Verse 6
Annas, whom Luke called the high priest here (Acts 4:6), was technically not the high priest at this time. He had served as high priest from A.D. 6 to 15, but since A.D. 18 his son-in-law Caiaphas had been the high priest. However, Annas continued to exert great influence (cf. Luke 3:2; John 18:13-24). He was so powerful that Luke could refer to him as the high priest even though he was only the power behind the office (cf. Luke 3:2; John 18:13; Acts 7:1). During this time former high priests seem to have kept their titles and membership in the Sanhedrin. [Note: Jeremias, p. 157.] At this time in Israel’s history, the Roman governor of Palestine appointed the high priest. "John" may refer to Jonathan, a son of Annas who succeeded Caiaphas as high priest in A.D. 36. Luke did not mention Alexander elsewhere, and he is presently unknown.
| The High Priests of Israel(ca. A.D. 6-66) |
| Annas (ca. A.D. 6-15): the co-high priest with Caiaphas during Jesus’ trial (Luke 3:2; John 18:13; John 18:24), and the high priest who, with Caiaphas, tried Peter and John (Acts 4:6) |
| Eleazar (ca. A.D. 16-17): the son of Annas |
| Caiaphas (ca. A.D. 18-36): the son-in-law of Annas, the high priest during Jesus’ earthly ministry (Luke 3:2; Matthew 26:3; Matthew 26:57; John 11:49-50), and the high priest who with Annas tried Peter and John (Acts 4:6) |
| Jonathan (ca. A.D. 36-37): the son of Annas, and possibly the "John" of Acts 4:6 |
| Theophilus (ca. A.D. 37-41): the son of Annas |
| Matthias (ca. A.D. 42): the son of Annas |
| Ananias (ca. A.D. 47-59): tried Paul in Jerusalem and Caesarea (Acts 23:1-10; Acts 24:1-23) |
| Annas (ca. A.D. 61): the son of Annas |
| Matthias (ca. A.D. 65-66): the son of Theophilus, grandson of Annas |
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