Charles Ellicott Commentary John 18:13-14

"and led him to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. Now Caiaphas was he that gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people." — John 18:13-14 (ASV)

And led him away to Annas first.—For an account of Annas, compare the note on Luke 3:2 and Acts 4:6. This trial before Annas was probably a preliminary investigation, distinct from the formal trial before Caiaphas, narrated in the earlier Gospels. (John 18:24.)

For he was father in law to Caiaphas.—The personal relationship between Annas and Caiaphas had led to a closeness of connection in official duties, which makes it difficult, with our partial knowledge of the circumstances, to trace the position taken by each in the trial of our Lord. This remark of St. John's suggests that Annas may have occupied part of the high priest’s palace.

He had been high priest. He is called high priest in the following year (Acts 4:6). His age would have given him authority in the Sanhedrin, which Caiaphas himself is not likely to have questioned. He may also have been President of the Sanhedrin or Father of the Beth Din (House of Judgment).

Whether officially, personally, or both, he was, from the Jewish point of view, a person whose counsel and influence were of the utmost importance. Therefore, they brought Jesus to him for this doctrinal investigation (John 18:19). This was done even while it was necessary for Him to be sent to the legal high priest for an official trial in the presence of the Sanhedrin (John 18:24), before being handed over to the civil power (John 18:28). It does not follow that the high priest (Caiaphas) was not present at this investigation; but it was altogether of an informal character.

Which was the high priest that same year.—On this clause, and the whole of the following verse, compare the Notes on John 11:49-52. The prophecy is quoted now that its fulfillment is close at hand, and that the act of Caiaphas is about to lead to it.