Annas (also known as Ananus) was appointed High Priest of the Jews by the Roman governor Quirinius in 6 A.D. Although the Romans removed him from office in 15 A.D., he continued to wield unparalleled authority and influence over the Jewish religious and political establishment in Jerusalem for decades.
👑 The Family Dynasty
Annas’s true power lay in the dynasty he established. Even after his removal by the Romans, he saw five of his own sons, as well as his son-in-law Caiaphas, succeed him in the office of High Priest. This family held control of the High Priesthood for over fifty years, solidifying their wealth and control over the Temple system, particularly the Temple treasury and markets.
The New Testament records this co-authority:
“Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.” (Luke 3:2, KJV)
The phrasing “Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests” suggests that Annas retained the title and moral authority of the office, while Caiaphas held the official Roman appointment.
✝️ Annas and the Trial of Jesus
Annas played a central and immediate role in the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. After Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, He was immediately taken to Annas first:
“And they led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.” (John 18:13, KJV)
This initial questioning by Annas was an illegal interrogation meant to intimidate Jesus and obtain evidence before He was formally sent to the current High Priest, Caiaphas. Annas questioned Jesus about His disciples and doctrine, but Jesus refused to answer the illegal questioning:
“Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.” (John 18:20-21, KJV)
Annas then sent Jesus bound to Caiaphas (John 18:24, KJV), where the official trial of the Sanhedrin was convened.
🤝 Annas and the Early Church
Annas’s authority continued even after Christ’s death. He was present when the Apostles Peter and John were arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin for preaching the resurrection:
“And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.” (Acts 4:5-6, KJV)
Annas’s opposition to Christ and the early church highlights the conflict between the legalistic, establishment religion and the revolutionary, spiritual truth of the Gospel message. He represents the political and religious corruption that prioritized power and tradition over the divine will.