Annas

AI summary: Annas matters because the cross references present him as a powerful elder statesman of the priestly establishment at key moments of confrontation with Jesus and the apostles. Though not always the official officeholder, he remains central in the machinery of judgment and resistance. His presence shows how entrenched authority can continue to shape events behind formal titles. Taken together, the material presents Annas as an influential priestly power whose authority bears directly on the Gospel and Acts narratives.¹

Was high priest A.D. 7-14. In A.D. 25 Caiaphas, who had married the daughter of Annas (John 18:13), was raised to that office, and probably Annas was now made president of the Sanhedrim, or deputy or coadjutor of the high priest, and thus was also called high priest along with Caiaphas (Luke 3:2). By the Mosaic law the high-priesthood was held for life (Num. 3:10); and although Annas had been deposed by the Roman procurator, the Jews may still have regarded him as legally the high priest. Our Lord was first brought before Annas, and after a brief questioning of him (John 18:19-23) was sent to Caiaphas, when some members of the Sanhedrim had met, and the first trial of Jesus took place (Matt. 26:57-68). This examination of our Lord before Annas is recorded only by John. Annas was president of the Sanhedrim before which Peter and John were brought (Acts 4:6). ³