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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 thy heart to [a]lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? While it remained, did it not remain thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thy power? How is it that thou hast conceived this thing in thy 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 upon all that heard it. And the [b]young men arose and wrapped him round, and they 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. But Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to try the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them that have buried thy husband are at the door, and they shall carry thee out. 10 And she fell down immediately at his feet, and gave up the ghost: and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all that 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 [c]porch. 13 But of the rest durst no man join himself to them: howbeit the people magnified them; 14 [d]and believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women: 15 insomuch that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and [e]couches, that, as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might overshadow some one of them. 16 And there also came together the multitude from the cities round about Jerusalem, bringing sick folk, and them that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

17 But the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy, 18 and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in public ward. 19 But an angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them out, and said, 20 Go ye, and stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this Life. 21 And when they heard this, they entered into the temple about daybreak, 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-house to have them brought. 22 But the officers that came found them not in the prison; and they returned, and told, 23 saying, The prison-house we found shut in all safety, and the keepers standing at the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. 24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were much perplexed concerning them whereunto this would grow. 25 And there came one and told them, Behold, the men whom ye put in the prison are in the temple standing and teaching the people. 26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them, but without violence; 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, We strictly charged you not to teach in this name: and behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. 29 But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, hanging him on a tree. 31 Him did God exalt [f]with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. 32 And we are witnesses [g]of these [h]things; [i]and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

33 But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and were minded to slay them. 34 But there stood up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in honor of all the people, and commanded to put the men forth a little while. 35 And he said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves as touching these men, what ye are about to do. 36 For before these days rose up Theudas, giving himself out 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 dispersed, and came to nought. 37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the enrolment, and drew away some of the people after him: he also perished; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad. 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 be overthrown: 39 but if it is of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them; lest haply ye be found even to be fighting against God. 40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles unto them, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name. 42 And every day, in the temple and at home, they ceased not to teach and to [j]preach Jesus as the Christ.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 5:3 Or, deceive
  2. Acts 5:6 Greek younger.
  3. Acts 5:12 Or, portico
  4. Acts 5:14 Or, and there were the more added to them, believing on the Lord
  5. Acts 5:15 Or, pallets
  6. Acts 5:31 Or, at
  7. Acts 5:32 Some ancient authorities add in him.
  8. Acts 5:32 Greek sayings.
  9. Acts 5:32 Some ancient authorities read and God hath given the Holy Spirit to them that obey him.
  10. Acts 5:42 Greek bring good tidings of. See 13:32; 14:15.

But a certain man named Ananias with his wife Sapphira sold a piece of property,

And with his wife’s knowledge and connivance he kept back and wrongfully appropriated some of the proceeds, bringing only a part and putting it at the feet of the apostles.

But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart that you should lie to and attempt to deceive the Holy Spirit, and should [in violation of your promise] withdraw secretly and appropriate to your own use part of the price from the sale of the land?

As long as it remained unsold, was it not still your own? And [even] after it was sold, was not [the money] at your disposal and under your control? Why then, is it that you have proposed and purposed in your heart to do this thing? [How could you have the heart to do such a deed?] You have not [simply] lied to men [playing false and showing yourself utterly deceitful] but to God.

Upon hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great dread and terror took possession of all who heard of it.

And the young men arose and wrapped up [the body] and carried it out and buried it.

Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not having learned of what had happened.

And Peter said to her, Tell me, did you sell the land for so much? Yes, she said, for so much.

Then Peter said to her, How could you two have agreed and conspired together to try to deceive the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out [also].

10 And instantly she fell down at his feet and died; and the young men entering found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

11 And the whole church and all others who heard of these things were appalled [great awe and strange terror and dread seized them].

12 Now by the hands of the apostles (special messengers) numerous and startling signs and wonders were being performed among the people. And by common consent they all met together [at the temple] in the covered porch (walk) called Solomon’s.

13 And none of those who were not of their number dared to join and associate with them, but the people held them in high regard and praised and made much of them.

14 More and more there were being added to the Lord those who believed [those who acknowledged Jesus as their Savior and devoted themselves to Him joined and gathered with them], crowds both of men and of women,

15 So that they [even] kept carrying out the sick into the streets and placing them on couches and sleeping pads, [in the hope] that as Peter passed by, at least his shadow might fall on some of them.

16 And the people gathered also from the towns and hamlets around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those troubled with foul spirits, and they were all cured.

17 But the high priest rose up and all who were his supporters, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and being filled with [a]jealousy and indignation and rage,

18 They seized and arrested the apostles (special messengers) and put them in the public jail.

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

20 Go, take your stand in the temple courts and declare to the people the whole doctrine concerning this Life (the eternal life which Christ revealed).

