Study Desk

And the ^(F1)congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them ^(F2)claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but ^(C1)all things were common property to them.

And ^(C1)with great power the apostles were giving ^(C2)testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.

For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses ^(C1)would sell them and bring the ^(F1)proceeds of the sales

and ^(C1)lay them at the apostles' feet, and they would be ^(C2)distributed to each to the extent that any had need.

Now Joseph, a Levite of ^(C1)Cyprian birth, who was also called ^(C2)Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of ^(F1)(C3)Encouragement),

^(F1)owned a tract of land. So he sold it, and brought the money and ^(C1)laid it at the apostles' feet.

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,

and ^(C1)kept back some of the ^(F1)proceeds for himself, with his wife's ^(F2)full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he ^(C2)laid it at the apostles' feet.

But Peter said, "Ananias, why has ^(C1)Satan filled your heart to lie ^(C2)to the Holy Spirit and to ^(C3)keep back some of the ^(F1)proceeds of the land?

"While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not ^(F1)under your control? Why is it that you have ^(F2)conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but ^(C1)to God."

And as he heard these words, Ananias ^(C1)collapsed and ^(F1)died; and ^(C2)great fear came over all who heard about it.

The young men got up and ^(C1)covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.

Now an interval of about three hours elapsed, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.

And Peter responded to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land ^(C1)for ^(F1)this price?" And she said, "Yes, for ^(F1)that price."

Then Peter said to her, "Why is it that you have agreed together to ^(C1)put ^(C2)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."

And immediately she ^(C1)collapsed at his feet and ^(F1)died; and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

And ^(C1)great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard about these things.