Note 4 at Lk. 3:2: The Mosaic law called for only one high priest, and yet both Caiaphas and Annas are referred to as high priest (Jn. 18:24; Acts 4:6). This may be explained by the fact that Annas had been appointed high priest in A.D. 7 but was forced to resign by the Roman government in A.D. 14. Apparently, Annas continued to be regarded by the Jews as the genuine high priest. Caiaphas was the fourth to succeed Annas in the office of high priest, an office that was appointed by the whims of the Roman government. The fact that Caiaphas was son-in-law to Annas would further suggest Annas' continuing influence and thereby explain him being referred to as high priest.