Acts 5

Fate of Ananias and Sapphira

1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and kept back some of the *5:2 Lit priceproceeds for himself, with his wife’s *5:2 Or collusionfull knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he 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 some of the *5:3 Lit priceproceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not *5:4 Or in your authorityunder your control? Why is it that you have *5:4 Lit placedconceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God." 5 And as he heard these words, Ananias collapsed and *5:5 Lit expireddied; and great fear came over all who heard about it.6 The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.

7 Now an interval of about three hours elapsed, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter responded to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for *5:8 Lit so muchthis price?" And she said, "Yes, for *5:8 Lit so muchthat price." 9 Then Peter said to her, "Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well." 10 And immediately she collapsed at his feet and *5:10 Lit expireddied; and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard about these things.

12 * 5:12 Lit Through At the hands of the apostles many *5:12 I.e., confirming miraclessigns and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all *5:12 Or of one mindtogether in Solomon’s *5:12 Or colonnadeportico. 13 But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem. 14 And increasingly believers in the Lord, large numbers of men and women, were being added to their number,15 to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any of them. 16 The *5:16 Lit multitudepeople from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together as well, bringing people who were sick *5:16 Lit andor tormented with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed.

Imprisonment and Release

17 But the high priest stood up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. 18 They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public prison. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and leading them out, he said, 20 "Go, stand and *5:20 Or continue to speakspeak to the people in the temple area*5:20 Lit all the wordsthe whole message of this Life." 21 Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple area about daybreak and began to teach.

Now when the high priest and his associates came, they called the *5:21 Or SanhedrinCouncil together, that is, all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison for them to be brought. 22 But the officers who came did not find them in the prison; and they returned and reported, 23 saying, "We found the prison locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside." 24 Now when the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what *5:24 Lit this would becomewould come of this. 25 But someone came and reported to them, "The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple area and teaching the people!" 26 Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned).

27 When they had brought them, they had them stand *5:27 Lit amongbefore the Council. The high priest interrogated them, 28 saying, "We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and *5:28 Lit beholdyet, 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 must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you put to death by hanging Him on *5:30 Lit wood; see Deut 21:23a cross. 31 He is the One whom God exalted *5:31 Or byto His right hand as a *5:31 Or LeaderPrince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses *5:32 One early ms adds in Himof these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him."

Gamaliel’s Counsel

33 But when they heard this, they became infuriated and nearly decided to execute them. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. 35 And he said to them, "Men of Israel, be careful as to what you are about to do with these men. 36 For, some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined him. *5:36 Lit Who was killedBut he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee appeared in the days of the census and drew away some people after him; he also perished, and all those who followed him were scattered. 38 And so in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, for if the source of this plan or *5:38 Lit workmovement is men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if the source is God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God."

40 They followed his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to *5:40 Lit be speakingspeak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. 41 So they went on their way from the presence of the *5:41 Or SanhedrinCouncil, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42 And every day, in the temple and *5:42 Or in the various private homesfrom house to house, they did not stop teaching and preaching the good news of Jesus as the *5:42 I.e., MessiahChrist.