
  27. Acts 5:38 Lit work
  28. Acts 5:40 Lit be speaking
  29. Acts 5:41 Or Sanhedrin
  30. Acts 5:42 Or in the various private homes
  31. Acts 5:42 I.e., Messiah

Ananias and Sapphira Lie to the Holy Spirit

Now a certain man named[a] Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and he kept back for himself some of the proceeds, and his[b] wife was aware of it.[c] And he brought a certain part and[d] placed it[e] at the feet of the apostles. But Peter said, “Ananias, for what reason has Satan filled your heart, that you lied to the Holy Spirit and kept back for yourself some of the proceeds of the piece of land? When it[f] remained to you, did it not remain yours? And when it[g] was sold, was it at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to people, but to God!”

And when[h] Ananias heard these words, he fell down and[i] died. And great fear came on all those who heard about it.[j] So the young men stood up, wrapped him up, and carried him[k] out and[l] buried him.[m] And it happened that there was an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you both[n] were paid this much for the piece of land.” And she said, “Yes, this much.” So Peter said to her, “How is it that it was agreed by you two[o] to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out!” 10 And immediately she fell down at his feet and died. So when[p] the young men came in, they found her dead, and carried her[q] out and[r] buried her[s] with her husband. 11 And great fear came on the whole church and on all who heard about these things.

Many Signs and Wonders Are Performed by the Apostles

12 Now many signs and wonders were being performed among the people through the hands of the apostles. And they were all together[t] in Solomon’s Portico. 13 And none of the rest dared to join them, but the people spoke highly of them. 14 And even more believers in the Lord[u] were being added, large numbers of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and put them[v] on cots and mats[w] so that when[x] Peter came by, at least his[y] shadow would fall on some of them. 16 And the people of the towns around Jerusalem also came together, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, who were all being healed.

The Apostles Arrested and Imprisoned

17 Now the high priest rose up and all those who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and[z] they were filled with jealousy. 18 And they laid hands on the apostles and put them in the public prison. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison and led them out and[aa] said, 20 “Go and stand in the temple courts[ab] and[ac] proclaim to the people all the words of this life.” 21 And when they[ad] heard this,[ae] they entered at daybreak into the temple courts[af] and began teaching.[ag]

Now when[ah] the high priest and those with him arrived, they summoned the Sanhedrin—even the whole council of elders of the sons of Israel—and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But the officers who came[ai] did not find them in the prison, and they returned and[aj] reported, 23 saying, “We found the prison locked with all security and the guards standing at the doors, but when we[ak] opened them,[al] we found no one inside!” 24 Now when both the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed concerning them, as to what this might be. 25 But someone came and[am] reported to them, “Behold, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple courts[an] and teaching the people!” 26 Then the captain went with the officers and[ao] brought them, not with force (for they were afraid of the people, lest they be stoned by them).[ap]

