Three different people in the New Testament are named Ananias:
- One Ananias was a member of the church in Jerusalem in the days when the believers had all things in common. ...
- Another Ananias was a follower of Jesus in Damascus. ...
- A third Ananias was the high priest in Jerusalem who convened a meeting of the Jewish ruling council to examine Paul after his arrest in the temple ( Acts 23:1-5 ...
What is the story of Ananias in the Bible?
100 Bible Verses about Ananias. Acts 5:1-42 ESV / 19 helpful votes. But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet.
What can we learn from the story of Ananias and Sapphira?
One thing we learn from the story of Ananias and Sapphira in the Bible is that God demands total honesty from his followers. Am I completely open with God when I confess my sins to him and when I go to him in prayer? The story of Ananias and Sapphira in the Bible takes place in Acts 5:1-11.
Who was Ananias and Saul?
Ananias and Saul: The Story Starts With a Disciple - My Life. His Story. There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. How could such a short line be so powerful a pivot point? God was writing a new chapter in the story of salvation, and God does what he always does. He started with a disciple. We don’t know much about Ananias.
Did Ananias give the Apostles all the proceeds from their sale?
Part of the profit from their sale was kept back by the couple, and Ananias only laid a part of the money at the apostles’ feet. However, Ananias made a pretense of having given all the proceeds. This hypocritical show may have fooled some, but not Peter, who was filled with the power of the Spirit.
What happened to Ananias in the Bible?
Peter stated that Ananias had lied not to men, but to God. Because of his actions Ananias died on the spot and was carried out. Everyone who heard about the incident feared the Lord. Three hours after Ananias' death his wife arrived, unaware of what had happened.
What was Ananias known for in the Bible?
Ananias (/ˌænəˈnaɪəs/ AN-ə-NY-əs; Ancient Greek: Ἀνανίας from Hebrew חנניה, Hananiah, "favoured of the LORD") was a disciple of Jesus at Damascus mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible, which describes how he was sent by Jesus to restore the sight of Saul of Tarsus (who later was called Paul the Apostle) ...
What was the role of Ananias?
What role did he play in the life of Paul? Often, when the story of Paul is told, little or nothing is said about Ananias, who played a very crucial role during the conversion of Paul. Ananias laid hand on Paul to pray for him to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
What can we learn from Ananias?
Ananias and Sapphira sought membership, recognition and position in God's Church to serve themselves—to satisfy their own vanity and lusts. Those of us drafted by God are required to subjugate the vanity and lust of our self-will to His will, and surrender our lives in total sacrifice and service to Him.
How did Ananias respond to God?
"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name."
Who is Ananias the high priest in the Bible?
Ananias son of Nebedeus (or Nedebeus) was a high priest who, according to the Acts of the Apostles, presided during the trials of the apostle Paul at Jerusalem (Acts 23:2) and Caesarea (Acts 24:1).
What does the name Ananias mean?
The name Ananias is boy's name meaning "God has given". Ananias is a New Testament name of three different figures. The two good ones were a high priest and a disciple of Paul. The not good Ananias was the husband of Sapphira who conspired to deceive the apostles and was struck dead.
How many years did Paul stay with Ananias?
about 12 yearsWhatever the reason, the high priest was so bothered by Paul's claim that he ordered those standing nearby to slap him on the mouth (23:2). The high priest in this case was Ananias. He had received his office from one of the Herods in about A.D. 47, and held his position for about 12 years. He was known for his greed.
What does the name Ananias mean in the Bible?
Ananias Origin and Meaning The name Ananias is boy's name meaning "God has given". Ananias is a New Testament name of three different figures. The two good ones were a high priest and a disciple of Paul. The not good Ananias was the husband of Sapphira who conspired to deceive the apostles and was struck dead.
Who is Ananias the high priest in the Bible?
Ananias son of Nebedeus (or Nedebeus) was a high priest who, according to the Acts of the Apostles, presided during the trials of the apostle Paul at Jerusalem (Acts 23:2) and Caesarea (Acts 24:1).
Was Paul baptized by Ananias?
Saul is baptized by Ananias and called Paul. Men carry a cripple since birth and set him on the steps. Christ commands Ananias to find Saul and give him sight so that he can preach of Christ.
What was Ananias' sin?
