John 18:13

13 First they led Him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.

John 18:13 Meaning and Commentary

John 18:13

And led him away to Annas first
Who is elsewhere mentioned with Caiaphas as an high priest also, ( Luke 3:2 ) ( Acts 4:6 ) . He was the "sagan" of the high priest; he and Caiaphas seem to have had the high priesthood alternately; and either now, because his house lay first in the way, or rather, because he was a man of age, learning, and experience, as these men usually were, that they might supply the deficiencies of the high priests, who were sometimes very weak and unlearned men ^F11; therefore they first lead him to him, to have his advice how to proceed, and to take him along with them to his son-in-law, where the great council was convened, and that he might use his interest and authority, in taking proper measures, in order to put Jesus to death; and especially they led him to him, for the reason here assigned;

for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas;
so that he was, it is very probable, the older man: and being related to him, had an interest in him; and to whom such a sight was equally pleasing as to the high priest himself, or any of the council:

which was the high priest that same year;
for the high priesthood was not for life, but was often changed, being bought and sold for money; (See Gill on Luke 3:2); so that this clause is very properly added, though Caiaphas held it longer, or, at least, had it more years than one; for Caiaphas was high priest when John began to preach, ( Luke 3:2 ) ; but he now succeeded Simeon ben Camhith, who was priest the year before; as was Eleazar the son of Ananus, the year before that; and before him Ishmael ben Phabi, who were all three successively put into the priesthood by Valerius Gratus, the Roman governor; as was also Caiaphas this year, and whose name was Joseph.

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FOOTNOTES:

F11 Misn. Yoma, c. 1. sect. 3, 6.

John 18:13 In-Context

11 At that, Jesus said to Peter, "Sheathe your sword! Am I not to drink the cup the Father has given Me?"

12 Then the company of soldiers, the commander, and the Jewish temple police arrested Jesus and tied Him up.

13 First they led Him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.

14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was advantageous that one man should die for the people.

15 Meanwhile Simon Peter was following Jesus, as was another disciple. That disciple was an acquaintance of the high priest; so he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard.