Ananias, Son of Nedebaeus

Ananias son of Nedebaeus was a high priest in Jerusalem in the middle of the first century. Acts describes his confrontation with Paul before the Jewish council.

Ananias, son of Nedebaeus, was appointed high priest around AD 47 and held the office during the years when the apostle Paul faced proceedings in Jerusalem and Caesarea.

Acts 23 describes Ananias ordering Paul to be struck on the mouth while Paul spoke before the council. Paul sharply challenged the order, then acknowledged the duty to respect the office of high priest when those present identified Ananias.

Acts 24 reports that Ananias traveled to Caesarea with elders and an advocate named Tertullus to present charges against Paul before Governor Felix.

Josephus portrays Ananias as a wealthy and influential priest whose household and associates became involved in conflicts over the collection of priestly tithes. During the opening phase of the Jewish revolt in AD 66, he was killed amid violence in Jerusalem.

He must not be confused with Annas, the former high priest involved in the Gospel narratives, or with other New Testament figures named Ananias.

Ananias connects Paul’s trial narratives to the Jerusalem priesthood and the mounting tensions that preceded the Jewish revolt.

• c. AD 47: Appointed high priest.
• Acts 23: Ordered Paul to be struck during the council hearing.
• Acts 24: Joined the delegation bringing charges against Paul before Felix.
• AD 66: Killed during the opening turmoil of the Jewish revolt.

Josephus reports that Ananias was killed during the disturbances in Jerusalem at the beginning of the Jewish revolt in AD 66. His burial place is not known.

Ananias appears as high priest in Acts 23–24 during Paul’s hearings. He is distinct from Annas and from Ananias of Damascus.