Acts 5
Wycliffe Bible
5 But a man [Forsooth some man], Ananias by name, with Sapphira, his wife, sold a field,
2 and defrauded of the price of the field; and his wife was witting. And he brought a part [And he brought some part], and laid [it] before the feet of the apostles.
3 And Peter said to him, Ananias, why hath Satan tempted thine heart, that thou lie to the Holy Ghost [Forsooth Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan tempted thine heart, thee to lie to the Holy Ghost], and to defraud of the price of the field?
4 Whether it unsold was not thine; and when it was sold, it was in thy power? Why hast thou put this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied to men, but to God.
5 Ananias heard these words, and felled down, and was dead [Forsooth Ananias hearing these words, felled down and died]. And great dread was made on all that heard.
6 And young men rose [rised], and moved him away, and bare him out, and buried.
7 And there was made a space of three hours, and his wife knew not that thing that was done, and entered. [Forsooth there was made as the space of three hours, and the wife of him not knowing that thing that was done, entered in.]
8 And Peter answered to her, Woman, say to me, whether ye sold the field for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
9 And Peter said to her, What befelled to you [What soothly came together to you, or accorded], to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Lo! the feet of them that have buried thine husband be at the door, and they shall bear thee out.
10 At once [Anon] she felled down at his feet, and died. And the young men entered, and found her dead, and they bare her out, and buried [her] to her husband.
11 And great dread was made in all the church, and into all that heard these things.
12 And by the hands of the apostles signs and many wonders were made in the people. And all were of one accord in the porch of Solomon.
13 But no man of others durst join himself with them, but the people magnified them.
14 And the multitude of men and of women believing in the Lord was more increased,
15 so that they brought out sick men into streets, and laid in little beds and couches, that when Peter came, namely the shadow of him should shadow each of them, and they should be delivered from their sicknesses [that Peter coming, namely the shadow of him should shadow each of them, and they were delivered from all sicknesses].
16 And the multitude of cities nigh to Jerusalem ran, bringing sick men, and that were travailed of unclean spirits, which all were healed.
17 But the prince of priests rose up, and all that were with him, that is the heresy of Sadducees, and were filled with envy;
18 and they laid hands on the apostles, and put them in the common ward [and put them in common keeping].
19 But the angel of the Lord opened by night the gates of the prison [Forsooth the angel of the Lord by night opened the gates of the prison], and led them out, and said,
20 Go ye, and stand ye, and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
21 Whom when they had heard, they entered early into the temple, and taught. And the prince of priests came, and they that were with him, and called together the council, and all the elder men of the children of Israel; and sent to the prison, that they should be brought forth.
22 And when the ministers came, and found them not, and for the prison was opened [Soothly when the ministers came, and, the prison opened, found them not], they turned again, and told,
23 and said [saying], [Forsooth] We found the prison shut with all diligence, and the keepers standing at the gates; but we opened, and found no man therein.
24 And as the magistrates of the temple, and the princes of priests heard these words, they doubted of them, what was done [what should be done].
25 But a man came, and told to them, For lo! those men which ye have put into prison, be in the temple, and stand, and teach the people[a].
26 Then the magistrate went with the ministers, and brought them without violence; for they dreaded the people, lest they should be stoned.
27 And when they had brought them, they set them in the council; and the prince of priests asked them,
28 and said, In commandment we commanded you [saying, In commanding we commanded you], that ye should not teach in this name, and lo! ye have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and ye will bring on us the blood of this man.
29 And Peter answered, and the apostles, and said, It behooveth to obey to God, more than to men.
30 [The] God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom ye slew, hanging in a tree.
31 God enhanced with his right hand this prince and Saviour, that penance were given to Israel [for to give penance to Israel], and remission of sins.
32 And we be witnesses of these words, and the Holy Ghost, whom God gave to all obeying to him.
33 When they heard these things, they were tormented, and thought to slay them.
34 But a man rose in the council, a Pharisee, Gamaliel by name, a doctor of the law, an honourable man to all the people [a worshipful man to all the people], and commanded the men to be put withoutforth for a while [to a short time].
