1But a certain man named Ḥananyah, with Shappirah his wife, sold a possession.

2And he kept back from the price, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the feet of the emissaries.

3But Kĕpha said, “Ḥananyah, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Set-apart Spirit and keep back from the price of the land for yourself?

4“While it remained, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your authority? Why have you conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to Elohim.”

5Then Ḥananyah, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all those who heard of this.

6But the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out and buried him.

7And it came to be, about three hours later, that his wife came in, not knowing what had taken place.

8And Kĕpha responded to her, “Say to me whether you sold the land for so much?” And she said, “Yes, for so much.”

9So Kĕpha said to her, “Why have you agreed to try the Spirit of יהוה? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they shall carry you out.”

10And immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, they buried her beside her husband.

11And great fear came upon all the assembly and upon all who heard of this.

12And through the hands of the emissaries many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one mind in Shelomoh’s Porch.

13But of the rest no one had the courage to join them, however, the people made much of them.

14And more believers were added to the Master, large numbers of both men and women,

15so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Kĕpha, passing by, might fall on some of them.

16A large number also gathered from the surrounding cities to Yerushalayim, bringing sick ones and those who were troubled by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

17But the high priest rose up, and all those with him, which is the sect of the Sadducees, and they were filled with jealousy,

18and seized the emissaries and put them in the public jail.

19But a messenger of יהוה opened the prison doors at night and brought them out, and said,

20“Go and stand in the Set-apart Place and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

21Now when they heard, they went into the Set-apart Place early in the morning, and were teaching. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Yisra’ĕl, and sent to the prison for them to be brought.

22But having come, the officers did not find them in the prison, and they went back and reported it,

23saying, “We found the prison shut in all safety, and the watches standing outside before the doors. But having opened them, we found no one inside!”

24And as the high priest and the captain of the Set-apart Place and the chief priests heard these words, they were puzzled and wondered what this might be.

25But one came and reported to them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the Set-apart Place and teaching the people!”

26Then the captain went with the officers and brought them, not with force, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.

27And having brought them, they set them before the council and the high priest asked them,

28saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this Name? And look, you have filled Yerushalayim with your teaching, and intend to bring the blood of this Man upon us!”

29And Kĕpha and the other emissaries answering, said, “We have to obey Elohim rather than men.a

30“The Elohim of our fathers raised up יהושע whom you laid hands on, hanging Him on a timber.

31“Him, a Prince and a Saviour, Elohim has exalted to His right hand, to give repentance to Yisra’ĕl and forgiveness of sins.

32“And we are His witnesses to these matters, and so also is the Set-apart Spirit whom Elohim has given to those who obey Him.”a

33And those hearing were cut to the heart, and took counsel to kill them.

34But a certain one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamli’ĕl, a teacher of the Torah, respected by all the people, and ordered them to put the emissaries outside for a little while,

35and said to them, “Men of Yisra’ĕl, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do to these men.

36“For before these days Toḏah rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, did join him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were dispersed, and came to naught.

37“After him, Yehuḏah of Galil rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were scattered.

38“And now I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, because if this plan or this work is of men, it shall be overthrown,

39but if it is of Elohim, you are unable to overthrow it, lest you even be found to fight against Elohim.”

40And they heeded his advice, and having called for the emissaries, beating them, they commanded that they should not speak in the Name of יהושע, and let them go.

41Then indeed they went rejoicing from the presence of the council, because they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name.

42And daily in the Set-apart Place, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and bringing the Good News: יהושע the Messiah!