Persecution Begins

Ananias leaned close to his wife Sapphira. They counted the coins from selling their land. Then he slid some into a hiding place. They would tell the apostles this was all of it. Every last coin. No one would ever know.

Ananias laid his money down and acted like it was everything. Peter's eyes flashed. You lied to the Holy Spirit! Right then, Ananias fell flat on the floor. Dead. Young men wrapped his body and carried it out. Fear gripped every person who heard.

Hours passed. Sapphira walked in with a smile on her face. She did not know her husband was dead. Peter looked at her, eyes hard. He asked about the price. The room went still. Every person watched. She opened her mouth to answer.

Acts 5:1