Commentators point out that Ananias' and Sapphira's sin was not that they held back part of the money for themselves, but that they acted deceitfully lying about the sale price as if they had given the entire amount. They had every right to keep part of the money if they wished, but they gave in to Satan's influence and lied to God.
What can we learn from the story of Ananias and Sapphira?
One thing we learn from the story of Ananias and Sapphira in the Bible is that God demands total honesty from his followers. Am I completely open with God when I confess my sins to him and when I go to him in prayer?
Why did God strike Ananias and Sapphira dead?
God struck Ananias and Sapphira dead for hypocrisy. Barnabas (in background) giving his possessions to Peter, Ananias (in foreground) being struck dead. Peter Dennis / Getty Images. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics.
What does the name Ananias mean?
Ironically, Ananias' name means "Jehovah has been gracious.". God had favored Ananias and Sapphira with wealth, but they responded to his gift by cheating.
Where in the Bible does it say that Ananias and Sapphira are related?
The story of Ananias and Sapphira in the Bible takes place in Acts 5:1-11.
What did God's deception bring to the nation of Israel?
His deception brought defeat on the whole nation of Israel and resulted in the deaths of himself and his family (Joshua 7). God demanded honor under the old covenant and reinforced that order in the new church with the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira.
What did the deceit of the apostles undermine?
Their deceit undermined the apostles' authority , which was crucial in the early church. Moreover, it denied the omniscience of the Holy Spirit, who is God and worthy of complete obedience . This incident is often compared to the deaths of Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, who served as priests at the desert tabernacle .
What is the story of Ananias in relation to Saul's conversion?
The story of Ananias in relation to Saul’s conversion starts after the Damascus experience. “Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”. And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”.
Who did God prepare to visit?
God through a vision prepared Ananias to visit Saul, and also prepared Saul for a visit from Ananias. God informed His messenger that Saul was praying which is a contrast between the threatening and slaughter the persecutor did as he drew near to Damascus.
Who laid his hands on Paul?
Ananias laid hands on Paul. Ananias did as the Lord commanded and went to Saul’s house and laid his hands on him. And he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Where did Paul spend some days with the disciples?
And he arose and was baptized. And Paul ate food and was strengthened. Then he spent some days with the disciples at Damascus (v. 17-19). The godly man exhorted Saul to get baptized for this service was regarded a condition for admission into the church ( Matthew 3:6; Acts 22:16).
Where was Ananias in the New Testament?
New Testament narrative of Ananias. According to Acts 9:10, Ananias was living in Damascus. In Paul's speech in Acts 22, he describes Ananias as "a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews" that dwelt in Damascus ( Acts 22:12 ).
Who was Ananias of Damascus?
Ananias ( / ænəˈnaɪəs / AN-ə-NY-əs; Ancient Greek: Ἀνανίας from Hebrew חנניה, Hananiah, "favoured of the L ORD ") was a disciple of Jesus at Damascus mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible, which describes how he was sent by Jesus to restore the sight ...
What does Bruce say about Ananias?
Bruce suggests that Ananias "has an honoured place in sacred history, and a special claim upon the gratitude of all who in one way or another have entered into the blessing that stems from the life and work of the great apostle.".
What did Jesus tell Paul to do?
During his conversion experience, Jesus had told Paul (who was then called Saul) to go into the city and wait. Jesus later spoke to Ananias in a vision, and told him to go to the " street which is called Straight ", and ask "in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus ".
When is Ananias listed as a saint?
Roman Martyrology. In the 2004 edition of Roman Martyrology, Ananias is listed under 25 January as a saint commemorated on the same day as the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul.
Where is the Ananias shrine?
Major shrine. Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin Church in Yerevan, Armenia. Feast. January 25. Ananias ( / ænəˈnaɪəs / AN-ə-NY-əs; Ancient Greek: Ἀνανίας from Hebrew חנניה, Hananiah, "favoured of the L ORD ") was a disciple of Jesus at Damascus mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible, which describes how he was sent by Jesus to restore ...
Was Ananias a prophet?
According to Roderick L. Evans, Ananias was a prophet despite being mentioned as a disciple. In his opinion on New Testament prophets, biblical figures who receive a message from God or reveal future events are considered prophets despite alternative titles such as apostle or disciple.
What did Saul say to the people of Damascus?
And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. ...
Who was the man who sold the property to the apostles?
But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part ...
Why did Saul ask for letters to the synagogues?
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. ...
Why were we buried with him?
