and great grace was upon them all.
004:034 And, in fact, there was not a needy man among them,
for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them,
and brought the money which they realised,
004:035 and gave it to the Apostles, and distribution was made to every
one according to his wants.
004:036 In this way Joseph, whom the Apostles gave the name of Bar-nabas--
signifying `Son of Encouragement'--a Levite, a native of Cyprus,
004:037 sold a farm which he had, and brought the money and gave it
to the Apostles.
005:001 There was a man of the name of Ananias who, with his wife Sapphira,
sold some property but,
005:002 with her full knowledge and consent, dishonestly kept back
part of the price which he received for it, though he brought
the rest and gave it to the Apostles.
005:003 "Ananias," said Peter, "why has Satan taken possession of your heart,
that you should try to deceive the Holy Spirit and dishonestly
keep back part of the price paid you for this land?
005:004 While it remained unsold, was not the land your own?
And when sold, was it not at your own disposal?
How is it that you have cherished this design in your heart?
It is not to men you have told this lie, but to God."
005:005 Upon hearing these words Ananias fell down dead, and all who
heard the words were awe-struck.
005:006 The younger men, however, rose, and wrapping the body up,
carried it out and buried it.
005:007 About three hours had passed, when his wife came in,
knowing nothing of what had happened.
005:008 Peter at once questioned her. "Tell me," he said,
"whether you sold the land for so much." "Yes," she replied,