Page 156 - Quintessential Gospel of Jesus Christ 1

Peter, Ananias and Shapphira

Acts 5:1-15;

A certain man called Ananias together with his wife named Shapphira sold his
field. He took some of the money and hid it and his wife also knew of it and he
brought some of the money and placed it at the disposal of the apostles. Peter
said to him Ananias why has evil so filled your heart that you should lie to the
Holy Spirit and hide part of the money of the price of the field? Was it not your
own before you sold it? After it was sold had you not the sole authority over its
money? What made you think to do this thing? You have not only lied to men but
to God. When Ananias heard these words he fell down and died. Great fear
came upon all of those who saw these issues. The younger men among them
arose and moved his body aside. Then they took him out and buried him. Three
hours later his wife also came in not knowing what had happened. Peter said to
her tell me if you sold the field for this price? She said yes, for this price. Peter
said to her because you have been partners and lied to the Spirit of the Lord the
feet of the men who have buried your husband are at the door. They shall carry
you out also. In that very hour she fell down at their feet and died. The young
men came in and found her dead and they picked her up and carried her away
and buried her by the side of her husband. Great amazement and aw came upon
the entire congregation and upon all who heard great fear. Many miracles and
signs were wrought among the people by the apostles and they were all gathered
together in the Solomon Porch. Not one of the unbelieving Jews dared to
interfere with them. The people held them in respect. The number of those who
believed in the Lord was greatly increased by multitudes both of men and
women. Many came to them from other cities around Jerusalem, bringing the
sick and mentally afflicted. They even brought out the sick into the streets and
laid them on quilts so that when Peter should pass by his shadow might fall upon
them and they were all healed.