1
A man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold some property.
2
They agreed to hold back some of the money [they had pledged] and turned only part of it over to the apostles.
3
Peter asked, "Ananias, why did you let Satan fill you with the idea that you could deceive the Holy Spirit? You've held back some of the money you received for the land.
4
While you had the land, it was your own. After it was sold, you could have done as you pleased with the money. So how could you do a thing like this? You didn't lie to people but to God!"
5
When Ananias heard Peter say this, he dropped dead. Everyone who heard about his death was terrified.
6
Some young men got up, wrapped his body in a sheet, carried him outside, and buried him.
7
About three hours later Ananias' wife arrived. She didn't know what had happened.
8
So Peter asked her, "Tell me, did you sell the land for that price?" She answered, "Yes, that was the price."
9
Then Peter said to her, "How could you and your husband agree to test the Lord's Spirit? Those who buried your husband are standing at the door, and they will carry you outside for burial."
10
Immediately, she dropped dead in front of Peter. When the young men came back, they found Sapphira dead. So they carried her outside and buried her next to her husband.
11
The whole church and everyone else who heard about what had happened were terrified.