I Appeal To Caesar!

during the fifty years following deposition: five of his sons, a son-in-law and a grandson all became high priests!

Annas was removed from office in AD 15, and then the Roman prefect Valerius Gratus appointed (in rapid succession no more than a year apart) four different high priests, three were sons of Annas, and one was a son-in-law. This last appointee was named Joseph but was then surnamed Caiaphas. His pontificate lasted eighteen years —by far the longest of the nineteen high priests in Jerusalem during the first century. He also happily outlasted the rule of Pontius Pilate. His long tenure and not being a son of Annas created in Caiaphas a pride and strong personal determination to succeed and “show up” all the others. Caiaphas is the official High Priest, but Annas is still addressed as High Priest and treated with a public respect that not only rankles the son-in-law but often puts him in a secondary position! For instance. Some of the Jerusalem people and officials go directly to Annas with their problems and needs, completely by-passing Caiaphas, the “official” High Priest! The friction never lets up! Another example: consider that Annas and Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor, are now barely tolerant, semi-friendly associates in maintaining the city’s peace. Connected with that alliance, however, Annas always seeks attention and influence; sometimes poking his nose into the son-in-law’s business, and then sharing private things with the Roman Governor!