Four members of the Sanhedrin are mentioned by name. Presumably this is because they were the most distinguished members of the council, very well known in both Jewish and Christian circles.1 Annas was the first high priest appointed by the Roman governors when they imposed Roman rule in Judea. He served as high priest from 6-15 AD. During this time he had the task of sacrificing to God (see Leviticus 16:1–34), safeguarding the law, adjudicating in cases of dispute (see Deuteronomy 17:9–13), and punishing those convicted of a crime.2 The fact that Annas is still referred to as the high priest shows the influence which he had in Jerusalem. In 30 AD he was the patriarch of the most powerful and influential Jewish family in the city. All five of his sons succeeded him as high priest.3
6 with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family.