Important Historical Figures

Ananias, Son of Nedebaeus

Jewish high priest during Paul’s trial

Roman Period • High priest c. AD 47–59

Ananias son of Nedebaeus was a high priest in Jerusalem in the middle of the first century. Acts describes his confrontation with Paul before the Jewish council.

Read biography →

Ananus ben Ananus

Jewish high priest in Jerusalem

Roman Period • High priest briefly in AD 62; died AD 68

Ananus ben Ananus was a high priest who, according to Josephus, arranged the trial and execution of James, the brother of Jesus, in AD 62.

Read biography →

Annas

Former Jewish high priest and influential priestly patriarch

Roman Period • High priest c. AD 6–15; influential afterward

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.

Read biography →

Antipater the Idumaean

Judean political leader and father of Herod the Great

Roman Period • Active c. 65–43 BC

Antipater was the father of Herod the Great. Through alliances with Jewish rulers and Roman commanders, he helped move Judea toward the political order in which Herod would become king.

Read biography →

Aretas IV

King of the Nabataean kingdom

Roman Period • Reigned c. 9 BC–AD 40

Aretas IV ruled the Nabataean kingdom during the lifetimes of Jesus and Paul. His family was drawn into the conflict surrounding Herod Antipas, and Paul mentions an official under King Aret…

Read biography →

Bernice (Berenice)

Herodian princess and sister of Herod Agrippa II

Roman Period • Active in public life during the mid-to-late first century AD

Bernice was a Herodian princess who appeared with her brother Agrippa II at Paul’s hearing before Festus. She later became a prominent figure in the politics of the Roman East.

Read biography →