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Ananias and Sapphira

5 But there was a man called Ananias among the group of believers. His wife was called Sapphira. Together they sold one of their fields. 2 Ananias gave part of the money that he received to the apostles. But he kept part of the money for himself. Sapphira knew all about what Ananias had done. [ a ]

3 Peter said to Ananias, ‘Ananias, Satan wanted you to tell a lie and you have obeyed him. You have told a lie to the Holy Spirit. That is a bad thing to do! You sold your field, but you did not give us all the money. You kept part of it for yourselves. [ b ] 4 Before you sold the field, it belonged to you. And after you sold the field, the money was yours. You could choose what to do with it. But you chose to do a very bad thing. You did not only tell a lie to us men. You have told a lie to God.’

5 As soon as he heard Peter say this, Ananias fell down and he died. When people heard what had happened, they were all very afraid. 6 Some young men came into the room. They put cloths around Ananias's dead body and they carried it outside. Then they buried it.

7 About three hours later, Ananias's wife, Sapphira, came into the room. She did not know what had happened to her husband. 8 Peter asked Sapphira, ‘Was this all the money that you and your husband received for your field?’ ‘Yes,’ Sapphira answered. ‘That was all the money that we received.’

9 Peter said to her, ‘It was wrong for you and your husband to do this bad thing. You agreed together to tell a lie to the Holy Spirit of the Lord God. Listen! The men who have just buried your husband are at the door again now. They will carry your body out too.’

10 Immediately, Sapphira fell down in front of Peter and she died. Then the young men came into the room. They saw that Sapphira was dead. So they carried her outside and they buried her body next to her husband. 11 The whole group of believers, and many other people, heard about what had happened to Ananias and Sapphira. They were all very afraid.

The apostles do some powerful things for the people to see

12 At that time, the apostles were doing many miracles that showed God's power among the people. All the believers often met together in the yard of the temple in a place called Solomon's porch. 13 The other people were afraid to meet with the group of believers. But people respected the believers very much. 14 More and more people became believers and they joined the group. So now many men and women believed in the Lord Jesus.

15 As a result, people carried their sick friends into the streets and put them on beds and mats. They hoped that Peter would pass that way and make their sick friends well again. They just wanted Peter's shadow to touch them. [ c ] 16 Many people also came into Jerusalem from the small towns near the city. They brought their sick friends with them. Some of those sick people had bad spirits that gave them trouble. God caused all these sick people to become well again.

The most important priest puts the apostles in prison

17 People liked the apostles very much. So the most important priest and his friends who belonged to the Sadducees' group were very jealous. 18 These important men took hold of the apostles and they put them in the city's prison. 19 But during the night, one of the Lord God's angels came and he opened the prison gates. He led the apostles out of the prison. 20 The angel said to them, ‘Go and stand in the yard of the temple. Tell the people everything about this new life that God gives.’

21 The apostles did what the angel told them to do. At dawn they went into the yard of the temple. They began to teach the people there.

Then the most important priest and his friends arrived. They told the group of Jewish leaders to meet with them. All the most important people in Israel were in that group. Then they sent their police to the prison to bring the apostles to the meeting place. 22 But when the police arrived at the prison, they did not find the apostles there. So the police returned to the Jewish leaders and they told them the news. 23 They said, ‘We arrived at the prison. We saw that the soldiers had locked the gates. They were standing at the gates and they were watching carefully. But when we opened the gates of the prison, we did not find anyone there!’ [ d ]

24 The leader of the police of the temple and the leaders of the priests heard the news. They could not understand what had happened. They were afraid of what might happen next.

25 Then a man came to the leaders. He said to them, ‘Listen! Those men that you put in the prison are now standing in the yard of the temple. They are teaching the people there.’ 26 So the leader of the police took his men with him to find the apostles. They took hold of the apostles to take them back to the Jewish leaders. But they did not hurt them because they were afraid of the people. They thought that the people might be angry. They might throw stones at them to kill them.

