Acts 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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερέα
the high priest
G749
ἀρχιερέα
the high priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
4 of 16
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἀλέξανδρον
Alexander
G223
Ἀλέξανδρον
Alexander
Strong's:
G223
Word #:
10 of 16
alexander, the name of three israelites and one other man
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
14 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
Luke 3:2Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.Matthew 26:3Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,John 18:24Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
Historical Context
Annas served as high priest AD 6-15 before Roman deposition. Five sons and son-in-law Caiaphas subsequently held the office, making him the power behind multiple administrations. This was the same council that condemned Jesus (John 18:13), now facing His followers. Their family monopolized the lucrative temple commerce Jesus had disrupted.
Questions for Reflection
- How does worldly power's concentration oppose God's kingdom, yet ultimately serve His purposes?
- What comfort does Christ's followers facing the same council that condemned Him offer when you face hostile authority?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The assembly of 'Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest' represents Judaism's most powerful tribunal. Annas, though deposed by Rome, retained 'high priest' title and real power as patriarch of the priestly dynasty. His son-in-law Caiaphas held official position. This concentration of power confronting uneducated fishermen demonstrates David versus Goliath pattern - God exalts the humble.