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High Priests of New Testament Times | Index
Jewish Spiritual Leaders
Annas.
Annas, who’s name means "The grace of Jehovah" was the son of Seth and
appointed high priest of the Jews in 6 A.D in his 37th year. He was high priest
from 6 to 15 A.D. but as long as he lived he was the virtual head of the
priestly party in Jerusalem. He was chosen to the high priesthood by Quirinius,
the imperial governor of Syria; obliged to give way to Ismael by Valerius Gratus,
procurator of Judaea, in the beginning of Tiberius' reign, 14 A.D. Eleazar, the
son of Annas, followed Ismael; then Simon; then Joseph Caiaphas, son-in-law of
Annas (John 18:13).
In the time of Christ high priests were appointed and removed at the command of
the Roman governors. Although removed from office, Annas' power and influence
was so great that five of his sons, as well as his son-in-law Caiaphas and his
grandson Matthias, also became high priests. Years afterward he lost the high
priesthood, but even then he was popularly considered as still in office and was
called "high priest"; even after Pentecost his name appears first in the list of
priestly leaders:
Acts 4:5-7 "And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders,
and scribes, as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander,
and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at
Jerusalem. "
In John 18:19, 22 the high priest is undoubtedly Annas, although in vs. 13 and
24 Caiaphas is mentioned as the high priest. Annas is referred to in connection
with the beginning of John the Baptist's ministry, which took place "in the
high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas" (Luke 3:2 ), as though father and
son-in-law were joint holders of the office.
It seems clear that due to his ability and force of character he was virtually
high priest, although Caiaphas had the title. When Jesus was arrested, He was
first brought before Annas (John 18:13). It was apparently Annas who questioned
Him about His disciples and His teaching, and who gave orders to one of the
officers standing by to strike Jesus with his hand (18:19-22). After the
questioning, he sent Jesus "bound" to Caiaphas.
John 18:19-24 "The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His
doctrine. Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in
synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have
said nothing. Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to
them. Indeed they know what I said." And when He had said these things, one of
the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, "Do
You answer the high priest like that?" Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken
evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?" Then Annas
sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest."
He was undoubtedly the ruling voice in the council that condemned Jesus,
although nothing is said about his part in the proceedings that followed the
preliminary questioning. He was present at the meeting of the Sanhedrin before
which Peter and John defended themselves for preaching the Gospel of the
Resurrection (Acts 4:6).
Annas is called "high priest," Caiaphas, John, and Alexander are called "of his
kindred." He lived to old age, and he had five sons apointed as high priests.
Also see Josephus, The Antiquities of the Jews, XVI11. ii. 1, 2; XX. ix. 1
Related Content
High Priests
Introduction
List of High Priests
Leaders of Jerusalem
Annas the High Priest
Caiaphas the High Priest
Jesus Before Annas
Jesus Before Caiaphas
History - Alexander to Herod
Encyclopedias
Dictionaries
Index
Conclusion