27 The police brought the apostles into the meeting room. They made them stand in front of the group of Jewish leaders. The most important priest said to the apostles, 28 ‘We told you that you must not teach people any more with the authority of Jesus. But now look at what you have done! Now people everywhere in Jerusalem have heard your teaching. You also want people to think that we are guilty for the death of Jesus.’

29 Peter and the other apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than obey people. 30 You fixed Jesus to a cross so that he died. But then the God of our ancestors caused him to become alive again. 31 God raised Jesus and he put him in the most important place at his right side. Jesus is now the one who leads us and the one who saves us. He has made a way for the people of Israel to turn back to God. He wants us to stop doing wrong things. Then God will forgive us for our sins. 32 We tell people about what happened to Jesus. We ourselves saw these things. Now God has given his Holy Spirit to people who obey him. The Holy Spirit also shows that these things are true.’

33 The group of Jewish leaders heard what the apostles said to them. They were so angry that they wanted to kill the apostles. 34 But one man did not agree. He was called Gamaliel and he was a Pharisee, a teacher of the Law. All the people agreed that he was a good man. Gamaliel stood up in front of the group of Jewish leaders. He told the police to take the apostles out of the room. 35 When they had gone, Gamaliel spoke to the group of leaders: ‘Men of Israel! Think carefully about what you want to do to these men. 36 Remember what happened to Theudas a few years ago. That man told everyone, “I am a very important leader.” As a result, about 400 men joined his group. But then somebody killed him, and all his men went away. Nobody heard any more about them. 37 Later, Judas from Galilee appeared at the time when the Romans were making a list of everyone's names. [ e ] Many people also came to help him fight against the Romans. But somebody killed him. His men also ran away and nothing more happened. [ f ]

38 Now think about what is happening with these men. I tell you it would be better to leave them alone. Let them go free. If their message only comes from human ideas, all their work will fail. 39 But perhaps what they are doing really does come from God himself. If that is true, then you cannot stop them. You might even find that you are fighting against God!’

40 The Jewish leaders agreed with Gamaliel. They told the apostles to come back into the room. They told the police to hit them with whips. Then they said to the apostles, ‘You must not use the authority of Jesus to teach the people.’ After that, they let the apostles go free. [ g ]

41 The apostles went away from the meeting of the Jewish leaders. They were very happy because they thought to themselves, ‘These leaders have done bad things to us because we obey Jesus. That shows that God accepts us as his people.’

42 Every day the apostles continued to teach people about Jesus. They spoke in people's homes and in the yard of the temple. All the time, they told people the good news that Jesus is God's Messiah.

Footnotes

  1. 5:2 Ananias gave his money to the apostles. Then they would give it to other believers who needed it. Ananias told the apostles that he had given them all the money. But this was not true. He had only given them part of it.
  2. 5:3 The Holy Spirit had told Peter what Ananias had done. Ananias did not need to tell him.
  3. 5:15 God's Holy Spirit caused the apostles to be powerful. They could cause sick people to become well again. In those days, people thought that shadows were powerful. And they thought that Peter's shadow would cause sick people to become well again.
  4. 5:23 The soldiers at the gates of the prison did not know that the apostles were not inside.
  5. 5:37 The Romans were making a list of all the people at the time when Jesus was born.
  6. 5:37 Judas from Galilee would not pay money to the Roman government. People joined Judas's group and they helped him. They fought the Roman soldiers. These people were called Zealots. This Judas was not the same man that Jesus chose to follow him.
  7. 5:40 Rulers used a whip to punish people who did not obey the law.

Ananias and Sapphira

5 There was a man named Ananias. His wife’s name was Sapphira. Ananias sold some land he had, 2 but he gave only part of the money to the apostles. He secretly kept some of the money for himself. His wife knew this, and she agreed with it.

