Table of Contents
What is the significance of the story of Ananias and Sapphira?
The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was the first recorded sin in the newly organized church. Hypocrisy is the most dangerous spiritual virus to infect the church. These two shocking deaths served as an example to the body of Christ that God hates hypocrisy.
What do we know about Ananias in Acts 9?
According to Acts 9:10, Ananias was living in Damascus. In Paul’s speech in Acts 22, he describes Ananias as “a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews” that dwelt in Damascus (Acts 22:12).
What was Ananias role in Saul’s conversion to Christianity?
Shortly afterwards, the Lord spoke to a disciple named Ananias, asking him to go to Saul, place his hands on him, and restore his sight. Paul was no ordinary follower—he became the most visible and active pillar of the new Christian church. He went on to write nearly half of the New Testament.
What happened when Ananias anointed Saul?
When Ananias placed his hands on Saul he was filled with the Holy Spirit, healed of his blindness, received water baptism, and began to eat and regain his strength. He has sovereignly chosen to use people to lead people to salvation, Spirit baptism, deliverance, and healing.
Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul?
Ananias was afraid because he knew Saul’s reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. He sent me so that you can see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something that looked like fish scales fell from Saul’s eyes.
Was Ananias a high priest?
Ananias son of Nebedeus (or Nedebeus) was a high priest who, according to the Acts of the Apostles, presided during the trials of the apostle Paul at Jerusalem (Acts 23:2) and Caesarea (Acts 24:1). 2, called him “Ananias ben Nebedeus”. He officiated as high priest from about AD 47 to 52.
Why did Ananias have to overcome his fear?
Ananias had to overcome his fear so that Saul would be overcome by grace. Thank God that is what happened. Think about what happened as a result of this man overcoming his fear and obeying God. Saul is welcomed into the church. And because Saul is welcomed into the church, he is sent out by the church.
What happened to Ananias and Sapphira?
By divine revelation, Peter called out Ananias for lying to the Holy Spirit and to God. Upon hearing Peter’s words, Ananias fell to the ground and died. About three hours later, Sapphira arrived. Not knowing what had happened, she, too, lied about the offering and was also struck dead (Acts 5:1–11).
How did God use Ananias in the New Testament?
While at first he thought he might have to correct God, in the end he submitted himself and his very life to God’s call. God then used this man to further His purposes in launching the career of the most influential of the apostles. Ananias’ small act of obedience led to a great harvest for the kingdom.
Why did Ananias go to Damascus?
Ananias had not only heard of how Saul had been systematically destroying the church in Jerusalem, hunting down men and women and turning them over to the authorities, but also knew that he was on the march to Damascus, ready to destroy that church as well. Paul’s hatred for Christ and His followers was common knowledge.