Ananias and Sapphira

1-2 But a man named Ananias—his wife, Sapphira, conniving in this with him—sold a piece of land, secretly kept part of the price for himself, and then brought the rest to the apostles and made an offering of it.

3-4 Peter said, “Ananias, how did Satan get you to lie to the Holy Spirit and secretly keep back part of the price of the field? Before you sold it, it was all yours, and after you sold it, the money was yours to do with as you wished. So what got into you to pull a trick like this? You didn’t lie to men but to God.”

5-6 Ananias, when he heard those words, fell down dead. That put the fear of God into everyone who heard of it. The younger men went right to work and wrapped him up, then carried him out and buried him.

7-8 Not more than three hours later, his wife, knowing nothing of what had happened, came in. Peter said, “Tell me, were you given this price for your field?”

“Yes,” she said, “that price.”

9-10 Peter responded, “What’s going on here that you connived to conspire against the Spirit of the Master? The men who buried your husband are at the door, and you’re next.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than she also fell down, dead. When the young men returned they found her body. They carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

11 By this time the whole church and, in fact, everyone who heard of these things had a healthy respect for God. They knew God was not to be trifled with.

They All Met Regularly

12-16 Through the work of the apostles, many God-signs were set up among the people, many wonderful things done. They all met regularly and in remarkable harmony on the Temple porch named after Solomon. But even though people admired them a lot, outsiders were wary about joining them. On the other hand, those who put their trust in the Master were added right and left, men and women both. They even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on stretchers and bedrolls, hoping they would be touched by Peter’s shadow when he walked by. They came from the villages surrounding Jerusalem, throngs of them, bringing the sick and bedeviled. And they all were healed.

To Obey God Rather than Men

17-20 Provoked mightily by all this, the Chief Priest and those on his side, mainly the sect of Sadducees, went into action, arrested the apostles and put them in the town jail. But during the night an angel of God opened the jailhouse door and led them out. He said, “Go to the Temple and take your stand. Tell the people everything there is to say about this Life.”

Promptly obedient, they entered the Temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching.

21-23 Meanwhile, the Chief Priest and his cronies convened the High Council, Israel’s senate, and sent to the jail to have the prisoners brought in. When the police got there, they couldn’t find them anywhere in the jail. They went back and reported, “We found the jail locked tight as a drum and the guards posted at the doors, but when we went inside we didn’t find a soul.”

24 The chief of the Temple police and the high priests were puzzled. “What’s going on here anyway?”

25-26 Just then someone showed up and said, “Did you know that the men you put in jail are back in the Temple teaching the people?” The chief and his police went and got them, but they handled them gently, fearful that the people would riot and turn on them.

27-28 Bringing them back, they stood them before the High Council. The Chief Priest said, “Didn’t we give you strict orders not to teach in Jesus’ name? And here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are trying your best to blame us for the death of this man.”

29-32 Peter and the apostles answered, “It’s necessary to obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross. God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven. And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail.”

33-37 When they heard that, they were furious and wanted to kill them on the spot. But one of the council members stood up, a Pharisee by the name of Gamaliel, a teacher of God’s Law who was honored by everyone. He ordered the men taken out of the room for a short time, then said, “Fellow Israelites, be careful what you do to these men. Not long ago Theudas made something of a splash, claiming to be somebody, and got about four hundred men to join him. He was killed, his followers dispersed, and nothing came of it. A little later, at the time of the census, Judas the Galilean appeared and acquired a following. He also fizzled out and the people following him were scattered to the four winds.

38-39 “So I am telling you: Hands off these men! Let them alone. If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart, but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it—and you better not be found fighting against God!”

40-42 That convinced them. They called the apostles back in. After giving them a thorough whipping, they warned them not to speak in Jesus’ name and sent them off. The apostles went out of the High Council overjoyed because they had been given the honor of being dishonored on account of the Name. Every day they were in the Temple and homes, teaching and preaching Christ Jesus, not letting up for a minute.

Ananias and Sapphira

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife's knowledge (A)he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and (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 (E)to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but (F)to God.” When Ananias heard these words, he (G)fell down and breathed his last. And (H)great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men rose and (I)wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.

After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you[a] sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together (J)to test (K)the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And (L)great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

Many Signs and Wonders Done

12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people (M)by the hands of the apostles. And they were all (N)together in (O)Solomon's Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but (P)the people held them in high esteem. 14 And (Q)more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 (R)so that they even (S)carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by (T)at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, (U)bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

The Apostles Arrested and Freed

17 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of (V)the Sadducees), and filled with (W)jealousy 18 they arrested the apostles and (X)put them in the public prison. 19 But during the night (Y)an angel of the Lord (Z)opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all (AA)the words of (AB)this (AC)Life.” 21 And when they heard this, (AD)they entered the temple (AE)at daybreak and began to teach.

Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” 24 Now when (AF)the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. 25 And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison (AG)are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” 26 Then (AH)the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for (AI)they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, (AJ)“We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you (AK)intend to bring this man's blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, (AL)“We must obey God rather than men. 30 (AM)The God of our fathers (AN)raised Jesus, (AO)whom you killed by hanging him on (AP)a tree. 31 God exalted (AQ)him at his right hand as (AR)Leader and (AS)Savior, (AT)to give (AU)repentance to Israel and (AV)forgiveness of sins. 32 And (AW)we are witnesses to these things, and (AX)so is the Holy Spirit, (AY)whom God has given to those who obey him.”

33 When they heard this, they (AZ)were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named (BA)Gamaliel, (BB)a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For (BC)before these days Theudas rose up, (BD)claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of (BE)the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for (BF)if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but (BG)if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You (BH)might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40 and (BI)when they had called in the apostles, (BJ)they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, (BK)rejoicing that they were counted worthy (BL)to suffer dishonor for (BM)the name. 42 And every day, (BN)in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and (BO)preaching (BP)that the Christ is Jesus.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 5:8 The Greek for you is plural here

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

Castigo de Ananías y Safira

Pero cierto hombre llamado Ananías, con Safira su mujer, vendió una propiedad, y se quedó con parte del precio(A), sabiéndolo también su[a] mujer; y trayendo la otra[b] parte, la puso a los pies de los apóstoles(B). Mas Pedro dijo: Ananías, ¿por qué ha llenado Satanás(C) tu corazón para mentir al Espíritu Santo(D), y quedarte con parte del precio(E) del terreno? Mientras estaba sin venderse, ¿no te pertenecía? Y después de vendida, ¿no estaba bajo tu poder? ¿Por qué concebiste[c] este asunto en tu corazón? No has mentido a los hombres sino a Dios(F). Al oír Ananías estas palabras, cayó y expiró(G); y vino un gran temor sobre todos los que lo supieron[d](H). Y los jóvenes[e] se levantaron y lo cubrieron(I), y sacándolo, le dieron sepultura.

Después de un lapso como de tres horas entró su mujer, no sabiendo lo que había sucedido. Y Pedro le preguntó[f]: Dime, ¿vendisteis el terreno en tanto? Y ella dijo: Sí, ese fue el precio[g](J). Entonces Pedro le dijo: ¿Por qué os pusisteis de acuerdo para poner a prueba(K) al Espíritu del Señor(L)? Mira, los pies de los que sepultaron a tu marido están a la puerta, y te sacarán también a ti. 10 Al instante ella cayó a los pies de él, y expiró(M). Al entrar los jóvenes, la hallaron muerta, y la sacaron y le dieron sepultura junto a su marido. 11 Y vino un gran temor sobre toda la iglesia, y sobre todos los que supieron[h] estas cosas(N).

Muchas señales y prodigios

12 Por mano de los apóstoles se realizaban muchas señales[i] y prodigios(O) entre el pueblo; y estaban todos unánimes en el pórtico de Salomón(P). 13 Pero ninguno de los demás se atrevía a juntarse con ellos; sin embargo, el pueblo los tenía en gran estima(Q). 14 Y más y más creyentes(R) en el Señor, multitud de hombres y de mujeres, se añadían constantemente al número de ellos(S), 15 a tal punto que aun sacaban los enfermos a las calles y los tendían en lechos y camillas, para que al pasar Pedro, siquiera su sombra cayera sobre alguno de ellos(T). 16 También la gente[j] de las ciudades en los alrededores de Jerusalén acudía trayendo enfermos y atormentados por espíritus inmundos, y[k] todos eran sanados.

En la cárcel y libres otra vez

17 Pero levantándose el sumo sacerdote, y todos los que estaban con él (es decir, la secta(U) de los saduceos(V)), se llenaron de celo, 18 y echaron mano a los apóstoles y los pusieron en una cárcel pública(W). 19 Pero un ángel del Señor(X), durante la noche, abrió las puertas de la cárcel, y sacándolos, dijo: 20 Id, y puestos de pie en el templo, hablad[l] al pueblo todo el mensaje[m](Y) de esta Vida. 21 Habiendo oído esto, entraron al amanecer en el templo y enseñaban(Z). Cuando llegaron el sumo sacerdote(AA) y los que estaban con él, convocaron al concilio[n](AB), es decir[o], a todo el senado de los hijos de Israel, y enviaron órdenes a la cárcel para que los trajeran. 22 Pero los alguaciles(AC) que fueron no los encontraron en la cárcel; volvieron, pues, e informaron, 23 diciendo: Encontramos la cárcel cerrada con toda seguridad y los guardias de pie a las puertas; pero cuando abrimos, a nadie hallamos dentro. 24 Cuando oyeron estas palabras, el capitán de la guardia del templo(AD) y los principales sacerdotes se quedaron muy perplejos a causa de ellos, pensando en qué terminaría aquello[p]. 25 Pero alguien se presentó y les informó: Mirad, los hombres que pusisteis en la cárcel están en el templo enseñando al pueblo. 26 Entonces el capitán(AE) fue con los alguaciles(AF) y los trajo sin violencia (porque temían(AG) al pueblo, no fuera que los apedrearan). 27 Cuando los trajeron, los pusieron ante[q] el concilio[r](AH), y el sumo sacerdote los interrogó, 28 diciendo: Os dimos órdenes estrictas de no continuar enseñando en este nombre(AI), y he aquí, habéis llenado a Jerusalén con vuestras enseñanzas, y queréis traer sobre nosotros la sangre de este hombre(AJ). 29 Mas respondiendo Pedro y los apóstoles, dijeron: Debemos obedecer a Dios antes que a los hombres(AK). 30 El Dios de nuestros padres(AL) resucitó a Jesús(AM), a quien vosotros habíais matado[s] colgándole en una cruz[t](AN). 31 A este Dios exaltó a[u] su diestra(AO) como Príncipe[v](AP) y Salvador(AQ), para dar arrepentimiento a Israel, y perdón de pecados(AR). 32 Y nosotros somos testigos[w] de estas cosas(AS); y también el Espíritu Santo(AT), el cual Dios ha dado a los que le obedecen.