3 Peter said, “Ananias, why did you let Satan fill your mind with such an idea? You kept part of the money for yourself and lied about it to the Holy Spirit! 4 Before you sold the field, it belonged to you, right? And even after you sold it, you could have used the money any way you wanted. How could you even think of doing such a thing? You lied to God, not to us!”

5-6 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. Some young men came and wrapped his body. They carried it out and buried it. And everyone who heard about this was filled with fear.

7 About three hours later his wife came in. Sapphira did not know about what had happened to her husband. 8 Peter said to her, “Tell me how much money you got for your field. Was it this much?”

Sapphira answered, “Yes, that was all we got for the field.”

9 Peter said to her, “Why did you and your husband agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! Do you hear those footsteps? The men who buried your husband are at the door. They will carry you out in the same way.” 10 At that moment Sapphira fell down by his feet and died. The young men came in and saw that she was dead. They carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 The whole church and all the other people who heard about this were filled with fear.

Proofs From God

12 The apostles were given the power to do many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. They were together in Solomon’s Porch, and they all had the same purpose. 13 None of the other people dared to stand with the apostles, but everyone was saying wonderful things about them. 14 More and more people believed in the Lord, and many men and women were added to the group of believers. 15 So the people brought those who were sick into the streets and put them on little beds and mats. They were hoping that Peter’s shadow might fall on them as he walked by. 16 People came from all the towns around Jerusalem. They brought those who were sick or troubled by evil spirits. All of them were healed.

The Apostles Are Arrested

17 The high priest and all his friends, a group called the Sadducees, became very jealous. 18 They grabbed the apostles and put them in jail. 19 But during the night, an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail. The angel led the apostles outside and said, 20 “Go and stand in the Temple area. Tell the people everything about this new life.” 21 When the apostles heard this, they did what they were told. They went into the Temple area about sunrise and began to teach the people.

The high priest and his friends came together and called a meeting of the high council and all the older Jewish leaders. They sent some men to the jail to bring the apostles to them. 22 When the men went to the jail, they could not find the apostles there. So they went back and told the Jewish leaders about this. 23 They said, “The jail was closed and locked. The guards were standing at the doors. But when we opened the doors, the jail was empty!” 24 The captain of the Temple guards and the leading priests heard this. They were confused and wondered what it all meant.

25 Then another man came and told them, “Listen! The men you put in jail are standing in the Temple area teaching the people.” 26 The captain and his men went out and brought the apostles back. But the soldiers did not use force, because they were afraid of the people. They were afraid the people would stone them to death.

27 The soldiers brought the apostles in and made them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them. 28 He said, “We told you never again to teach using that name. [ a ] But look at what you have done! You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching. And you are trying to blame us for his death.”

29 Peter and the other apostles answered, “We must obey God, not you! 30 You killed Jesus by nailing him to a cross. But God, the same God our fathers had, raised Jesus up from death. 31 Jesus is the one God honored by giving him a place at his right side. He made him our Leader and Savior. God did this to give all the people of Israel the opportunity to change and turn to God to have their sins forgiven. 32 We saw all these things happen, and we can say that they are true. The Holy Spirit also shows that these things are true. God has given this Spirit to all those who obey him.”

33 When the council members heard this, they became very angry. They began to plan a way to kill the apostles. 34 But one member of the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, stood up. He was a teacher of the law, and all the people respected him. He told the men to make the apostles leave the meeting for a few minutes. 35 Then he said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful of what you are planning to do to these men. 36 Remember when Theudas appeared? He said he was an important man, and about 400 men joined him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were scattered and ran away. They were not able to do anything. 37 Later, during the time of the census, a man named Judas came from Galilee. Many people joined his group, but he was also killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 And so now I tell you, stay away from these men. Leave them alone. If their plan is something they thought up, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You might even be fighting against God himself!”

