Part 725 (1/2)

4:20. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

4:21. But they, threatening, sent them away, not finding how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified what had been done, in that which had come to pa.s.s.

4:22. For the man was above forty years old, in whom that miraculous cure had been wrought.

4:23. And being let go, they came to their own company and related all that the chief priests and ancients had said to them.

4:24. Who having heard it, with one accord lifted up their voice to G.o.d and said: Lord, thou art he that didst make heaven and earth, the sea and all things that are in them.

4:25. Who, by the Holy Ghost, by the mouth of our father David, thy servant, hast said: Why did the Gentiles rage: and the people meditate vain things?

4:26. The kings of the earth stood up: and the princes a.s.sembled together against the Lord and his Christ.

4:27. For of a truth there a.s.sembled together in this city against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel,

4:28. To do what thy hand and thy counsel decreed to be done.

4:29. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants that with all confidence they may speak thy word,

4:30. By stretching forth thy hand to cures and signs and wonders, to be done by the name of thy holy Son, Jesus.

4:31. And when they had prayed, the place was moved wherein they were a.s.sembled: and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost: and they spoke the word of G.o.d with confidence.

4:32. And the mult.i.tude of believers had but one heart and one soul.

Neither did any one say that aught of the things which he possessed was his own: but all things were common unto them.

4:33. And with great power did the Apostles give testimony of the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord: and great grace was in them all.

4:34. For neither was there any one needy among them. For as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the price of the things they sold,

4:35. And laid it down before the feet of the apostles. And distribution was made to every one, according as he had need.

4:36. And Joseph, who, by the apostles, was surnamed Barnabas (which is, by interpretation, The son of consolation), a Levite, a Cyprian born,

4:37. Having land, sold it and brought the price and laid it at the feet of the Apostles.

Acts Chapter 5

The judgment of G.o.d upon Ananias and Saphira. The apostles are cast into prison.

5:1. But a certain man named Ananias, with Saphira his wife, sold a piece of land,

5:2. And by fraud kept back part of the price of the land, his wife being privy thereunto: and bringing a certain part of it, laid it at the feet of the apostles.

5:3. But Peter said: Ananias, why hath Satan tempted thy heart, that thou shouldst lie to the Holy Ghost and by fraud keep part of the price of the land?

5:4. Whilst it remained, did it not remain to thee? And after it was sold, was it not in thy power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thy heart? Thou hast not lied to men, but to G.o.d.

5:5. And Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and gave up the ghost.

And there came great fear upon all that heard it.