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
What did Peter say to the disciples?
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Why do we boast about you in the churches of God?
Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— ...
Who commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth?
And the high priest Ananias commande d those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.
What did Ananias and his wife do?
Ananias and his wife had conspired to garner the accolades of the church; but their conspiracy led to the sin unto death. The case of Ananias and Sapphira illustrates the fact that even believers can be led into bold, flagrant sin.
What is the significance of the story of Ananias and Sapphira?
The story of Ananias and Sapphira is a reminder to us today that God sees the heart ( 1 Samuel 16:7 ), that He hates sin, and that He is concerned for the purity of His church ( 1 Corinthians 11; 1 John 5 ).
What would happen if Ananias and Sapphira had succeeded in fooling Peter?
If the hypocrisy of Ananias and Sapphira had succeeded in fooling Peter, it would have severely damaged the apostles’ authority. The sad story of Ananias and Sapphira is not some obscure incident from the Old Testament regarding a violation of Mosaic Law. This occurred in the first-century church to believers in Jesus Christ.
Why did God lay the bodies of Ananias and Sapphira in the path of every hypocrite who?
God laid the bodies of Ananias and Sapphira in the path of every hypocrite who would seek to enter the church. Furthermore, the incident involving Ananias and Sapphira helped to establish the apostles’ authority in the church. The sinners had fallen dead at Peter’s feet.
Why did Ananias and Sapphira die?
Some speculate that these two deaths were from natural causes. Perhaps Ananias died from shock or guilt, but Peter pronounced Sapphira’s death before she died, and the coincidental timing and place of their deaths indicate that this was indeed God’s judgment. The question is why.
Where is the story of Ananias and Sapphira?
The story of Ananias and Sapphira is found in Acts 5, and it is a sad story, indeed. It actually begins at the end of chapter 4 with the description of the early church in Jerusalem, a group of believers so filled with the Holy Spirit that they were of one heart and one mind. Great power and grace were on the apostles, who preached and testified of the risen Savior. So knit together were the hearts of the people that they held all their possessions loosely and willingly shared them with one another, not because they were coerced but because they loved one another. Those who sold land and houses gave of their profits to the apostles, who distributed the gifts to those in need.
Who lied to Peter and God?
Peter knew instantly that Ananias was lying—not just to him but to God—and exposed his hypocrisy then and there. Ananias fell down and died ( Acts 5:4 ). When Sapphira showed up, she, too, lied to Peter and to God, saying that they had donated the entire proceeds of the sale of the land to the church. When her lie had been exposed, she also fell ...
How did they Die?
So let’s start with their death. Both Ananias and Sapphira dropped dead but how exactly did they die? The text doesn’t say exactly, it just says in Acts 5:5:
Did Peter Kill Ananias and Sapphira?
In the 4th Century John Chrysostom wrote that Peter had them killed, in order to teach others a lesson.
The Heart Attack Theory
There is one more theory about how they died. There is a very real editorial published in response to a medical journal that argues Ananias and Sapphira both suffered a stress induced heart attack. I guess you could say Peter put them under cardiac arrest. Jokes aside, that’s a real paper you can search up on Google Scholar.
What crime did Ananias and Sapphira actually commit?
We have already explored the possibility that they were actually innocent.The text never explicitly says they promised to give all of their money. However, the most common interpretation is that they they lied to God, as Peter said in Acts 5:4 .
Links to other literature?
In Joshua 7 there is the story of Achan who lies about keeping some the spoils of war that were supposed to be devoted to God.
A Dark Comedy?
There is one final interpretation that is worth exploring, that the story might be a comedy. Not Mean Girls funny, more like Death at a Funeral. New Testament professor Matthew Skinner writes:
Did it happen?
If the story is a dark comedy, or a deliberately constructed in a way to remind the reader of other literature, then one must allow for the likelihood that this episode is removed from any real event, meaning that Ananias and Sapphira may not have even existed, and if they did, did not die in the way the story describes. For some this an uncomfortable idea, but even beloved Christian theologian C S Lewis once wrote concerning the Gospels and Acts:.
What did the Lord say to Ananias?
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name” (Acts 9:11-15 ).
Why did they learn from Jesus?
They learned from him because they were with him. Jesus’ disciples were those who submitted themselves to his Lordship, conformed to Christ’s example, and participated in his kingdom mission. Ananias was that kind of a disciple.
