Ananias

ANANIAS, an´´-ɑ-nɑi´ɑs: The high priest in whose time the apostle Paul was imprisoned at Jerusalem (probably 58 A.D.; Acts xxiii. 2, xxiv. 1). In the Lucan description of the conflict between Paul and Palestinian Judaism (xxi.-xxvi.; cf. K. Schmidt, Apostelgeschichte, i., Erlangen, 1882, pp. 240 sqq.), Ananias is represented as head of the Sadducaic hierarchical party which was dominant in the Sanhedrin, and confirmed its complete apostasy from the hope of Israel by persecution of the apostle of Christ, whereas the apostle deposes and divests of its divine authority and dignity the leadership which had become faithless to its calling. According to Josephus (Ant., XX. v. 2, vi. 2, ix. 2-4; War, II. xii. 6, xvii. 6, 9), Ananias, son of Nebedæus, was appointed high priest about 47 A.D. by Herod of Chalcis (the twentieth in the succession of high priests from the accession of Herod the Great to the destruction of Jerusalem). In the year 52 he had to go to Rome to defend himself before Claudius against a charge made by the Samaritans against the Jews. He was not deposed at this time, however (cf. C. Wieseler, Chronologische Synopse der vier Evangelien, Hamburg, 1843, pp. 187-188), but held his office until Agrippa II. appointed Ishmael, son of Phabi, his successor, probably in 59 A.D. Ananias is the only high priest after Caiaphas who ruled for any length of time. He exercised considerable influence after leaving his office until he was murdered in the beginning of the Jewish war.

(K. Schmidt).

Bibliography: Schürer, Geschichte, i. 584, 603, ii. 204, 219, 221, Eng. transl., I. ii. 173, 188-189, II. i. 182, 200 sqq.