The Apostles on Trial Before the Sanhedrin

27 And when they[aq] had brought them, they made them[ar] stand in the Sanhedrin,[as] and the high priest put a question to them, 28 saying, “We strictly commanded[at] you[au] not to teach in this name? And behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching! And you are intending to bring upon us the blood of this man!” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered and[av] said, “It is necessary to obey God rather than men! 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed by[aw] hanging him[ax] on a tree. 31 This one God has exalted to his right hand as Leader and Savior to grant repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses of these things, and so is[ay] the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” 33 Now when[az] they heard this,[ba] they were infuriated, and were wanting to execute them. 34 But a certain man stood up in the Sanhedrin,[bb] a Pharisee named[bc] Gamaliel, a teacher of the law respected by all the people, and[bd] gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. 35 And he said to them, “Men and Israelites, take care for yourselves what you are about to do to these men! 36 For before these days, Theudas rose up saying he was somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him.[be] He[bf] was executed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and caused people to follow him in revolt.[bg] And that one perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 And now I tell you, keep away from these men, and leave them alone, because if this plan or this matter is from people, it will be overthrown.[bh] 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them, lest you even be found fighting against God.” So they were persuaded by him. 40 And they summoned the apostles, beat them,[bi] commanded them[bj] not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.[bk] 41 So they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin[bl] rejoicing, because they had been considered worthy to be dishonored for the sake of the name. 42 Every day, both in the temple courts[bm] and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that the Christ[bn] was Jesus.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 5:1 Literally “by name”
  2. Acts 5:2 Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun
  3. Acts 5:2 *Here the participle “was aware of” in this genitive absolute construction has been translated as a finite verb in keeping with English style
  4. Acts 5:2 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“brought”) has been translated as a finite verb
  5. Acts 5:2 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  6. Acts 5:4 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“remained”) which is understood as temporal
  7. Acts 5:4 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“was sold”) which is understood as temporal
  8. Acts 5:5 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“heard”) which is understood as temporal
  9. Acts 5:5 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“fell down”) has been translated as a finite verb
  10. Acts 5:5 *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  11. Acts 5:6 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  12. Acts 5:6 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“carried … out”) has been translated as a finite verb
  13. Acts 5:6 *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  14. Acts 5:8 Here “both” reflects the second person plural verb, which refers to both Ananias and Sapphira
  15. Acts 5:9 Here “two” is supplied in the translation to indicate that the pronoun (“you”) is plural in the Greek text
  16. Acts 5:10 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“came in”) which is understood as temporal
  17. Acts 5:10 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  18. Acts 5:10 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“carried … out”) has been translated as a finite verb
  19. Acts 5:10 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  20. Acts 5:12 Or perhaps “by common consent”
  21. Acts 5:14 Or “even more believers were being added to the Lord”
  22. Acts 5:15 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  23. Acts 5:15 Or “mattresses”
  24. Acts 5:15 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“came by”)
  25. Acts 5:15 Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun
  26. Acts 5:17 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“rose up”) has been translated as a finite verb
  27. Acts 5:19 Here “and” is supplied because the two previous participles (“opened” and “led”) have been translated as finite verbs
  28. Acts 5:20 Here “courts” is supplied to distinguish this area from the interior of the temple building itself
  29. Acts 5:20 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“stand”) has been translated as a finite verb
  30. Acts 5:21 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“heard”) which is understood as temporal
  31. Acts 5:21 *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  32. Acts 5:21 Here “courts” is supplied to distinguish this area from the interior of the temple building itself
  33. Acts 5:21 *The imperfect tense has been translated as ingressive here (“began teaching”)
  34. Acts 5:21 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“arrived”) which is understood as temporal
  35. Acts 5:22 Or “when they came”
  36. Acts 5:22 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“returned”) has been translated as a finite verb
  37. Acts 5:23 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“opened”) which is understood as temporal
  38. Acts 5:23 *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  39. Acts 5:25 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“came”) has been translated as a finite verb
  40. Acts 5:25 Here “courts” is supplied to distinguish this area from the interior of the temple building itself
  41. Acts 5:26 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“went”) has been translated as a finite verb
  42. Acts 5:26 *The words “by them” are not in the Greek text but are implied
  43. Acts 5:27 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“had brought”) which is understood as temporal
  44. Acts 5:27 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  45. Acts 5:27 Or “council”
  46. Acts 5:28 Literally “we commanded with a commandment”
  47. Acts 5:28 Some manuscripts have “Did we not strictly command you”
  48. Acts 5:29 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“answered”) has been translated as a finite verb
  49. Acts 5:30 Here “by” is supplied as a component of the participle (“hanging”) which is understood as means
  50. Acts 5:30 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  51. Acts 5:32 The words “so is” are not in the Greek text but are implied
  52. Acts 5:33 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“heard”) which is understood as temporal
  53. Acts 5:33 *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  54. Acts 5:34 Or “council”
  55. Acts 5:34 Literally “by name”
  56. Acts 5:34 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“stood up”) has been translated as a finite verb
  57. Acts 5:36 Literally “to whom”
  58. Acts 5:36 Literally “who”
  59. Acts 5:37 Literally “caused people to revolt after him”
  60. Acts 5:38 Or “it will fail”
  61. Acts 5:40 *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  62. Acts 5:40 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  63. Acts 5:40 *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  64. Acts 5:41 Or “council”
  65. Acts 5:42 Here “courts” is supplied to distinguish this area from the interior of the temple building itself
  66. Acts 5:42 Or “Messiah”

Ananias and Sapphira

Now a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. He kept back part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge, and brought a part of it and placed it at the apostles’ feet.

Then Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to deceive the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, was it not your own? And when it was sold, was it not under your authority? Why have you conceived this deed in your heart? You did not lie to men, but to God.”

On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came on all those who heard these things. The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.

About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for this amount?”

She said, “Yes, for that much.”

Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together 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 At once she fell down at his feet and died. Upon entering, the young men found her dead and carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear came on the entire church and on all those who heard these things.

Signs and Wonders

12 Many signs and wonders were performed among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Porch. 13 No one else dared join them, but the people respected them. 14 Believers were increasingly added to the Lord, crowds of both men and women, 15 so that they even brought the sick out into the streets and placed them on beds and mats, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might touch some of them. 16 Crowds also came out of the cities surrounding Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those who were afflicted by evil spirits, and they were all healed.

Persecution of the Apostles

17 Then the high priest and all those who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees) rose up and were filled with jealousy. 18 They seized the apostles and put them in the common prison. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and led them out, and said, 20 “Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.”

21 Having heard this, they entered the temple at dawn and taught.

But the high priest and those who were with him came and called together the Sanhedrin and the senate of all the sons of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought out. 22 But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison securely shut and the guards standing outside before the doors. But when we opened it, we found no one inside.” 24 Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they were in doubt of what might become of this.

25 Then one came and told them, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain with his escorts went and brought them, without force lest they should be stoned, for they feared the people.

27 When they had brought them, they stood them before the Sanhedrin. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? Yet now you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring on us this Man’s blood.”

29 Peter and the other apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging on a tree. 31 God exalted this Man to His right hand to be a Ruler and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 We are His witnesses to these words, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

33 When they heard this, they were cut to the heart and took counsel to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law honored by all the people, stood and ordered the apostles to be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he said to them, “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do concerning these men. 36 For in previous days Theudas rose up, boasting to be somebody, to whom a number of about four hundred men joined themselves. He was killed, and all who obeyed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After Theudas, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away many people after him. This man also perished, and all who obeyed him were scattered. 38 Now I tell you, keep away from these men and leave them alone, because if this intention or this activity is of men, it will come to nothing. 39 But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them, lest perhaps you be found even fighting against God.”

40 They agreed with him. When they had called in the apostles, they beat them, and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.

41 Then they departed from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42 Daily, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease to teach and preach Jesus Christ.