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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 (Joh_18:24, Mat_26:67). Nevertheless, since the high priest emeritus retained not only his title (cf. Joh_18:15-16; Joh_18:19; Joh_18:22, Act_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’ (Joh_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 (Joh_18:12; Joh_18:19-23). Subsequently be took part also in the trial of Peter and John (Act_4:6). 2. 1Es_9:32 = Ezr_10:31 Harim.
David Smith.