High Priest in Jerusalem • Early Church
Ananias was the Jewish high priest who presided during the period of Paul's arrest and hearings in Jerusalem. When Paul appeared before the Sanhedrin, Ananias ordered those standing near him to strike him on the mouth. Paul sharply rebuked him, though after being told that Ananias was the high priest, Paul acknowledged the command not to speak evil of a ruler. Ananias later traveled to Caesarea with Jewish elders and the orator Tertullus to present their accusations against Paul before the Roman governor Felix.
Related: Paul, Claudius Lysias, Tertullus, Felix
Scripture: Acts 23:1-5, Acts 24:1-9