Annas
Annas, a high priest, played a significant role in the events surrounding Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion, as well as in the early persecution of the apostles.
Annas was appointed high priest by the Roman governor Quirinius around 6 AD and deposed by Valerius Gratus in 15 AD, yet continued to wield enormous influence as the patriarch of the high-priestly family throughout the following decades. Five of his sons and his son-in-law Caiaphas served as high priest, making him effectively the power behind the office. When Jesus was arrested, he was first brought to Annas for an informal interrogation before being sent to Caiaphas (John 18:13, 24). Peter and John were also brought before Annas and Caiaphas in the early church's first judicial encounter (Acts 4:6). Annas represents the politically entrenched high-priestly establishment that opposed Jesus and the early church.