Which Ananias Are You?

There are many heroes of the faith mentioned in the New Testament.  If you were asked to name one, you might mention Paul, or Peter, or John.  Chances are the same names would come up no matter who you asked.

But, like the major and minor prophets in the Old Testament, the Bible also has many people who might be called minor heroes.  Not much is known about them, and many people have never even heard of them.  Yet they, too, have many lessons to teach us.

One of these is Ananias.  Actually, there are three men named Ananias in the New Testament, and they couldn’t be less alike.

 

The First Ananias

We find the first Ananias in Acts 5:1-2, “Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.  With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.”

Prior to this, a Levite from Cyprus named Joseph (or Barnabas, as the apostles called him) had sold a field he owned and gave the money to the apostles.  Ananias proceeded to do the same, or so it would appear.  But unlike Barnabas, Ananias secretly kept part of the profits for himself, leaving everyone to assume that the two acts were the same.

Why did he do this?  Perhaps he wanted to receive the same approval and accolades that Barnabas had.  Perhaps Ananias was overly concerned with what others thought of him and thought this would be an easy way to build his own reputation.

One interesting observation is how he is introduced in the scriptures.  Ananias and Sapphira appear to be members of the church in Jerusalem.  But he is not referred to as “a disciple” or “a believer.”  He is just “a man named Ananias.”  I believe that this Ananias was a “casual Christian.”  Ananias may have made a commitment to Jesus as Savior, but He wasn’t his Lord.  Ananias was just along for the ride, interested only in what he could get out of it.  His deceitful act ends in tragedy.  If you’re not familiar with the rest of the story, you can find it in Acts 5:3-11. 

Sadly, there are many people both in the world and even in churches who have the same level of commitment to Jesus as Ananias.  They may see Christianity as a cultural activity, something they use for their own benefit and comfort.  They enjoy the “entertainment” provided by the worship team, or the free babysitting they get from Awana or Royal Rangers, but they are not interested in Jesus as Lord.  Their spirituality is shallow.  Theirs is an imitation Christianity with no roots or foundation.  It saddens me to think how much casual Christians miss out on.  They don’t realize that God does things in them so that He can do things through them.  You are blessed so you can be a blessing.  That happens when Jesus is not just Savior but also Lord.

The Second Ananias

The second Ananias is found in Acts 9.  A Pharisee named Saul, armed with approval letters from the high priest, was out on a murderous mission to round up followers of the Messiah and bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.  His reputation was widespread, and instilled great fear.  But while on his way to Damascus, Saul has an incredible encounter with the Lord, which leaves him blind.  His companions led him to the city and left him there.

And that’s where we meet the second Ananias:  “In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias.  The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”  “Yes, Lord, he answered” (Acts 9:10).  

Notice that this Ananias is clearly identified as “a disciple.”  He is a follower of Jesus, and he recognizes his voice, calling Him “Lord.”  Right away we see that this Ananias is a true Christian who acknowledges Jesus as both Savior and Lord.

“The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.  In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight” (Acts 9:11-12).  There are a few things to notice here.  First, God tells Ananias that Saul is praying.  Saul still has faith in God.  Stunned and confused by his meeting with Jesus, and no doubt anxious about his sudden blindness, Saul turns to God in prayer.

Second, notice how detailed God’s instructions are to Ananias.  He is given a specific address and told exactly what to do.  He is even told that God has prepared the way for him, sending Saul a vision of what is to happen.

What’s his response?  “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem.  And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name” (Acts 9:13-14).

Ananias is no superhero.  Like Moses at the burning bush, he is afraid.  But he is honest with God, admitting his fear.  He doesn’t hide anything from the Lord, but rather he brings his fear to God, seeking reassurance.

And just like Moses, God doesn’t let him off the hook.  “But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go!  This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.  I will show him how much he must suffer for my name” (Acts 9:15-16).

Do It Afraid!

God reiterates His instructions with one word: “Go!”  But then God lets Ananias in on the purpose of his mission, including an astounding revelation of His plan and purpose for Saul, calling him “my chosen instrument.”  And as if that weren’t enough, God also tells Ananias that it is Saul who will suffer much, not him.

To his credit, Ananias voices no more objections.  Instead, he promptly obeys:  “Then Ananias went to the house and entered it.  Placing his hands on Saul, he 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.”  Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again.  He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.  Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus” (Acts 9:17-19).

Did Ananias’ fears leave him after God spoke?  Scripture doesn’t tell us, but it wouldn’t be unreasonable for him to still have some nervousness about what God was asking him to do.  I think any human would (I know I would).  The fact is that Ananias took action.  You can step out in faith even if your knees are knocking.  The important thing is not your fear or lack of it, but your obedience.

I find it interesting that Saul was not only healed.  He was also filled with the Holy Spirit, for he would need His power in the days ahead.  Saul was also immediately baptized in water, an outward expression of inward faith.  Saul was publicly declaring his faith in Jesus, which surely must have amazed the onlookers.  Lastly we are told that he spent several days with the disciples.  Ananias had greeted him as “Brother Saul,” and now he received automatic acceptance from the other believers.  

The Third Ananias

The third Ananias in the New Testament is found at the end of the book of Acts.  He was the high priest Ananias, a wealthy and influential man who was hated by the Jews for his corruption and his friendship with Rome.   He would routinely rob from the tithes brought to the Temple, something that didn’t bother Rome but infuriated the Jews.  Ananias presided over two trials of Paul, in Jerusalem and Caesarea.  At one of these trials he became so angry that he ordered Paul to be struck in the mouth!  Paul cursed him and then apologized when he realized he was the high priest. 

Paul showed respect for the office of high priest, but Ananias showed no respect for Paul.  Although he was a religious leader, this Ananias had no faith in Jesus and publicly rejected Him.  He was high priest for 12 years and although protected by Rome, he eventually lost his position and was assassinated, an untimely end for an ungodly man.

So there you have it, three men called Ananias.  The name Ananias means “Yahweh is gracious,” but only one of them lived up to that.  Three men in the book of Acts, each known by his acts: 

• Ananias, the “casual Christian”
• Ananias, the “true disciple”   
• Ananias, the “religious hypocrite”

And now the question:  which Ananias are you?  What is your relationship to Jesus?  Is it real or phony?  At the end of your life, will you hear Him say “Well done, good and faithful servant” or “Depart from me, I never knew you?”

Always remember, change is possible!  If your answer makes you uncomfortable, that’s a good thing.  Spend some time with God and ask Him what changes need to be made.  He’s the God of blessings, breakthroughs, and new beginnings!

 

 

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