Ananias and Sapphira

1. Now a man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.
2. And he kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
3. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4. While it remained, was it not yours? And after it was sold, was it not in your own power? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God.”
5. And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the spirit. And great fear came upon all who heard these things.
6. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
7. And after about three hours, his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in.
8. And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for such a price?” And she said, “Yes, that much.”
9. Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test 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. And immediately she fell down at his feet and gave up the spirit. And the young men came in, and finding her dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
11. And great fear came upon the whole assembly and upon all who heard these things.

Signs and Wonders by the Apostles

12. And by the hands of the apostles, many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.
13. And of the rest no one dared to join them, but the people magnified them.
14. And more and more believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of men and women.
15. So that they even brought the sick out into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
16. And also a multitude came from the cities around Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those troubled with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

The Apostles Are Persecuted

17. Then the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy.
18. And they laid hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison.
19. But during the night, an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, and bringing them out, said,
20. “Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.”
21. And when they heard, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the chief priests and the elders came, and they called the council together, and all the scribes of the people, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
22. But the officers who went did not find them in the prison. And they returned and reported,
23. “Indeed, we found the prison shut with all safety, and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened, we found no one inside.”
24. And when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, what this would come to.
25. And someone came and reported to them, “Behold, 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, not with violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.

Peter’s Defence Before the Council

27. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them,
28. saying, “Did we not strictly command you that you should not teach in this name? And behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.”
29. But Peter and the apostles answered, “We ought to obey God rather than men.
30. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging Him on a tree.
31. Him God has exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
32. And we are witnesses of these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

The Apostles Are Beaten and Released

33. Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they took counsel to put them to death.
34. Then one in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, commanded to put the men outside for a short time.
35. And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men.
36. For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined. He was killed, 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 people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed.
38. Therefore, in the present case, I say to you, refrain from these men, and let them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of men, it will come to nothing.
39. But if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it, lest you even be found fighting against God.” And they agreed with him.
40. And having called the apostles, they flogged them and commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

The Apostles Continue to Preach

41. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
42. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.