Ananus (I)

I. ANANUS, the Son of Seth, and High Priest of the Jews, is called Annas in the Gospel. He enjoyed the High-Priesthood for eleven years; he succeeded Joazar the Son of Simon, and was succeeded by Ishmael the Son of Phabi. After he was deposed, he still preserved the title of High Priest, and had a great share in the management of publick affairs. He is called High Priest in conjunction with Caiaphas, when St. John the Baptist entred upon the exercise of his Mission, tho’ at that time he did not officiate in this character. He was Father -in-law to Caiaphas; and Jesus Christ was directly carried before Annas, after he had been taken into custody in the Garden of Olives. Josephus¹ remarks, that Ananus was looked upon to be one of the happiest Men of his Nation, five of his Sons having been High Priests, which great dignity he himself possessed for many years: an instance of good fortune which till then had happened to no one.

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