Acts:5

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* But a certain man named Ananias , with Sapphira his wife , sold a possession . * 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 . * But Peter said , "Ananias , why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself ? * 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 ." * Then Ananias , hearing these words , fell down and breathed his last . So great fear came upon all those who heard these things . * And the young men arose and wrapped him up , carried him out , and buried him . * Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in , not knowing what had happened . * And Peter answered her , "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much ?" She said , "Yes , for so much ." * Then Peter said to her , "How is it that you have agreed together to 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 ." * Then 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 . * So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things . * And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people . And they were all with one accord in Solomon 's Porch . * Yet none of the rest dared join them , but the people esteemed them highly . * And believers were increasingly added to the Lord , multitudes of both men and women , * so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches , that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them . * Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem , bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits , and they were all healed . * Then the high priest rose up , and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees ), and they were filled with indignation , * and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison . * But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out , and said , * "Go , stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life ." * And when they heard that , they entered the temple early in the morning and taught . But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together , with all the elders of the children of Israel , and sent to the prison to have them brought . * But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison , they returned and reported , * saying , "Indeed we found the prison shut securely , and the guards standing outside before the doors ; but when we opened them , we found no one inside !" * Now when the high priest , the captain of the temple , and the chief priests heard these things , they wondered what the outcome would be . * So one came and told them , saying , "Look , the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people !" * Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence , for they feared the people , lest they should be stoned . * And when they had brought them , they set them before the council . And the high priest asked them , * saying , "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name ? And look , you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine , and intend to bring this Man 's blood on us !" * But Peter and the other apostles answered and said : "We ought to obey God rather than men . * The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree . * Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior , to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins . * And we are His witnesses to these things , and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him ." * When they heard this , they were furious and plotted to kill them . * Then one in the council stood up , a Pharisee named Gamaliel , a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people , and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while . * And he said to them : "Men of Israel , take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men . * For some time ago Theudas rose up , claiming to be somebody . A number of men , about four hundred , joined him . He was slain , and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing . * 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 . * 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 ; * but if it is of God , you cannot overthrow it--lest you even be found to fight against God ." * And they agreed with him , and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them , they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus , and let them go . * So they departed from the presence of the council , rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name . * And daily in the temple , and in every house , they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ .

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