Ananias

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: From Hebrew Ḥananyāh (“Yahweh has been gracious”), a theophoric name common in Second Temple Judaism
• Period/Era: Early Church (Roman Imperial Context)
• Main References: Acts 5:1–11
• Key Connections: Sapphira (wife); the Jerusalem church; Peter and the apostles

Who was Ananias?

Ananias was a member of the Jerusalem church in the earliest phase of the Christian movement.
With his wife Sapphira, he sold property but misrepresented the amount given to the community.
His actions are presented as deliberate deception “to the Holy Spirit” within the gathered church.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Sold a piece of property in the context of voluntary generosity among believers (Acts 5:1).
• Event 2: Kept back part of the proceeds while presenting the gift as the full amount, confronted by Peter (Acts 5:2–4).
• Event 3: Fell down and died after the exposure of the deception, producing fear and sobriety in the church (Acts 5:5–11).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Ananias is remembered as a negative example of how deceit within the worshiping community undermines truthful discipleship in the apostolic age.

Key Verse

"Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?" — Acts 5:3, ESV