The Jewish leaders agreed with what Gamaliel said. 40 They called the apostles in again. They beat them and told them not to speak anymore using the name of Jesus. Then they let them go free. 41 The apostles left the council meeting. They were happy because they were given the honor of suffering dishonor for Jesus. 42 The apostles did not stop teaching the people. They continued to tell the Good News—that Jesus is the Messiah. They did this every day in the Temple area and in people’s homes.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 5:28 that name That is, Jesus’ name. The Jewish leaders avoided saying his name. See Acts 4:17, 18.

5 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

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

7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

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

13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

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

15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,

18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

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

21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

22 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told,

23 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Fate of Ananias and Sapphira

5 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and ( A ) kept back some of the [ a ] proceeds for himself, with his wife’s [ b ] full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he ( B ) laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has ( C ) Satan filled your heart to lie ( D ) to the Holy Spirit and to ( E ) keep back some of the [ c ] proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold , did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not [ d ] under your control? Why is it that you have [ e ] conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but ( F ) to God.” 5 And as he heard these words, Ananias ( G ) collapsed and [ f ] died; and ( H ) great fear came over all who heard about it . 6 The young men got up and ( I ) covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.

7 Now an interval of about three hours elapsed, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land ( J ) for [ g ] this price?” And she said, “Yes, for [ h ] that price.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to ( K ) put ( L ) the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well .” 10 And immediately she ( M ) collapsed at his feet and [ i ] died; and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And ( N ) great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard about these things.

12 [ j ] At the hands of the apostles many [ k ] ( O ) signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all [ l ] together in ( P ) Solomon’s [ m ] portico. 13 But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, ( Q ) the people held them in high esteem. 14 And increasingly ( R ) believers in the Lord, large numbers of men and women, were being ( S ) added to their number , 15 to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by ( T ) at least his shadow might fall on any of them. 16 The [ n ] people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together as well, bringing people who were sick [ o ] or tormented with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed.

Imprisonment and Release

17 But the high priest stood up, along with all his associates (that is ( U ) the sect of ( V ) the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. 18 They laid hands on the apostles and ( W ) put them in a public prison. 19 But during the night ( X ) an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and leading them out, he said, 20 “Go, stand and [ p ] speak to the people in the temple area [ q ] ( Y ) the whole message of this Life.” 21 Upon hearing this , they entered into the temple area ( Z ) about daybreak and began to teach.

Now when ( AA ) the high priest and his associates came, they called ( AB ) the [ r ] Council together, that is, all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison for them to be brought. 22 But ( AC ) the officers who came did not find them in the prison; and they returned and reported, 23 saying, “We found the prison locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them , we found no one inside.” 24 Now when ( AD ) the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what [ s ] would come of this. 25 But someone came and reported to them, “The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple area and teaching the people!” 26 Then ( AE ) the captain went along with ( AF ) the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for ( AG ) they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned).

27 When they had brought them, they had them stand [ t ] before ( AH ) the Council. The high priest interrogated them, 28 saying, “We gave you ( AI ) strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and [ u ] yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and ( AJ ) intend to bring this Man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “ ( AK ) We must obey God rather than men. 30 ( AL ) The God of our fathers ( AM ) raised up Jesus, whom you ( AN ) put to death by hanging Him on [ v ] ( AO ) a cross. 31 ( AP ) He is the one whom God exalted [ w ] to His right hand as a [ x ] ( AQ ) Prince and a ( AR ) Savior, to grant ( AS ) repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are ( AT ) witnesses [ y ] of these things; and ( AU ) so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Gamaliel’s Counsel

33 But when they heard this , they became ( AV ) infuriated and nearly decided to execute them. 34 But a Pharisee named ( AW ) Gamaliel, a ( AX ) teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in ( AY ) the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful as to what you are about to do with these men. 36 For, some time ago Theudas appeared, ( AZ ) claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined him. [ z ] But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee appeared in the days of ( BA ) the census and drew away some people after him; he also perished, and all those who followed him were scattered. 38 And so in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, for if the source of this plan or [ aa ] movement ( BB ) is men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if the source is God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found ( BC ) fighting against God.”

