Book of Common Prayer

³² And the whole number of those who believed were of one heart and of one soul. Also, none of them said that any of the things that he possessed was his own, but had all things in common. ³³ And with great power the apostles gave witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was with them all. ³⁴ Neither was there any among them that lacked, for as many as possessed lands or houses sold them, and brought the money from the things that were sold, ³⁵ and laid it down at the apostles’ feet. And distribution was made to every person according to his need. ³⁶ And Joses, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which means, son of consolation), who was a Levite of the country of Cyprus, ³⁷ had land and sold it, and laid the money down at the apostles’ feet.

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.

²⁰ And when you see Jerusalem besieged with a host, then understand that its desolation is near. ²¹ Then let the people who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are in the city get out. And let not those who are in other countries enter in. ²² For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfil all the things that are written. ²³ But woe will be to women who are with child and to those who give suck in those days, for there will be great trouble in the land, and wrath over all this people. ²⁴ And they will fall on the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden under foot by the Gentiles, until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled.

²⁵ And there will be signs in the sun and in the moon and in the stars, and in the earth the people will be in such perplexity that they will not know which way to turn. The sea and the waters will roar, ²⁶ and men’s hearts will fail them for fear, and for the dread of those things which shall come on the earth. For the powers of heaven shall move. ²⁷ And then shall they see the Son of man come in a cloud, with power and great glory. ²⁸ When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draws near.