AnNas

Annas, sometimes rendered Ananias or Ananus, was a Jewish high priest in Jerusalem during the early Roman period. He is commonly dated to hold the office from about 6 CE to around 15 CE, though his influence extended beyond his official tenure. Annas came from the influential Ananus priestly family, and his position helped establish a succession pattern in which his relatives and son-in-law continued to wield significant temple authority.

Although Annas’ official term ended, the family remained powerful within the priesthood and in Jerusalem’s political-religious life. His son-in-law Caiaphas later served as high priest (approximately 18–36 CE), and several of Annas’ sons also held priestly roles. This arrangement contributed to a lasting nexus between the temple leadership and Roman oversight, shaping the governance of the Jerusalem priesthood during a turbulent period.

In the New Testament, Annas is depicted as a key figure in the lens of Jesus’ trial and early Christian leadership. He is mentioned as a former high priest who still exerted influence in Jerusalem. In John 18, Jesus is brought first to Annas before being sent to Caiaphas, while Luke 3:2 notes Annas alongside Caiaphas as high priests during John the Baptist’s ministry. Acts 4:6 also references Annas in the circle of Jewish leaders active at the time.

Historically, direct contemporary sources about Annas are limited, and much of what is known comes from biblical texts and later historical reconstructions. He is nonetheless an important figure for understanding the dynamics of the Sanhedrin, the temple economy, and Roman oversight in Judea during the early first century.