Ananias and Sapphira
Ananias sells property and, with Sapphira's knowledge, keeps back part of the proceeds while laying the rest before the apostles. Peter says he has lied to the Holy Spirit and to God, and Ananias falls dead and is buried.
N1ow a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? 4Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!” 5On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened. 6Then the young men stepped forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.
Three hours later Sapphira arrives, unaware of what has happened, and confirms the same false account of the price. Peter says she has agreed to test the Spirit of the Lord, and she too falls dead and is buried beside her husband.
7About three hours later his wife also came in, unaware of what had happened. 8“Tell me,” said Peter, “is this the price you and your husband got for the land?” 9“How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Peter replied. “Look, the feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” 10At that instant she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
Great fear comes over the whole church and over all who hear what has happened.
11And great fear came over the whole church and all who heard about these events.