Part 263 (1/2)

And they called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, ”Whether it is right in the sight of G.o.d to hearken unto you rather than unto G.o.d, judge ye: for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard.”

And they, when they had further threatened them, let them go, not finding how they might punish them, because {334} of the people; for all men glorified G.o.d for that which was done. For the man was more than forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was wrought.

And being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said unto them. And they, when they heard it, lifted up their voice to G.o.d with one accord, and said, ”O Lord, thou that didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is: who by the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David thy servant, didst say,--

'Why did the Gentiles rage, And the peoples imagine vain things?

The kings of the earth set themselves in array, And the rulers were gathered together, Against the Lord, and against his Anointed:'

for of a truth in this city against thy holy Servant Jesus, whom thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together, to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel foreordained to come to pa.s.s. And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness, while thou stretchest forth thy hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of thy holy Servant Jesus.”

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of G.o.d with boldness.

{335}

III

ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA

_A Lie and its Consequences_.

(The people began to have such an enthusiasm for the new faith, that many of them sold their property, gave the money to the apostles, and all lived together, like one great family. This custom was not altogether wise, and it did not prevail long. While it lasted, disaster came to two people. Ananias and Sapphira had become disciples of the new faith, and, like others, sold their property, but they kept back part, and tried to make the apostles believe that they had given all. The sin lay, not in keeping their property, for no one was required to give it up, but in the deceit.)

And the mult.i.tude of them that believed were of one heart and soul: and not one of them said that anything of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles their witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. For neither was there among them any that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto each, according as anyone had need.

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also knowing about it, and brought a certain part, {336} and laid it at the apostles' feet.

But Peter said, ”Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? While it remained, did it not remain thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thy power? How is it that thou hast conceived this thing in thy heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto G.o.d.”

And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up his spirit: and great fear came upon all that heard it. And the young men arose and wrapped him round, and they carried him out and buried him.

And it was about the s.p.a.ce of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter said unto her, ”Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much.”

And she said, ”Yea, for so much.”

But 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 they shall carry thee out.”

And she fell down immediately at his feet, and gave up her spirit: and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all that heard these things.

{337}{338}

[Ill.u.s.tration]

ST. STEPHEN'S GATE, JERUSALEM.

LOOKING IN TOWARD THE CITY.

From a photograph belonging to Prof. H. G. Mitch.e.l.l, and used by his kind permission [End ill.u.s.tration]

{339}

IV