ANNAS . 1 . High priest from a.d. 6 to 15, an astute and powerful ecclesiastical statesman. At the time of our Lord’s trial he was merely high priest emeritus , and his son-in-law Caiaphas, the acting high priest, presided ex officio over the meeting of the Sanhedrin ( John 18:24 , Matthew 26:67 ). Nevertheless, since the high priest emeritus retained not only his title (cf. John 18:15-16; John 18:19; John 18:22 , Acts 4:6 ), but all his obligations and many of his prerogatives, it is not surprising that the masterful Annas took an active and independent part in the proceedings. After Jesus’ arrest at dead of night, ‘they led him to Annas first’ ( John 18:13 ). The Sanhedrin might not meet until daybreak, and the interval seemed well employed in a preliminary examination of the prisoner by the skilful veteran ( John 18:12; John 18:19-23 ). Subsequently be took part also in the trial of Peter and John ( Acts 4:6 ). 2 . Esther 9:32 Esther 9:32 = Ezra 10:31 Harim . David Smith.
Annas. [An'nas]High priest, appointed in A.D. 7 by Cyrenius, or Quirinus, governor of Syria. In the reign of Tiberius he was deposed, and was followed at short intervals by Ismael, Eleasar son of Ananus or Annas, Simon, and Joseph Caiaphas, son-in-law of Annas. Luke 3:2; John 18:13, 24; Acts 4:6. It is supposed that Annas was called high priest by courtesy, having once held the office: the Lord was taken to him first, perhaps as being the father-in-law of Caiaphas. Josephus relates that the five sons of Annas became high priests, and under the last, also named Annas, James the Lord's brother was martyred. Ant. xx. 9, 1.
An’nas - Greek form of Hananiah