Annas (also Ananus[Josephus, The Complete Works, Thomas Nelson Publishers (Nashville, Tennessee, US), 20.9.1 (1998)] or Ananias;[Goodman, Martin, "Rome & Jerusalem", Penguin Books, p.12 (2007)] , ; , ; 23/22 BC – death date unknown,
Annas appears in the and Passion plays as a high priest before whom Jesus is brought for judgment, prior to being brought before Pontius Pilate.
The sacerdotal family
The terms of Annas,
Caiaphas, and the five brothers are:
Ananus (or Annas), son of Seth (6–15)
Annas served officially as High Priest for ten years (AD 6–15), when at the age of 36 he was deposed by the procurator
Valerius Gratus. Yet while having been officially removed from office, he remained as one of the nation's most influential political and social individuals, aided greatly by the fact that his five sons and his son-in-law
Caiaphas all served at sometime as High Priests.
[Josephus, Jewish Antiquities XX, 9.1; "It is said that the elder Ananus was extremely fortunate. For he had five sons, all of whom, after he himself had previously enjoyed the office for a very long period, became high priests of God - a thing that had never happened to any other of our high priests."] His death is unrecorded. His son Annas the Younger, also known as Ananus the son of Ananus, was assassinated in AD 66 for advocating peace with Rome.
Eleazar ben Ananus (16–17)
After
Valerius Gratus deposed Ishmael ben Fabus from the high priesthood, he installed Eleazar ben Ananus, (15—16),
[Josephus Antiquities 18.2.2][ "High Priests of the Second Temple Period", Jewish Virtual Library] a descendant of
John Hyrcanus. It was a time of turbulence in Jewish politics, with the role of the high priesthood being contended for by several priestly families. Eleazar was likewise deposed by Gratus, who gave the office to Simon ben Camithus (17-18).
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Caiaphas (18–36)
Caiaphas was married to the daughter of Annas (John 18:13). Gratus made him high priest after depriving Simon ben Camithus of the office.
The comparatively long eighteen-year tenure of Caiaphas suggests he had established a good working relationship with the Roman authorities. Gratus' successor
Pontius Pilate retained him as high priest.
Jonathan ben Ananus (36–37)
Theophilus ben Ananus (37–41)
Matthias ben Ananus (43)
Jonathan ben Ananus (44)
Ananus ben Ananus (63)
References in the
Torah to "the death of the high priest" () suggest that the high-priesthood was ordinarily held for life. Annas was still called "high priest" even after his dismissal, along with
Caiaphas (), perhaps for that reason. It is also thought that Annas also may have been acting as president of the
Sanhedrin, or a coadjutor of the high priest.
In the New Testament
The trial of Jesus
Although Caiaphas was the properly appointed high priest, Annas, being his father-in-law and a former incumbent of the office, he possibly retained some of the power attached to the position.
[ Enelow, H.G., "Annas", Jewish Encyclopedia] According to the Gospel of John (the event is not mentioned in other accounts),
Jesus was first brought before Annas, whose palace was closer.
Annas questioned him regarding his disciples and teaching, and then sent him on to Caiaphas, where some members of the Sanhedrin had met, and where in Matthew's account the first trial of Jesus took place ().
In the Book of Acts
After
Pentecost, Annas presided over the Sanhedrin before which the
Twelve apostles Saint Peter and John were brought ().
Cultural references
Annas has an important role in
Jesus Christ Superstar, as one of the two main antagonists of the show (the other being
Caiaphas) spurring
Pontius Pilate to take action against Jesus. In almost all versions, Annas has a high voice to contrast against Caiaphas'
bass voice. Despite being Caiaphas' father-in-law, Annas is generally played by a younger actor.
See also
-
List of biblical figures identified in extra-biblical sources
External links
