Acts 5

1. Now a certain man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a possession,

2. And kept back part of the price for himself, his wife also being aware of it; and he brought a certain portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

3. But Peter said, “Ananias, why did Satan fill your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the price of the estate?

4. Before it was sold, was it not yours? And after you sold it, was it not in your own authority? Why did you contrive this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God.”

5. And when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and expired; and great fear came upon all those who heard these things.

6. Then the young men wound him up, and carried him out and buried him.

7. Now it came to pass about three hours later that his wife also came in, not knowing what had taken place.

8. And Peter said to her, “Tell me if you sold the estate for so much?” And she said, “Yes, for so much.”

9. Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and they shall carry you out.”

10. And she immediately fell down at his feet and expired. And the young men came in and found her dead; and they carried her out and buried her by her husband.

11. Then great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all who heard these things.

12. And many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch;

13. And none of the others dared to join them, but the people magnified them;

14. And believers were added all the more to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,)

15. Insomuch that the people were bringing out the sick into the streets and putting them on beds and stretchers, so that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

16. And a multitude from the cities round about also came together to Jerusalem, bringing sick ones and those beset by unclean spirits; and they were all healed.

17. Then the high priest rose up, and all those with him, being of the sect of the Sadducees; and they were filled with anger.

18. And they laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the public hold.

19. But during the night an angel of the Lord came and opened the doors of the prison; and after bringing them out, he said,

20. “Go and stand in the temple, and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

21. And after hearing that, they entered into the temple at dawn and taught. Now when the high priest and those with him came, they called together the Sanhedrin and all the elderhood of the sons 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; and when they returned, they reported,

23. Saying, “We indeed found the prison locked with all security, and the keepers standing outside in front of the doors; but after opening them, we did not find anyone inside.”

24. And when they heard these words, both the high priest and the captain of the temple, and the chief priests also, were utterly perplexed as to what this could lead to.

25. But a certain one came and reported to them, saying, “Behold, the men whom you put in the prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.”

26. Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, so that they might not be stoned; for they feared the people.

27. And they brought them in and set them before the Sanhedrin. And the high priest asked them,

28. Saying, “Did we not order you by a direct command not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, with the purpose of bringing this man’s blood upon us.”

29. But Peter and the apostles answered and said, “We are obligated to obey God rather than men.

30. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus Whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree.

31. Him has God exalted by His right hand to be a Prince and Savior, to give repentance and remission of sins to Israel.

32. And we are His witnesses of these things, as is also the Holy Spirit, which God has given to those who obey Him.”

33. Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and took counsel to put them to death.

34. But a certain man stood up, a Pharisee in the Sanhedrin, Gamaliel by name, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, and commanded that the apostles be put out for a short while.

35. And he said to them, “Men, Israelites, give careful thought to what you are about to do concerning these men.

36. For before these days there rose up Theudas, proclaiming that he himself was somebody, to whom a number of men were joined, about four hundred; but he was put to death, and all those who had been persuaded by him were dispersed and came to nothing.

37. After this one, in the days of the registration, Judas the Galilean rose up and drew away many people after him; but he perished, and all who had been persuaded by him were scattered.

38. And now I say to you, withdraw from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel or this work be from men, it will be overthrown;

39. But if it be from God, you do not have the power to overthrow it. Take heed, lest you be found to be fighting even against God.”

40. And they were persuaded by him; and they called in the apostles and, after beating them, commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus; and they released them.

41. Then they departed from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were accounted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

42. And every day, in the temple and in the houses, they did not cease teaching and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.