Ananias
“Yahweh has been gracious”
Summary
A name borne by three men in Acts: a disciple who struck dead for lying to the Holy Spirit, a disciple who restored Saul's sight, and a high priest who tried Paul.
☩Ananias and Sapphira
In the early Jerusalem church, Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold a property and, while pretending to give the full amount to the apostles, secretly kept back part of the proceeds. Peter confronted Ananias: 'Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit? You have not lied to men but to God.' Upon hearing these words, Ananias fell down dead. About three hours later, his wife came in, repeated the lie, and also fell dead. Great fear came upon the whole church—this severe judgment demonstrated that the Holy Spirit's presence in the church was not to be trifled with.
☩Ananias of Damascus
This Ananias was a devout disciple in Damascus to whom the Lord appeared in a vision, commanding him to go to the house of Judas on the street called Straight and lay hands on Saul of Tarsus, who was praying after being blinded on the Damascus road. Despite knowing Saul's reputation as a persecutor, Ananias obeyed. He addressed Saul as 'Brother Saul,' declared that the Lord Jesus had sent him, restored his sight, and announced God's calling on his life. Saul was baptized and immediately began preaching Christ in Damascus. Paul later recalled Ananias as 'a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews.'
☩Ananias the High Priest
This Ananias was high priest when Paul was brought before the Sanhedrin around AD 58. When Paul declared his clear conscience before God, Ananias commanded those standing by to strike him on the mouth. Paul responded sharply: 'God shall strike you, you whitewashed wall!' Not recognizing him as high priest, Paul apologized when corrected, citing the law against speaking evil of a ruler. This Ananias later went to Caesarea with the orator Tertullus to accuse Paul before Felix. He was known historically as a violent and avaricious man.