Anani'as
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Ananias is a name that appears multiple times in the New Testament, associated with different individuals who played significant roles in the early Christian church. The name Ananias is of Hebrew origin, meaning "Yahweh is gracious."

1. Ananias of Damascus: Ananias of Damascus is a devout disciple mentioned in the Book of Acts. He is best known for his role in the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, who later became the Apostle Paul. According to Acts 9:10-18, the Lord appeared to Ananias in a vision, instructing him to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and lay hands on Saul so that he might regain his sight. Despite his initial hesitation due to Saul's reputation for persecuting Christians, Ananias obeyed the Lord's command. Upon meeting Saul, Ananias said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 9:17). Saul's sight was restored, and he was baptized, marking a pivotal moment in the spread of Christianity.

2. Ananias and Sapphira: Another Ananias is mentioned in Acts 5:1-11, where he and his wife Sapphira are noted for their deceit. They sold a piece of property and kept back part of the proceeds while claiming to have donated the entire amount to the apostles. Peter confronted Ananias, saying, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?" (Acts 5:3). Upon hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died, and later, the same fate befell Sapphira. This event served as a stern warning to the early church about the seriousness of lying to God and the importance of integrity.

3. Ananias, the High Priest: Ananias also refers to a high priest who played a role in the trial of Paul. In Acts 23:1-5, Paul appeared before the Sanhedrin, and Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. Paul responded, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck" (Acts 23:3). Ananias's actions exemplify the opposition Paul faced from Jewish authorities during his ministry.

Each mention of Ananias in the New Testament highlights different aspects of early Christian life and the challenges faced by the nascent church. From the faithful obedience of Ananias of Damascus to the cautionary tale of Ananias and Sapphira, and the opposition from Ananias the high priest, these accounts provide valuable insights into the dynamics of the early Christian community and the unfolding of God's plan through His people.
Concordance
Anani'as (10 Occurrences)

Acts 5:1
And a certain man, Ananias by name, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
(See RSV)

Acts 5:3
And Peter said, 'Ananias, wherefore did the Adversary fill thy heart, for thee to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back of the price of the place?
(See RSV)

Acts 5:5
and Ananias hearing these words, having fallen down, did expire, and great fear came upon all who heard these things,
(See RSV)

Acts 9:10
And there was a certain disciple in Damascus, by name Ananias, and the Lord said unto him in a vision, 'Ananias;' and he said, 'Behold me, Lord;'
(See RSV)

Acts 9:12
and he saw in a vision a man, by name Ananias, coming in, and putting a hand on him, that he may see again.'
(See RSV)

Acts 9:13
And Ananias answered, 'Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how many evils he did to Thy saints in Jerusalem,
(See RSV)

Acts 9:17
And Ananias went away, and did enter into the house, and having put upon him 'his' hands, said, 'Saul, brother, the Lord hath sent me -- Jesus who did appear to thee in the way in which thou wast coming -- that thou mayest see again, and mayest be filled with the Holy Spirit.'
(See RSV)

Acts 22:12
and a certain one, Ananias, a pious man according to the law, being testified to by all the Jews dwelling 'there',
(See RSV)

Acts 23:2
and the chief priest Ananias commanded those standing by him to smite him on the mouth,
(See RSV)

Acts 24:1
And after five days came down the chief priest Ananias, with the elders, and a certain orator -- Tertullus, and they made manifest to the governor 'the things' against Paul;
(See RSV)

Thesaurus
Anani'as (10 Occurrences)
Anani'as. Ananias, Anani'as. Ananiel . Multi-Version Concordance
Anani'as (10 Occurrences). Acts 5:1 And a certain man, Ananias ...
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Ananias (11 Occurrences)

/a/ananias.htm - 19k

Ananiel

/a/ananiel.htm - 6k

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