Keraia
Luke 3

Luke 3:2

The Mission of John the Baptist · Luke 3:1–20
Read Luke 3

Translations

Modern
…during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
Traditional
Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
Literal
…during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came upon John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
Latin
…sub principibus sacerdotum Anna et Caipha: factum est verbum Domini super Joannem, Zachariæ filium, in deserto.

Original

Greek
English
…during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

Notes

Luke 3:2

  • Annas and Caiaphas were Jewish high priests. Annas served from AD 6 to 15 until the Romans removed him. His son-in-law, Caiaphas, was the high priest from AD 18 to 36. Luke mentions both names because Annas was still very influential among the Jews (see John 18:13–14, 24; Acts 4:6).

  • the word of God came to John son of Zechariah: John's role as a prophet was similar to that of the Old Testament prophets (see, for example, Isaiah 6; Jeremiah 1).

Luke 3:1–4:13

After the birth story, Luke prepares his audience for the public ministry of Jesus. He describes the work of John the Baptist, who comes before the Messiah (the Christ, God's chosen king). He also tells about the baptism, family line (genealogy), and temptation of Jesus.

Theme notes and profiles

Annas and Caiaphas John the Baptist

Events

Parallels

Isaiah 40:1–5 Matthew 3:1–12 Mark 1:1–8 John 1:19–28

People

Annas: High priest during Jesus' ministry and trial Caiaphas: High priest during Jesus' ministry and trial John: The Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus Zechariah: Priest, father of John the Baptist

Glossary

Annas Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Caiaphas Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Genealogy Luke, Gospel of Prophecy Sanhedrin Wilderness Word, Word of God, Words of God

Topics

Annas: Associate High Priest with Caiaphas Caiaphas: High Priest John: Lives in the Desert John: Ministry of Priest: A Second Priest, Under the High Priest The High Priest: Assisted by a Deputy The Roman Empire: Judea a Province of, Under a Procurator or a Governor Zacharias (Zechariah): The Father of John the Baptist