Annas was the head of the officiating priestly family, and in deference to his age he was recognized by the people as high priest. His counsel was sought and carried out as the voice of God. He must first see Jesus a captive to priestly power. He must be present at the examination of the prisoner, for fear that the less-experienced Caiaphas might fail of securing the object for which they were working. His artifice, cunning, and subtlety must be used on this occasion; for, at all events, Christ's condemnation must be secured.

Annas var overhovedet for den tjenestegørende præsteslægt, og af ærbødighed for hans alder anerkendte folket ham som ypperstepræst. Man søgte hans råd og adlød det, som om det var selve Guds røst. Han skulle være den første, der så Jesus som fange i præsternes magt. Han skulle være til stede ved forhøret af fangen, fordi man var bange for, at det ikke skulle lykkes den mindre erfarne Kajfas at nå til det formål, som de stræbte efter. Der måtte gøres brug af hans list, snedighed og underfundighed ved denne lejlighed; for i alle tilfælde måtte man være sikker på Kristi domfældelse.