1But a certain man named Ananias, with his wife, Sapphira, also sold a possession,
2But kept back part of the price, his wife also knowing of it, and brought a part of it, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
3Then Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4Before it was sold, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why have you conceived this scheme in your heart? You have not lied to us, but to God.”
5When Ananias heard this, he collapsed and died; and great fear came upon all that heard about it.
6Then some young men came forward, wrapped his body, and carried him out, and buried him.
7And about three hours later, his wife, Sapphira, not knowing what had happened, came in.
8And Peter said to her, “Tell me, is this the price you sold the land for?” And she said, “Yes, for that much”.
9Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you two have conspired to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and shall also carry you out”.
10Then she immediately fell at his feet and died; and the young men came in, found her dead, and, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
11And great fear gripped all the church, and all that heard what happened.
12And the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people; and they often met on what is called Solomon's Colonnade (porch) of the Temple.
13But no one else dared to join them there; even though they were highly regarded by the people.
14Nevertheless, many believers were added to the Lord, both men and women.
15As a result, people brought the sick out into the streets, and laid them on beds and mats, so that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on them.
16Crowds also came out of the towns surrounding Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and those who were vexed with unclean spirits; and every one was healed.
17Then the high priest and all those with him (who were members of the Sadducees sect), were filled with jealousy and indignation,
18And they arrested the apostles, and put them in the public jail.
19But during the night, an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, and brought them out, and said,
20“Go, stand in the temple courts, and give the people this message of life”.
21And so they went into the temple courts early in the morning, and began to teach. But when the high priest and those with him convened that morning, they called the Sanhedrin council - the full assembly of elders - and sent officers to the jail to get the apostles.
22But when the officers got to the jail, and did not find them there, they returned, and reported,
23“We found the jail securely shut, and the guards standing outside at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.”
24Now when the high priest, captain of the temple guard, and the chief priests heard this report, they were perplexed, wondering what this might lead to.
25Then someone came and said, “The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts, teaching the people.”
26Then the captain of the temple guard went with his officers, and brought the apostles, without using force; because they feared that the people might have stoned them.
27And they brought them before the Sanhedrin council; and the high priest asked them,
28“Did we not give you strict orders not to teach in this name? And, look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and are determined to bring the guilt of this Man's blood upon us.”
29Then Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God, rather than men.
30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, Whom you killed by hanging Him on a cross.
31And God has exalted Him with His Own right hand as Prince and Savior, that He might bring repentance to Israel, and forgive their sins.
32And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, Whom God has given to those who obey Him".
33When they heard that, they were furious, and wanted to kill them.
34Then one in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, held in high esteem among all the people, stood up and ordered that the apostles be removed from the council for a short period;
35And then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “You men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.
36Some time ago, a man named Theudas claimed to be somebody; and about four hundred men rallied to him; but he was slain; and all his followers dispersed, and that movement came to nothing.
37And after that, a man named Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the registration, and led away many people after him; but he, too, died, and all that followed him, also were dispersed.
38And so now I say to you, regarding this present case, leave these men alone; for if their movement is the work of men, it will fail and come to nothing;
39But if it is indeed of God, you cannot stop it, and you risk being found to be fighting against God.”
40And they agreed with his advice; and so, when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41And the apostles left the Sanhedrin council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.
42And day after day, in the temple courts, and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming that Jesus Christ is the Messiah. Easy Reader Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2023 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |
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