ANANIAS, the Greek form of Hananiah or Ananiah, a not uncommon name in the Bible. Best known are (I ) A member of the first Christian community who, with his wife Sapphira, was punished by Peter with sudden death for falsehood (Acts v. 1-10; cf. Josh. vii.) . A disciple at Damascus in the story of the con version and baptism of Paul (Acts ix. I0-17, xxii. 12-16). (3) Son of Nedebaios (Jos. Ant. xx. 5. 2), a high priest who presided dur ing the trial of Paul at Jerusalem (Acts xxiii. 2, xxiv. 1-5). He was high priest A.D. and being accused of acts of violence was sent to Rome for trial (A.D. 52), but was acquitted by the emperor Claudius. As a friend of the Romans he was murdered by the people at the beginning of the Jewish war of revolt.