Annas

2 definitions found

From Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary [easton]:

  Annas
     was high priest A.D. 7-14. In A.D. 25 Caiaphas, who had married
     the daughter of Annas (John 18:13), was raised to that office,
     and probably Annas was now made president of the Sanhedrim, or
     deputy or coadjutor of the high priest, and thus was also called
     high priest along with Caiaphas (Luke 3:2). By the Mosaic law


     the high-priesthood was held for life (Num. 3:10); and although
     Annas had been deposed by the Roman procurator, the Jews may
     still have regarded him as legally the high priest. Our Lord was
     first brought before Annas, and after a brief questioning of him
     (John 18:19-23) was sent to Caiaphas, when some members of the
     Sanhedrim had met, and the first trial of Jesus took place
     (Matt. 26:57-68). This examination of our Lord before Annas is
     recorded only by John. Annas was president of the Sanhedrim
     before which Peter and John were brought (Acts 4:6).
     

From Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary (late 1800's) [hitchcock]:

  Annas, one who answers; humble