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Easton's Bible Dictionary - Annas
Annas
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 (Numbers 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 (Matthew
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).
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible
Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy
freely.
Bibliography Information
Easton, Matthew George. "Entry for 'Annas'". "Easton's Bible Dictionary". 1897.
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