Annas

Annas was high priest in Jerusalem early in the first century and remained influential after his removal. Several of his sons and his son-in-law Caiaphas later held the office.

Annas, also called Ananus son of Seth, was appointed high priest around AD 6, when Judea came under direct Roman administration. He served until the Roman governor Valerius Gratus removed him around AD 15.

Although he no longer held the office during Jesus’ final days, Annas remained a powerful member of Jerusalem’s priestly establishment. His son-in-law Joseph Caiaphas was high priest during the ministry and trial of Jesus. Josephus records that five sons of Annas also became high priests.

The Gospel of John states that Jesus was first brought to Annas before being sent to Caiaphas. Luke names Annas alongside Caiaphas when introducing the ministry of John the Baptist. Acts also identifies Annas among the high-priestly family involved in questioning the apostles.

His career shows how priestly influence could continue through family networks even after a Roman governor replaced the officeholder.

Annas illustrates the relationship between Roman political oversight and Jerusalem’s priestly families. His family held exceptional influence over the high priesthood across several decades.

• c. AD 6: Appointed high priest.
• c. AD 15: Removed by Valerius Gratus.
• c. AD 30: John describes Jesus being brought before Annas.
• His son-in-law Caiaphas and several sons subsequently served as high priests.

The precise date and place of Annas’s death and burial are uncertain.

Annas appears in the accounts of Jesus’ arrest and the apostles’ questioning. He is distinct from Ananias son of Nedebaeus, the later high priest who appears in Acts 23.