John 18:22

And when he had said this, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?

With his hand ... The Greek word from which this is translated can mean either one of two things: (1) a stroke with a rod, or (2) a blow by the hand to the ear, or face, the latter "being the current punishment for a word supposed to be insolent."[5] This was the beginning of that vulgar and brutal mockery which was the lot of the holy Saviour on that dreadful night.

The high priest ... This proves that Annas enjoyed the title, even though he was no longer in possession of the office of high priest. His retainers and servants of course knew this; and Jesus might have pointed it out but refrained from doing so.