21 And when they heard this, they accordingly went into the temple about daybreak and began to teach. Now the high priest and his supporters who were with him arrived and called together the council (Sanhedrin), even all the senate of the sons of Israel, and they sent to the prison to have [the apostles] brought.

22 But when the attendants arrived there, they failed to find them in the jail; so they came back and reported,

23 We found the prison quite safely locked up and the guards were on duty outside the doors, but when we opened [it], we found no one on the inside.

24 Now when the military leader of the temple area and the chief priests heard these facts, they were much perplexed and thoroughly at a loss about them, wondering into what this might grow.

25 But some man came and reported to them, saying, Listen! The men whom you put in jail are standing [right here] in the temple and teaching the people!

26 Then the military leader went with the attendants and brought [the prisoners], but without violence, for they dreaded the people lest they be stoned by them.

27 So they brought them and set them before the council (Sanhedrin). And the high priest examined them by questioning,

28 Saying, We definitely commanded and strictly charged you not to teach in or about this Name; yet here you have flooded Jerusalem with your doctrine and you intend to bring this [b]Man’s blood upon us.

29 Then Peter and the apostles replied, We must obey God rather than men.

30 The God of our forefathers raised up Jesus, Whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree (cross).(A)

31 God exalted Him to His right hand to be Prince and Leader and Savior and Deliverer and Preserver, in order to grant repentance to Israel and to bestow forgiveness and release from sins.

32 And we are witnesses of these things, and the Holy Spirit is also, Whom God has bestowed on those who obey Him.

33 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and infuriated and wanted to kill the disciples.

34 But a certain Pharisee in the council (Sanhedrin) named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, highly esteemed by all the people, standing up, ordered that the apostles be taken outside for a little while.

35 Then he addressed them [the council, saying]: Men of Israel, take care in regard to what you propose to do concerning these men.

36 For before our time there arose Theudas, asserting himself to be a person of importance, with whom a number of men allied themselves, about 400; but he was killed and all who had listened to and adhered to him were scattered and brought to nothing.

37 And after this one rose up Judas the Galilean, [who led an uprising] during the time of the census, and drew away a popular following after him; he also perished and all his adherents were scattered.

38 Now in the present case let me say to you, stand off (withdraw) from these men and let them alone. For if this doctrine or purpose or undertaking or movement is of human origin, it will fail (be overthrown and come to nothing);

39 But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop or overthrow or destroy them; you might even be found fighting against God!

40 So, convinced by him, they took his advice; and summoning the apostles, they flogged them and sternly forbade them to speak in or about the name of Jesus, and allowed them to go.

41 So they went out from the presence of the council (Sanhedrin), rejoicing that they were being counted worthy [dignified by the indignity] to suffer shame and be exposed to disgrace for [the sake of] His name.

42 Yet [in spite of the threats] they never ceased for a single day, both in the temple area and at home, to teach and to proclaim the good news (Gospel) of Jesus [as] the Christ (the Messiah).

Footnotes

  1. Acts 5:17 G. Abbott-Smith, Manual Greek Lexicon.
  2. Acts 5:28 Capitalized because of what He is, the spotless Son of God, not what the speakers may have thought He was.

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.

El pecado de Ananías y Safira

Pero hubo uno, llamado Ananías, que junto con Safira, su esposa, vendió un terreno. Este hombre, de común acuerdo con su esposa, se quedó con una parte del dinero y puso la otra parte a disposición de los apóstoles. Pedro le dijo:

—Ananías, ¿por qué dejaste que Satanás te dominara y te hiciera mentir al Espíritu Santo quedándote con parte del dinero que te pagaron por el terreno? ¿Acaso no era tuyo el terreno? Y puesto que lo vendiste, ¿no era tuyo el dinero? ¿Por qué se te ocurrió hacer esto? No has mentido a los hombres, sino a Dios.

Al oír esto, Ananías cayó muerto. Y todos los que lo supieron se llenaron de miedo. Entonces vinieron unos jóvenes, envolvieron el cuerpo y se lo llevaron a enterrar.

Unas tres horas después entró la esposa de Ananías, sin saber lo que había pasado. Pedro le preguntó:

—Dime, ¿vendieron ustedes el terreno en el precio que han dicho?

Ella contestó:

—Sí, en ese precio.

Pedro le dijo:

—¿Por qué se pusieron ustedes de acuerdo para poner a prueba al Espíritu del Señor? Ahí vienen los que se llevaron a enterrar a tu esposo, y ahora te van a llevar también a ti.

10 En ese mismo instante Safira cayó muerta a los pies de Pedro. Cuando entraron los jóvenes, la encontraron muerta, y se la llevaron a enterrar al lado de su esposo. 11 Y todos los de la iglesia, y todos los que supieron estas cosas, se llenaron de miedo.

