Acts 5

1But a man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property.

2And he kept back some of the price, with his wife also knowing it, and bringing a certain part, he laid it at the apostles’ feet.

3But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?”

4While it remained unsold, did it not remain yours? And after it was sold, was it not under your authority? Why is it that you have set this matter in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.

5But when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died. And great fear came upon all who heard.

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

7After an interval of about three hours, his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.

8But Peter answered her, “Tell me, did you sell the land for this much?” And she said, “Yes, for this much.”

9But Peter said to her, “Why did you agree together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”

10Then she immediately fell at his feet and died. When the young men came in, they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

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

12Many signs and wonders were being done among the people through the hands of the apostles, and they were all together in Solomon’s Portico.

13But none of the rest dared to join them; rather, the people held them in high esteem.

14And even more believers in the Lord were being added—multitudes of both men and women.

15so that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, so that as Peter was coming by, even his shadow might overshadow some of them.

16And even the multitude from the towns around Jerusalem was coming together, bringing the sick and those troubled by unclean spirits, and they were all being healed.

17But the high priest rose up, and all those with him—that is, the party of the Sadducees—and were filled with jealousy.

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

19But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison during the night, brought them out, and said,

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

21When they heard this, they entered the temple courts at daybreak and were teaching. But when the high priest arrived, and those with him, they called together the Sanhedrin and the whole council of the sons of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

22But when the officers arrived, they did not find them in the prison; so they returned and reported,

23saying, “We found the prison securely locked, and the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened it, we found no one inside.”

24When the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were perplexed about them, wondering what this might come to.

25But someone came and reported to them, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.”

26Then the captain went with the officers and brought them, not with force, for they were afraid of the people, lest they be stoned.

27After bringing them in, they stood them before the council, and the high priest questioned them.

28saying, “We strictly ordered you not to teach in this name, and look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.”

29But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”

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

31God exalted this one to his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.

32And we are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.

33But when they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.

34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel stood up in the council, a teacher of the law honored by all the people, and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time.

35And he said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful what you are about to do with these men.”

36For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who had been persuaded by him were scattered and came to nothing.

37After this, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away people after him. He also perished, and all who were persuaded by him were scattered.

38And now I tell you, keep away from these men and leave them alone; for if this plan or this work is from men, it will be overthrown,

39But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found to be fighting against God.” So they were persuaded by him,

40And after summoning the apostles, they beat them, ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.

41So they went on their way from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to be dishonored for the Name.

42And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.