Lying to the Holy Spirit

5 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 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. 3 aBut Peter said, “Ananias, why has bSatan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 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.”

5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, cfell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men arose and dwrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.

7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”

She said, “Yes, for so much.”

9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together eto 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 fThen 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 gSo great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

Continuing Power in the Church

12 And hthrough the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. iAnd they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. 13 Yet jnone of the rest dared join them, kbut 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, lthat 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 msick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

Imprisoned Apostles Freed

17 nThen the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with 1indignation, 18 oand laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. 19 But at night pan 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 qall the words of this life.”

21 And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. rBut the high priest and those with him came and called the 2council together, with all the 3elders 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 4outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” 24 Now when 5the high priest, sthe 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, 6saying, “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, tfor 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, vand intend to bring this Man’s wblood on us!”

29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: x“We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 yThe God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by zhanging on a tree. 31 aHim God has exalted to His right hand to be bPrince and cSavior, dto give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And ewe are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit fwhom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Gamaliel’s Advice

33 When they heard this, they were gfurious 7and plotted to kill them. 34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named hGamaliel, 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, 8take 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, 9joined 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 ibut if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found jto fight against God.”

40 And they agreed with him, and when they had kcalled for the apostles land 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, mrejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for 1His name. 42 And daily nin the temple, and in every house, othey did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.