Bible Dictionaries
Annas

Morrish Bible Dictionary

High priest, appointed in A.D. 7 by Cyrenius, or Quirinus, governor of Syria. In the reign of Tiberius he was deposed, and was followed at short intervals by Ismael, Eleasar son of Ananus or Annas, Simon, and Joseph Caiaphas, son-in-law of Annas. Luke 3:2; John 18:13,24; Acts 4:6 . It is supposed that Annas was called high priest by courtesy, having once held the office: the Lord was taken to him first, perhaps as being the father-in-law of Caiaphas. Josephus relates that the five sons of Annas became high priests, and under the last, also named Annas, James the Lord's brother was martyred. Ant. xx. 9,1.

Bibliography Information
Morrish, George. Entry for 'Annas'. Morrish Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​mbd/​a/annas.html. 1897.