The Believers Share Their Possessions

³² All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.^{(A) 33} With great power the apostles continued to testify^(B) to the resurrection^(C) of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace^(D) was so powerfully at work in them all ³⁴ that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them,^(E) brought the money from the sales ³⁵ and put it at the apostles’ feet,^(F) and it was distributed to anyone who had need.^(G)

³⁶ Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas^(H) (which means “son of encouragement”), ³⁷ sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.^(I)

Ananias and Sapphira

5 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. ² With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself,^(J) but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.^(K)

³ Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan^(L) has so filled your heart^(M) that you have lied to the Holy Spirit^(N) and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?^{(O) 4} Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal?^(P) What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”^(Q)

⁵ When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died.^(R) And great fear^(S) seized all who heard what had happened. ⁶ Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body,^(T) and carried him out and buried him.

⁷ About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸ Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”

“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”^(U)

⁹ Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord?^(V) Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

¹⁰ At that moment she fell down at his feet and died.^(W) Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.^{(X) 11} Great fear^(Y) seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.