35 And he said to them, Ye men of Israel, take attention to yourselves on these men, what ye shall do.
36 For before these days Theudas, that said himself to be some man [For before these days Theudas was, saying himself to be some man], to whom a number of men consented, about four hundred; which was slain, and all that believed to him [and all whoever believed to him], were scattered, and brought to nought.
37 After this, Judas of Galilee was in the days of profession, and turned away the people after him; and all how many ever consented to him, were scattered, and he perished.
38 And now therefore I say to you, depart ye from these men, and suffer ye them; for if this counsel either work [or work] is of men, it shall be undone;
39 but if it is of God, ye be not able to undo them, lest peradventure ye be found to repugn against God. [forsooth if it is of God, ye be not able to undo them, lest peradventure and ye be found for to repugn God.]
40 And they consented to him; and they called together the apostles, and commanded to them [and announced to them], that were beaten, that they should no more speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go [and they left them].
41 And they went joying from the sight of the council, that they were had worthy to suffer despising for the name of Jesus.
42 But each day they ceased not in the temple, and about houses, to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
Footnotes
- Acts 5:25 For lo! the men whom ye have put in prison, be in the temple, standing, and teaching the people
Acts 5
New Matthew Bible
The dissembling of Ananias and Sapphira is punished. Miracles are done by the apostles, who are seized, but the angel of God brings them out of prison. They are brought before the council. The advice of Gamaliel. The apostles are beaten. They rejoice in trouble.
5 A certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold some property, 2 and kept back part of the money (his wife also knowing of it), and brought a certain part and laid it down at the apostles’ feet. 3 Then Peter said, Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you would lie to the Holy Spirit and keep away part of the proceeds of the land? 4 Did it not belong to you alone? And after it was sold, was the money not at your own disposal? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God.
5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and gave up the spirit. And great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6 And the young men rose up, and put Ananias apart, and carried him out and buried him.
7 And then, about the space of three hours after, his wife came in, unaware of what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, Tell me, did you sell the land for so much? And she said, Yes, for so much. 9 Then Peter said to her, Why have you agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and will carry you out.
10 Then she fell down straightaway at his feet and yielded up the spirit. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carried her out and buried her by her husband.
11 And great fear came on all the congregation, and on as many as heard these things.
12 By the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were shown among the people. And they were all together with one accord in Solomon’s porch. 13 And none of the rest dared join himself to them; nevertheless, the people held them in high regard.
14 The number of those who believed in the Lord, both of men and women, grew more and more, 15 insomuch that they brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and pallets so that at least the shadow of Peter, when he came by, might fall on some of them. 16 Many people also came from the towns round about Jerusalem, bringing sick folks and those who were vexed with unclean spirits. And they were healed, every one.
17 Then the chief priest rose up, and all they that were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and were full of indignation, 18 and laid hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. 19 But the angel of the Lord opened the prison doors by night and brought them out, and said, 20 Go; step forth, and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. 21 When they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning and taught.
The chief priest came, and those who were with him, and called a council together with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to fetch the apostles. 22 When the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, saying, 23 We found the prison shut as securely as was possible, and the guards standing outside before the doors. But when we opened up, we found no one within.
24 When the most chief priest and the chief warden of the temple and the high priests heard these things, they were fearful about them, what this might grow into. 25 Then someone came and told them, Behold, the men that you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.
26 Then the chief warden of the temple went with officers, and brought them without violence because they feared to be stoned by the people.
27 And when they had brought the apostles, they set them before the council. And the chief priest asked them, 28 saying, Did we not strictly order you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.
29 Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought more to obey God than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you slew, hanging him on a tree. 31 Him God has lifted up with his right hand, to be a ruler and a saviour, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are his witnesses concerning these things, and so also 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 thought to kill them. 34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a doctor of law greatly respected among all the people, and directed that the apostles be put apart for a little while, 35 and said to them, Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves, what you intend to do regarding these men. 36 Before these days, one Theudas rose up, claiming himself to be somebody, and a number of men joined him – about four hundred. But he was slain, and all the people who believed him were scattered abroad and brought to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee arose, in the time when tribute began, and he drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all, even as many as followed him, are scattered abroad. 38 And now I say to you, restrain yourselves concerning these men. Let them alone. For if the counsel of this work is of men, it will come to nothing. 39 But if it is of God, you cannot destroy it, and you might even be found to be striving against God.
