Annas, Hanan
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(gracious) (Luke 3:2). At the beginning of the ministry of John the Baptist, the Jewish high priests were Annas and Caiaphas. Annas held the office of high priest before Caiaphas, and it was customary among the Jews to retain the title of high priest for one who had previously held that office, even after he had ceased to serve in it. This same title of high priest was thus retained by Annas as well. He is mentioned first, since he was older than Caiaphas both in years and in office.
Five of his sons held the office of high priest, the first two in succession. He was father-in-law to the high priest of that time, that is, Caiaphas. When the Lord Jesus Christ was seized in the Garden of Gethsemane, He was first brought to Annas, who at that time enjoyed great authority and influence, and he then sent Him on to Caiaphas (John 18:13–24).