Annas - The Sacerdotal Family

The Sacerdotal Family

• Annas ben Seth (6–15)

• Eleazar ben Ananus (16–17)

• Joseph ben Caiaphas (18–36/37), who had married the daughter of Annas (John 18:13)

• Jonathan ben Ananus (36–37)
• Theophilus ben Ananus (37–41)
• Matthias ben Ananus (43)
• Ananus ben Ananus (63)

References in the Mosaic Law to "the death of the high priest" (Num 35:25, 28) suggest that the high-priesthood was ordinarily held for life. Perhaps for this reason, Annas was still called "high priest" even after his dismissal, along with Caiaphas (Luke 3:2). He also may have been acting as president of the Sanhedrin, or a coadjutor of the high priest.