Ananias

 

    Ananias is a Greek name for Hananiah (Hebrew name).  It means "Yahweh has been gracious" or "whom Jehovah has graciously given".  In Aramaic Ananias is recognized as Ḥananyō (ܚܢܢܝܐ).  In Latin it is recognized as Ananias.  They all come down to the favor of God.  In English we adopted the Greek form of the name.

    There are three Ananias' mentioned in the Bible and all in the book of Acts.  It is easy to see where some people could get them confused.  The first was a liar.  The second was a disciple in Damascus.  The third was a High Priest.

    The first Ananias had a wife names Sapphira.  They sold a piece of property and brought the money to the apostles.  We wanted to look generous because followers of Jesus were doing this all over Jerusalem.  He claimed to have given the full amount, but he and his wife had kept a portion.  

    You can't lie to the Holy Spirit.  He told Peter the truth.  Peter called out Ananias for letting Satan into his heart.  The property was yours to do with it as you wanted, as was the money.  The lie is not to us, but to God.  As soon as Peter spoke, Ananias dropped dead.  His wife later that day had the same experience and it brought fear to the hearts of all that heard.  There are severe consequences for trying to deceive God and dishonor His name.

    The second Ananias  was a true believer of Jesus.  God gave him a vision with instructions.  He was told where to find Paul (still Saul because he had just been blinded on the road to persecute Jesus' church).  Saul was praying at the same time and was receiving a vision of Ananias.  Basically God was introducing them through a mutual vision, but each had different roles and aspects.

    Ananias was ordered to go lay hands on Saul to give him the ability to see again.  Ananias was a little concerned about this job because all Christians knew who Saul was and what he was coming to do.  God was understanding with Ananias' concern since he still did not know about the change happening in Saul at that moment.  God even told Ananias that Saul would suffer for His name.  

    Ananias was obedient.  As soon as Ananias did as God instructed, scales fell from Saul's eyes and he could see.  He immediately got up and was baptized.  Then he ate and drank after fasting for three days.  He had his priorities in order.

    The Third Ananias was the High Priest that had Saul, now Paul, arrested and was holding court.  Ananias viewed him as someone who needed to be crushed.  Paul called Ananias a corrupt hypocrite.  Paul was well educated and how to handle the situation.  

    Paul had no problem refuting the high priest which shocked those listening.  However, he did apologized for speaking ill of a ruler because God instructs respect for the people He put in the position of authority.  Five days later arrived with some Jewish elders and a lawyer named Tertullus.  He wanted a strong case against Paul when he addressed the governor.  He showed that he didn't know God.  God protected Paul.

Acts 5:1-6, 9:10-19, 23:1-5, & 24:1