[CHAP. V.]
NOW a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, had sold an estate, 2and secreted a part of the price paid, his wife also being privy to the transaction, and he brought a part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3But Peter said, O Ananias! why hath Satan filled thy heart that thou shouldst lie to the Holy Ghost, and secrete something from the price of the estate? 4it remained unsold, was it not vested in thee? and when sold, was it not in thine own power? why then hast thou determined in thine heart to do this deed? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5Then Ananias, hearing those words, sunk down and expired: and great dread fell upon all who heard these things. 6Then the young men arose, and swathed him up, and carrying him out, buried him.
7Now it came to pass at the distance of about three hours, his wife also, not knowing what had passed, came in. 8And Peter addressed her, Tell me, if ye sold the estate for so much? And she said, Yes, for so much.
9Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have conspired together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? see, the feet of them who have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10Then she fell instantly at his feet, and expired: and the young men entering, found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her with her husband. 11And great awe fell on all the Church, and on all who heard these things.
12But by the hands of the apostles were many signs and miracles done among the people; (and they were all with one accord in the portico of Solomon. 13But of the rest no man had the courage to unite himself with them: though the people extolled them. 14But believers on the Lord were abundantly added to them, multitudes, both of men and women.) 15Insomuch that they carried out into the streets the sick, and laid them on beds and couches, that when Peter was coming by, if but even his shadow might pass over some of them.
16Then came together also a multitude from the neighbouring cities to Jerusalem, bringing the sick, and those who were disturbed by unclean spirits; who were healed universally.
17Then arose the high-priest, and all those who were connected with him, (which was the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with zeal, 18and laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. 19But the angel of the Lord by night opened the doors of the prison, and conducting them forth, said, 20Go, and taking your station in the temple, speak to the people all the words of this life. 21Having heard this therefore, they entered very early in the morning into the temple, and taught. But when the high-priest came, and those who were with him, they convoked the sanhedrim, and all the assembly of elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to bring them. 22But the officers, on their arrival, found them not in the prison: and returning, informed them, 23saying; The prison indeed found we fast locked with all security, and the guards standing without, before the door: but when we opened it, we found no person within.
24Now when they heard these words, both the priest and captain of the temple and the chief priests were in the utmost perplexity concerning these things, what could be the meaning of it. 25Then came a person and informed them, saying, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. 26Then went the captain, with the officers, and brought them; not forcibly, for they were afraid of the people, lest they should stone them. 27But when they had conducted them, they placed them in the sanhedrim: and the high-priest interrogated them, 28saying, Did we not lay our strict injunction upon you, that you should not teach in this name? and, lo, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and would fain bring this man’s blood upon us.
29Then Peter and the apostles answering said, We must obey God rather than men. 30The God of our fathers hath raised up Jesus, whom ye had killed, suspending him on a tree. 31Him hath God exalted at his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance unto Israel, and remission of sins. 32And we are witnesses of these things; and the Holy Ghost also, which God hath given to those who obey him.
33But when they heard this, they were cut asunder as with a saw, and took counsel how to make away with them.