Annas
“Merciful or gracious”
Summary
A powerful Jewish high priest who retained enormous influence even after his deposition and played a central role in the trial of Jesus.
☩Rise to Power
Annas, son of Seth, was appointed high priest by Quirinius, governor of Syria, in approximately AD 6-7 and held office until he was deposed by the procurator Valerius Gratus in AD 15. Josephus records that Annas was regarded as 'the most fortunate of men' because five of his sons held the office of high priest, an honor that had never happened to any other high priest. His son-in-law Joseph Caiaphas served as high priest from approximately AD 18-36, the period encompassing Jesus' ministry and crucifixion.
☩Wealth and Influence
Though formally deposed, Annas's removal from office did not diminish his influence. Being extremely wealthy, he was able to exert the powers of high priest long after his deposition. His wealth came from the 'booths or bazaars of the sons of Annas,' which held a monopoly on the sale of sacrificial requirements in the temple area. The Talmud accuses his family of 'serpentlike hissings'—private influence on judges that perverted justice. Jesus' words against the unholy traffic in the temple likely aroused the particular hostility of Annas and his family.
☩Role in Jesus' Trial
When Jesus was arrested, He was first brought to Annas rather than directly to Caiaphas, demonstrating Annas's continued authority. This preliminary examination before the former high priest was informal—there were no witnesses, no adjuration, no sentence, no sign of legal process. It was here that the prisoner's fate was effectively determined, with Annas likely serving as the chief instigator in compassing Jesus' death. Afterward, Annas sent Jesus bound to Caiaphas for the formal proceedings before the Sanhedrin.
☩Continued Opposition to the Church
Annas appears again in Acts as head of the party that tried the apostles Peter and John, commanding them to keep silent about the Resurrection. His antagonism toward the early church reflects the same hostility he had shown toward Jesus. Both Josephus and the New Testament writers give the title 'high priest' not only to the actual occupant of the office but to all predecessors still alive, explaining the dual reference to 'the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas.'
References
- 1.James Hastings (ed.), "Annas," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Annas," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Annas," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).