The correct option is A. Ananias lied to the Apostles. Detailed Explanation:

1. Context of the Question: The Acts of the Apostles is a book in the New Testament that describes the early Christian community and the spread of the Gospel after Jesus' resurrection and ascension. It includes various stories about the apostles, their teachings, and the challenges they faced.
2. The Story of Ananias and Sapphira: In Acts 5:1-11, we find the account of Ananias and his wife Sapphira. They sold a piece of property and decided to keep part of the money for themselves while pretending to donate the entire amount to the apostles. Ananias brought a portion of the money to the apostles and claimed it was the full amount. This act of deceit was not just a lie to the apostles but also a lie to God.
3. Consequences of the Lie: When Ananias presented the money, the apostle Peter confronted him, asking why he had lied to the Holy Spirit. Peter explained that Ananias had not just lied to men but to God. As a result of his deceit, Ananias fell down and died. Later, Sapphira came in and also lied about the amount, leading to her death as well. This story serves as a powerful warning about the seriousness of dishonesty and the importance of integrity within the Christian community.

Why the Other Options are Incorrect:

• B. Gamaliel lied to the Apostles: This option is incorrect because Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, actually defended the apostles in Acts 5:34-39. He advised the Sanhedrin not to take action against the apostles, suggesting that if their movement was of human origin, it would fail, but if it was from God, they would not be able to stop it. Therefore, he did not lie to the apostles; rather, he provided wise counsel.
• C. Pontius Pilate defended the Apostles: This option is also incorrect. Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor who presided over the trial of Jesus and ultimately ordered His crucifixion. He did not defend the apostles; in fact, he was involved in the events leading to Jesus' death. His role in the New Testament is primarily associated with the condemnation of Jesus, not with the apostles.
• D. Sapphira told the truth: This option is incorrect because Sapphira, like her husband Ananias, lied about the amount of money they had received from the sale of their property. When she was questioned by Peter, she confirmed the false claim made by Ananias, which led to her demise. Thus, she did not tell the truth.

Summary of Key Points:

• The Acts of the Apostles recounts the early Christian community's experiences, including the story of Ananias and Sapphira.
• Ananias lied to the apostles about the proceeds from a property sale, claiming to donate the full amount while keeping part for himself.
• The consequences of their deceit were severe, leading to both Ananias and Sapphira's deaths as a warning against dishonesty.
• Other options (B, C, D) are incorrect as they misrepresent the actions and roles of Gamaliel, Pontius Pilate, and Sapphira in relation to the apostles.

This thorough understanding of the context and implications of the story will help reinforce the importance of honesty and integrity in Christian teachings.