Who was Ananias?

False witness

The story of Ananias

Ananias - High Priest
Ananias - High Priest
High Priest

Ananias was a biblical figure who is best known for his role in the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, who later became the Apostle Paul. Ananias was a devout Jew who lived in Damascus, Syria. He was married to Sapphira and had a sister named Tabitha. Ananias was visited by the Lord in a vision, who told him to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and find Saul of Tarsus. Ananias was hesitant, as Saul was known to be persecuting Christians, but he obeyed the Lord's command. Ananias found Saul and laid hands on him, restoring his sight and baptizing him in the name of Jesus. Ananias is best known for his role in the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. His obedience to the Lord's command and his willingness to help a persecutor of Christians is an example of faith and courage. Ananias is remembered as a faithful servant of God who was willing to put his own life at risk to help others.

Name meaning

The name Ananias has its roots in ancient languages and cultures, primarily deriving from the Hebrew name חָנַנְיָה (Chananyah), which means "Yahweh is gracious" or "God has favored." It is a name that appears in the Bible, notably in the New Testament, with several individuals bearing the name, including Ananias who played a role in the conversion of Saul of Tarsus (later known as Paul the Apostle). The name reflects a sense of divine favor or grace bestowed by God.

Name origin

Hebrew

Role

High Priest

First mention

The Acts of the Apostles 5:1

Appearances in the Bible

10 mentions

Ananias in the Bible

Explore all 5 chapters where Ananias appears

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 5

The Ananias and Sapphira Incident

Ananias and Sapphira lie to the apostles, and they die as a result.

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The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 9

The Conversion of Saul on the Road to Damascus

Paul is arrested and brought to trial in Jerusalem, but he escapes to Tarsus.

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The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 22

The Defense Before the Jerusalem Mob

Paul defends himself before the crowd and explains his conversion to Christianity.

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The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 23

The Defense Before the Council

Paul is rescued from a plot to kill him and is sent to stand trial in Caesarea.

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The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 24

The Defense Before Felix

Paul stands trial before Felix, the Roman governor.

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