which we saw and
heard."

And they, when they had further threatened them, let them go, not
finding how they might punish them, because {334} of the people; for all
men glorified God for that which was done. For the man was more than
forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was wrought.

And being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that
the chief priests and the elders had said unto them. And they, when they
heard it, lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, "O
Lord, thou that didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all
that in them is: who by the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father
David thy servant, didst say,--

'Why did the Gentiles rage,
And the peoples imagine vain things?
The kings of the earth set themselves in array,
And the rulers were gathered together,
Against the Lord, and against his Anointed:'

for of a truth in this city against thy holy Servant Jesus, whom thou
didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the
peoples of Israel, were gathered together, to do whatsoever thy hand and
thy counsel foreordained to come to pass. And now, Lord, look upon their
threatenings: and grant unto thy servants to speak thy word with all
boldness, while thou stretchest forth thy hand to heal; and that signs
and wonders may be done through the name of thy holy Servant Jesus."

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were
gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and
they spoke the word of God with boldness.

{335}

III

ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA

_A Lie and its Consequences_.

(The people began to have such an enthusiasm for the new faith, that
many of them sold their property, gave the money to the apostles, and
all lived together, like one great family. This custom was not
altogether wise, and it did not prevail long. While it lasted, disaster
came to two people. Ananias and Sapphira had become disciples of the new
faith, and, like others, sold their property, but they kept back part,
and tried to make the apostles believe that they had given all. The sin
lay, not in keeping their property, for no one was required to give it
up, but in the deceit.)

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul: and
not one of them said that anything of the things which he possessed was
his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the
apostles