Muchos milagros y señales

12 Por medio de los apóstoles se hacían muchas señales y milagros entre la gente; y todos se reunían en el Pórtico de Salomón. 13 Ninguno de los otros se atrevía a juntarse con ellos, pero la gente los tenía en alta estima. 14 Y aumentó el número de personas, tanto hombres como mujeres, que creyeron en el Señor. 15 Y sacaban los enfermos a las calles, poniéndolos en camas y camillas para que, al pasar Pedro, por lo menos su sombra cayera sobre alguno de ellos. 16 También de los pueblos vecinos a Jerusalén acudía mucha gente trayendo enfermos y personas atormentadas por espíritus impuros; y todos eran sanados.

Persecución de los apóstoles

17 El sumo sacerdote y los del partido de los saduceos que estaban con él, se llenaron de envidia, 18 y arrestaron a los apóstoles y los metieron en la cárcel pública. 19 Pero un ángel del Señor abrió de noche las puertas de la cárcel y los sacó, diciéndoles: 20 «Vayan y, de pie en el templo, cuenten al pueblo todo este mensaje de vida.» 21 Conforme a esto que habían oído, al día siguiente entraron temprano en el templo y comenzaron a enseñar.

Entonces, el sumo sacerdote y los que estaban con él llamaron a todos los ancianos israelitas a una reunión de la Junta Suprema, y mandaron traer de la cárcel a los apóstoles. 22 Pero cuando los guardias llegaron a la cárcel, no los encontraron. Así que volvieron con la noticia, 23 diciendo:

—Encontramos la cárcel perfectamente cerrada, y a los soldados vigilando delante de las puertas; pero cuando abrimos, no encontramos a nadie dentro.

24 Al oírlo, el jefe de la guardia del templo y los principales sacerdotes se preguntaban en qué iría a parar todo aquello. 25 En aquel momento llegó uno, que les dijo:

—Los que ustedes metieron en la cárcel, están en el templo enseñando al pueblo.

26 El jefe de la guardia, junto con los guardias, fue a buscarlos; pero no los maltrataron, porque tenían miedo de ser apedreados por la gente. 27 Al llegar, los llevaron ante la Junta Suprema, y el sumo sacerdote les dijo:

28 —Nosotros les habíamos prohibido terminantemente que enseñaran nada relacionado con ese hombre. ¿Y qué han hecho ustedes? Han llenado toda Jerusalén con esas enseñanzas, y encima quieren echarnos la culpa de la muerte de ese hombre.

29 Pedro y los demás apóstoles contestaron:

—Es nuestro deber obedecer a Dios antes que a los hombres. 30 El Dios de nuestros antepasados resucitó a Jesús, el mismo a quien ustedes mataron colgándolo en una cruz. 31 Dios lo ha levantado y lo ha puesto a su derecha, y lo ha hecho Guía y Salvador, para que la nación de Israel se vuelva a Dios y reciba el perdón de sus pecados. 32 De esto somos testigos nosotros, y también lo es el Espíritu Santo, que Dios ha dado a los que le obedecen.

33 Cuando oyeron esto, se enfurecieron y quisieron matarlos. 34 Pero entre aquellas autoridades había un fariseo llamado Gamaliel, que era un maestro de la ley muy respetado por el pueblo. Éste se puso de pie y mandó que por un momento sacaran de allí a los apóstoles. 35 Luego dijo a las demás autoridades:

—Israelitas, tengan cuidado con lo que van a hacer con estos hombres. 36 Recuerden que hace algún tiempo se levantó Teudas, alegando ser un hombre importante, y unos cuatrocientos hombres lo siguieron. Pero a éste lo mataron, y sus seguidores se dispersaron, y allí se acabó todo. 37 Más tarde, en los días del censo, se levantó Judas, el de Galilea, y logró que algunos lo siguieran; pero también lo mataron, y todos sus seguidores se dispersaron. 38 En este caso, yo les aconsejo que dejen a estos hombres y que no se metan con ellos. Porque si este asunto es cosa de los hombres, pasará; 39 pero si es cosa de Dios, no podrán ustedes vencerlos. Tengan cuidado, no se vayan a encontrar luchando contra Dios.

Ellos le hicieron caso. 40 Así que llamaron a los apóstoles, los azotaron y les prohibieron seguir hablando en el nombre de Jesús; después los soltaron. 41 Los apóstoles salieron de la presencia de las autoridades muy contentos, porque Dios les había concedido el honor de sufrir injurias por causa del nombre de Jesús. 42 Todos los días enseñaban y anunciaban la buena noticia de Jesús el Mesías, tanto en el templo como por las casas.