40 And they agreed with him, and called the apostles, and beat them, and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 And they departed from the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer rebuke for his name. 42 And daily in the temple and in every house they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus Christ.
Acts 5
1599 Geneva Bible
5 1 Ananias for his deceit in keeping back part of price, 5 falleth down dead, 10 and likewise Sapphira his wife. 12 Through divers the Apostles’ miracles, 14 the faith is increased. 18 The Apostles that were imprisoned, 19 are delivered by an Angel, 26 and being before the Synod of the Priests, 36 through Gamaliel’s counsel they are kept alive, 40 and beaten: 41 They glorify God.
1 But [a]a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
2 And [b]kept away part of the price, his wife also being of counsel, and brought a certain part, and laid it down at the Apostles’ feet.
3 Then said Peter, Ananias, why hath Satan [c]filled thine heart, that thou shouldest [d]lie unto the holy Ghost, and keep away part of the price of this possession?
4 While it remained, appertained it not unto thee? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? how is it that thou hast [e]conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
5 Now when Ananias heard these words, he fell down, and gave up the ghost. Then great fear came on all them that heard these things.
6 And the young men rose up, and took him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
7 And it came to pass about the space of three hours after, that his wife came in, ignorant of that which was done.
8 And Peter said unto her, Tell me, sold ye the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
9 Then Peter said unto her, Why have ye agreed together, to [f]tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thine husband, are at the [g]door, and shall carry thee out.
10 Then she fell down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and carried her out, and buried her by her husband.
11 [h]And great fear came on all the Church, and on as many as heard these things.
12 Thus by the hands of the Apostles were many signs and wonders showed among the people (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.
13 And of the other durst no man join himself to them: nevertheless the people [i]magnified them.
14 Also the number of them that believed in the Lord, both of men and women, grew more and more)
15 Insomuch that they brought the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the leastway the shadow of Peter, when he came by, might shadow 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, who were all healed.
17 ¶ [j]Then the chief Priest rose up, and all they that were with him (which was the [k]sect of the Sadducees) and were full of indignation,
18 And laid hands on the Apostles, and put them in the common prison.
19 [l]But the Angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,
20 [m]Go your way, and stand in the Temple, and speak to the people, all the [n]words of this life.
21 [o]So when they heard it, they entered into the Temple early in the morning, and taught. And the chief Priest came, and they that were with him, and called the Council together, and all the Elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison, to cause them to be brought.
22 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told it,
23 Saying, Certainly we found the prison shut as sure as was possible, and the keepers standing without, before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.
24 Then when the chief Priest and the captain of the Temple, and the high Priests heard these things, they doubted of them, whereunto this would grow.
25 [p]Then came one and showed them, saying, Behold, the men that ye put in prison, are standing in the Temple, and teach the people.
26 [q]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 chief Priest asked them,
28 [r]Saying, Did we not straightly command you, that ye should not teach in this name? and behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and ye would [s]bring this man’s blood upon us.
29 [t]Then Peter and the Apostles answered, and said, We ought rather to obey God than men.
30 [u]The (A)God of our fathers hath raised up Jesus whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree.
31 Him hath God lifted up with his right hand, to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
32 [v]And we are his witnesses concerning these things which we say: yea, and the holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
33 Now when they heard it, they [w]brast for anger, and consulted to slay them.
34 [x]Then stood there up in the Council a certain Pharisee named Gamaliel, a doctor of the Law, honored of all the people, and commanded to put the Apostles forth a little space,
35 And said unto them, Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves, what ye intend to do touching these men.
36 [y]For before these times, rose up Theudas [z]boasting himself, to whom resorted a number of men, about a four hundred, who was slain: and they all which obeyed him were scattered, and brought to naught.
37 After this man, arose up Judas of Galilee, in the days of the tribute, and drew away much people after him: he also perished, and all that obeyed him, were scattered abroad.
38 And now I say unto you, [aa]Refrain yourselves from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel, or this work be of [ab]men, it will come to naught:
39 But if it be of God, ye cannot destroy it, lest ye be found even fighters against God.
40 And to him they agreed, and called the Apostles: and when they had beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the Name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 [ac]So they departed from the Council, rejoicing, that they were counted worthy to suffer rebuke for his Name.
