with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss here is that Annas is called "the high priest" even though Caiaphas held the official title at that moment. This suggests Annas, despite being deposed, retained significant authority and influence, possibly as the head of the Sanhedrin, making him a powerful figure in this confrontation.
with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter and John have just healed a man who had been lame for years, and crowds are marveling at this miracle. This draws the attention of the religious authorities—the leaders, elders, and scribes—who arrest Peter and John to interrogate them about the source of their power. This group includes Annas and Caiaphas, former and current High Priests respectively, along with other influential members of the priestly families, all united against the apostles and the burgeoning Christian movement.
Why is Annas, who was no longer the official high priest, listed first and called 'the high priest'?
This verse introduces us to a powerful council of religious leaders. Annas holds a unique position. Though he had been high priest years earlier, he's mentioned first and given the title.
Lingering Influence
Who exactly makes up this 'gathering,' and why are they so threatened by Peter and John?
This council represents the pinnacle of Jewish religious and political power at the time. Their gathering signifies the establishment’s alarm and their attempt to squash the burgeoning Christian movement.
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The Elite Assembly
Understand the original words
archiereus · Greek Noun
The chief religious official of the Jewish nation, responsible for the oversight of the Temple and presiding over the Sanhedrin. Under the Law of Moses, the role was hereditary and lifelong, though political appointees often held the office during the Roman occupation.
The text highlights the immense power and influence of the high-priestly families, particularly Annas and Caiaphas, who held sway over Jewish religious and political life under Roman authority. Their familial connections and long-standing control of the office meant they were formidable opponents to the burgeoning Christian movement.
c. AD 7-14
Annas Serves as High Priest
Quirinus, the Roman governor of Syria, appoints Annas as High Priest. He holds the position for over a decade and continues to wield significant influence even after his deposition.
c. AD 17-37
Caiaphas Serves as High Priest
Joseph Caiaphas, Annas's son-in-law, is appointed High Priest by the Romans. He serves throughout the crucial period of Jesus's ministry, trial, and crucifixion.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is brought before Annas and then Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, who condemn Him. This event is the immediate backdrop to the apostles' healing and preaching.
c. AD 30-33
The Sanhedrin Convenes
Following the healing of the lame man at the temple, the ruling council (Sanhedrin), including Annas, Caiaphas, and other prominent figures, gathers to interrogate Peter and John.
c. AD 30-33
Apostles Preach Resurrection
Peter and John boldly proclaim Jesus's resurrection and the salvation found in His name, directly challenging the authority of the Jewish leadership.
c. AD 37
Caiaphas Deposed as High Priest
Vitellius, the Roman governor of Syria, deposes Caiaphas as High Priest. This marks the end of his long tenure and further highlights the Roman control over Jewish religious leadership.
This passage also names Annas and Caiaphas as 'high priests,' highlighting the complex and perhaps overlapping roles they held, which is echoed in Acts 4:6.
John 18:13John mentions Jesus being brought first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of the current high priest Caiaphas, revealing the established authority and influence of Annas even after he was no longer formally in the high priestly office.
Matthew 26:57This verse shows Jesus being taken to Caiaphas, the high priest, for his trial, demonstrating the direct opposition faced by Jesus from the established religious leadership, which continues in Acts.
Acts 23:2Paul directly addresses Ananias the high priest, showing that the religious and political hierarchy, including the high priestly families, remained a significant force in Jewish society and a point of contention for early Christians.
clarkeActs 4:6: "And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem."
Annas - Though this man was not now actually in the office of high priest, yet he had possessed it for eleven years, bore the title all his life, and had the honor of seeing five of his sons fill that eminent place after him - an honor that never happened to any other person from the commencement of the Mosaic institution. He i…
wesleyActs 4:6: "And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem."
4:6 Annas, who had been the high priest, and Caiaphas, who was so then.
What's easy to miss here is that Annas is called "the high priest" even though Caiaphas held the official title at that moment. This suggests Annas, despite being deposed, retained significant authority and influence, possibly as the head of the Sanhedrin, making him a powerful figure in this confrontation.
Peter and John have just healed a man who had been lame for years, and crowds are marveling at this miracle. This draws the attention of the religious authorities—the leaders, elders, and scribes—who arrest Peter and John to interrogate them about the source of their power. This group includes Annas and Caiaphas, former and current High Priests respectively, along with other influential members of the priestly families, all united against the apostles and the burgeoning Christian movement.
Peter and John have just healed a man who had been lame for years, and crowds are marveling at this miracle. This draws the attention of the religious authorities—the leaders, elders, and scribes—who arrest Peter and John to interrogate them about the source of their power. This group includes Annas and Caiaphas, former and current High Priests respectively, along with other influential members of the priestly families, all united against the apostles and the burgeoning Christian movement.
"with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family." — What's easy to miss here is that Annas is called "the high priest" even though Caiaphas held the official title at that moment. This suggests Annas, despite being deposed, retained significant author…
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Last reviewed October 2026