Topic: Persons Of The Bible -- Annas

The name Annas carries the meaning "humble".

Annas was the son of Seth and was appointed high priest A.D. 7-14 by Quirinus, the imperial governor of Syria. However, Annas was obliged by Valerius Gratus, procurator of Judea, to give way to Ismael, son of Phabi, at the beginning of the reign of Tiberius, A.D. 14. In A.D. 25 Joseph Caiaphas, son-in-law 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 (Num. 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 Christ (John 18:19-23), Christ was sent to Caiaphas, whereby some members of the Sanhedrim had met, and the first trial of Jesus took place (Matt. 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 also brought (Acts 4:6).

Some authorities maintain Annas and Caiaphas were together at the head of the Jewish people,--Caiaphas as actual high priest, Annas as resident of the Sanhedrin- (Acts 4:6) Other authorities again suppose Annas held the office of sagin, or substitute of the high priest; others still that Annas held the title and was really the ruling power. Annas lived to old age, having had five sons.

Derived from Easton's and Smith's Bible Dictionary.

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