El consejo de Gamaliel

33 Cuando ellos oyeron esto, se sintieron profundamente ofendidos[x](AU) y querían matarlos. 34 Pero cierto fariseo llamado Gamaliel(AV), maestro(AW) de la ley, respetado por todo el pueblo, se levantó en el concilio[y](AX) y ordenó que sacaran fuera a los hombres por un momento. 35 Y les dijo: Varones de Israel, tened cuidado de lo que vais a hacer con estos hombres. 36 Porque hace algún tiempo Teudas se levantó pretendiendo ser alguien(AY); y un grupo como de cuatrocientos hombres se unió a él. Y[z] fue muerto, y todos los que lo seguían[aa] fueron dispersos y reducidos a nada. 37 Después de él, se levantó Judas de Galilea en los días del censo(AZ), y llevó mucha gente tras sí; él también pereció, y todos los que lo seguían[ab] se dispersaron. 38 Por tanto, en este caso os digo: no tengáis nada que ver con[ac] estos hombres y dejadlos en paz, porque si este plan o acción[ad] es de los hombres(BA), perecerá; 39 pero si es de Dios, no podréis destruirlos; no sea que os halléis luchando contra Dios(BB). 40 Ellos aceptaron su consejo[ae], y después de llamar a los apóstoles, los azotaron(BC) y les ordenaron que no hablaran en el nombre de Jesús y los soltaron. 41 Ellos, pues, salieron de la presencia del concilio[af](BD), regocijándose de que hubieran sido tenidos por dignos de padecer afrenta por su Nombre[ag](BE). 42 Y todos los días, en el templo y de casa en casa[ah](BF), no cesaban de enseñar y predicar a[ai] Jesús(BG) como el Cristo[aj].

Footnotes

  1. Hechos 5:2 O, con la complicidad de su
  2. Hechos 5:2 Lit., cierta
  3. Hechos 5:4 O, pusiste
  4. Hechos 5:5 Lit., oyeron
  5. Hechos 5:6 Lit., más jóvenes
  6. Hechos 5:8 Lit., respondió
  7. Hechos 5:8 Lit., en tanto
  8. Hechos 5:11 Lit., oyeron
  9. Hechos 5:12 O, milagros
  10. Hechos 5:16 Lit., multitud
  11. Hechos 5:16 Lit., los cuales
  12. Hechos 5:20 O, continuad hablando
  13. Hechos 5:20 Lit., todas las palabras
  14. Hechos 5:21 O, Sanedrín
  15. Hechos 5:21 Lit., y
  16. Hechos 5:24 Lit., qué llegaría a ser esto
  17. Hechos 5:27 Lit., en
  18. Hechos 5:27 O, Sanedrín
  19. Hechos 5:30 O, sobre quien habíais puesto manos violentas
  20. Hechos 5:30 Lit., un madero
  21. Hechos 5:31 O, con
  22. Hechos 5:31 O, Líder
  23. Hechos 5:32 Algunos mss. agregan: en Él, o, suyos
  24. Hechos 5:33 Lit., aserrados
  25. Hechos 5:34 O, Sanedrín
  26. Hechos 5:36 Lit., Quien
  27. Hechos 5:36 Lit., obedecían
  28. Hechos 5:37 Lit., obedecían
  29. Hechos 5:38 O, alejaos de
  30. Hechos 5:38 U, obra
  31. Hechos 5:40 Lit., fueron persuadidos por él
  32. Hechos 5:41 O, Sanedrín
  33. Hechos 5:41 Lit., el nombre (por excelencia)
  34. Hechos 5:42 O, en diferentes casas particulares
  35. Hechos 5:42 O, anunciar el evangelio de
  36. Hechos 5:42 I.e., el Mesías