Bible Dictionaries
Annas
Holman Bible Dictionary
(an' nuhss), son of Seth, was a priest at the time John the Baptist began his public preaching (Luke 3:2 ). Evidently, Annas, whose name means “merciful,” was appointed to the high priesthood about A.D. 6 by Quirinius, governor of Syria. Though he was deposed in A.D. 15 by Gratus, he continued to exercise considerable influence. When Jesus was arrested, He was taken before Annas (John 18:13 ). After Pentecost, Annas led other priests in questioning Peter and the other church leaders (Acts 4:6 ).
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from the Holman Bible Dictionary, published by Broadman & Holman, 1991. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Broadman & Holman.
Bibliography Information
Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'Annas'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hbd/a/annas.html. 1991.