Ananias (1)
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Ananias (1) in the Bible?
Ananias served as a high priest in Jerusalem and was the husband of Sapphira; he is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles for his attempt to deceive the apostolic community regarding the proceeds from the sale of property.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Ananias provides context for the narrative tension between early Christian communal ideals and individual greed, illustrating the strict ethical standards enforced within the Jerusalem church.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Ananias (1) reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ananias (1) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ananias (1) clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Ananias (1)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ananias-1/