40 They followed his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they ( BD ) flogged them and ordered them not to [ ab ] speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. 41 So they went on their way from the presence of the [ ac ] ( BE ) Council, ( BF ) rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame ( BG ) for His name. 42 ( BH ) And every day, in the temple and [ ad ] from house to house, they did not stop teaching and ( BI ) preaching the good news of Jesus as the [ ae ] Christ.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 5:2 Lit price
  2. Acts 5:2 Or collusion
  3. Acts 5:3 Lit price
  4. Acts 5:4 Or in your authority
  5. Acts 5:4 Lit placed
  6. Acts 5:5 Lit expired
  7. Acts 5:8 Lit so much
  8. Acts 5:8 Lit so much
  9. Acts 5:10 Lit expired
  10. Acts 5:12 Lit Through
  11. Acts 5:12 I.e., confirming miracles
  12. Acts 5:12 Or of one mind
  13. Acts 5:12 Or colonnade
  14. Acts 5:16 Lit multitude
  15. Acts 5:16 Lit and
  16. Acts 5:20 Or continue to speak
  17. Acts 5:20 Lit all the words
  18. Acts 5:21 Or Sanhedrin
  19. Acts 5:24 Lit this would become
  20. Acts 5:27 Lit among
  21. Acts 5:28 Lit behold
  22. Acts 5:30 Lit wood ; see Deut 21:23
  23. Acts 5:31 Or by
  24. Acts 5:31 Or Leader
  25. Acts 5:32 One early ms adds in Him
  26. Acts 5:36 Lit Who was killed
  27. Acts 5:38 Lit work
  28. Acts 5:40 Lit be speaking
  29. Acts 5:41 Or Sanhedrin
  30. Acts 5:42 Or in the various private homes
  31. Acts 5:42 I.e., Messiah

Ananias and Sapphira

5 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, ( A ) but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. ( B )

3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan ( C ) has so filled your heart ( D ) that you have lied to the Holy Spirit ( E ) and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? ( F ) 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? ( G ) What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” ( H )

5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. ( I ) And great fear ( J ) seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, ( K ) and carried him out and buried him.

7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”

“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” ( L )

9 Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? ( M ) Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. ( N ) Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. ( O ) 11 Great fear ( P ) seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

The Apostles Heal Many

12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders ( Q ) among the people. And all the believers used to meet together ( R ) in Solomon’s Colonnade. ( S ) 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. ( T ) 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. ( U ) 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. ( V ) 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed. ( W )

The Apostles Persecuted

17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party ( X ) of the Sadducees, ( Y ) were filled with jealousy. 18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. ( Z ) 19 But during the night an angel ( AA ) of the Lord opened the doors of the jail ( AB ) and brought them out. ( AC ) 20 “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” ( AD )

21 At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.

When the high priest and his associates ( AE ) arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin ( AF ) —the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. 22 But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. ( AG ) So they went back and reported, 23 “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” 24 On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests ( AH ) were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to.

25 Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” 26 At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people ( AI ) would stone them.

27 The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin ( AJ ) to be questioned by the high priest. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” ( AK ) he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” ( AL )

29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! ( AM ) 30 The God of our ancestors ( AN ) raised Jesus from the dead ( AO ) —whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. ( AP ) 31 God exalted him to his own right hand ( AQ ) as Prince and Savior ( AR ) that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. ( AS ) 32 We are witnesses of these things, ( AT ) and so is the Holy Spirit, ( AU ) whom God has given to those who obey him.”

33 When they heard this, they were furious ( AV ) and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, ( AW ) a teacher of the law, ( AX ) who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census ( AY ) and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. ( AZ ) 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” ( BA )

40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. ( BB ) Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing ( BC ) because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. ( BD ) 42 Day after day, in the temple courts ( BE ) and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news ( BF ) that Jesus is the Messiah. ( BG )

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