42 And daily in the [ad]Temple, and from house to house they ceased not to teach, and preach Jesus Christ.
Footnotes
- Acts 5:1 Luke showeth by contrary examples, how great a sin hypocrisy is, especially in them which under a false pretence and cloak of zeal would seem to shine and be chief in the Church.
- Acts 5:2 Craftily took away.
- Acts 5:3 Fully possessed.
- Acts 5:3 For when they had appointed that farm or possession for the Church, they stuck not at it to keep away a part of the price, as though they had had to do with men, and not with God, and therefore he saith afterward that they tempted God.
- Acts 5:4 Hereby is declared an advised and purposed deceit, and the fault of the man in admitting the devil’s suggestions.
- Acts 5:9 Look how oft men do things with an evil conscience; so oft they pronounce sentence against themselves, and as much as in them lieth, provoke God to anger, as of set purpose, minding to try whether he be just and almighty or no.
- Acts 5:9 Are at hand.
- Acts 5:11 The Lord by his marvelous virtue bridleth some, that they may not hurt the Church: other some he awe and fear: and other some he allureth unto him.
- Acts 5:13 Highly praised them.
- Acts 5:17 The more that the Church increaseth, the more increaseth the rage of Satan, and therefore they proceed from threatenings, to prisoning.
- Acts 5:17 The word which is used here, is Heresy, which signifieth a choice, and so is taken for a right form of learning, or faction, or study and course of life, which the Latins call a sect: at the first this word was indifferently used, but at length, it came to be taken only in evil part, whereupon came the name of Heretic, which is taken for one that goeth astray from sound and wholesome doctrine after such sort, that he setteth light by the judgment of God and his Church, and continueth in his opinion, and breaketh the peace of the Church.
- Acts 5:19 Angels are made servants of the servants of God.
- Acts 5:20 God doth therefore deliver his, that they may more stoutly provoke his enemies.
- Acts 5:20 Words, whereby the way unto life is showed.
- Acts 5:21 God mocketh his enemies’ attempts from above.
- Acts 5:25 The more openly that Christ’s virtue showeth itself, the more increaseth the madness of his enemies which conspire against him.
- Acts 5:26 Tyrants which fear not God, are constrained to fear his servants.
- Acts 5:28 It is the property of tyrants to set out their own commandments as right and reason, be they never so wicked.
- Acts 5:28 Make us guilty of murdering, that man whom yet they will not vouchsafe to name.
- Acts 5:29 We ought to obey no man, but so far forth as obeying him, we may obey God.
- Acts 5:30 Christ is appointed and indeed declareth Prince and preserver of his Church in despite of his enemies.
- Acts 5:32 It is not sufficient for us that there is a right end, but we must also according to our vocation go on forward till we come unto it.
- Acts 5:33 This reckoneth that they were in a most vehement rage, and marvelously disquieted in mind, for it is a borrowed kind of speech taken from them which are harrishly cut in sunder with a saw.
- Acts 5:34 Christ findeth defenders of his cause even in the very routs of his enemies, so oft as he thinketh it needful.
- Acts 5:36 In matters of religion we must take good heed that we attempt nothing under a color of zeal, beside our vocation.
- Acts 5:36 To be of some fame.
- Acts 5:38 He dissuadeth his fellows from murdering the Apostles, neither doth he think it good to refer the matter to the Roman Magistrate, for the Jews could abide nothing worse, than to have the tyranny of the Romans confirmed.
- Acts 5:38 If it be counterfeit and devised.
- Acts 5:41 The Apostles, accustomed to suffer and bear words, are at length inured to bear stripes, yet so, that by that means they become stronger.
- Acts 5:42 Both publicly and privately.
Acts 5
Authorized (King James) Version
5 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 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. 3 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? 4 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. 5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9 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.
2001 by Terence P. Noble
Copyright © 2016 by Ruth Magnusson (Davis). Includes emendations to February 2022. All rights reserved.
Geneva Bible, 1599 Edition. Published by Tolle Lege Press. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in articles, reviews, and broadcasts.
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