81 the persecution against the relatives of Jesus as soon as he had opportunity. This grudge was a rivalry for power. The Herodian rulers and the chief priestly families did not want a descendant of David to take the throne in Jerusalem. It would definitely cause trouble with Rome and cause the loss of their own powerful rule over Judea. They would not hesitate doing whatever was necessary to prevent that. That seems clear from the statements of Caiaphas in AD 30 (note the boldfaced words): But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.” [John 11:49-50 NAS95 boldface added]
Apr 62 – Ananus II arrested James and some of his companions:
Right after being appointed as High Priest, Ananus II took advantage of the opportunity, at Passover in AD 62, to arrest “James and some of his companions” (Gk. tinas heterous, lit. “certain others”) [Antiq 20:197-203 (20.9.1)]: Antiq. 20:197 (20.9.1) And now Caesar, upon hearing the death of Festus, sent Albinus into Judea, as procurator; but the king deprived Joseph of the high priesthood, and bestowed the succession to that dignity on the son of Ananus, who was also himself called Ananus. Antiq. 20:198 (20.9.1) Now the report goes, that this elder Ananus proved a most fortunate man; for he had five sons, who had all performed the office of a high priest to God, and he had himself enjoyed that dignity a long time formerly, which had never happened to any other of our high priests: Antiq. 20:199 (20.9.1) but this younger Ananus, who, as we have told you already, took the high priesthood, was a bold man in his temper, and very insolent; he was also of the sect of the Sadducees, who are very rigid in judging offenders, above all the rest of the Jews, as we have already observed; Antiq. 20:200 (20.9.1) when, therefore, Ananus was of this disposition, he thought he had now a proper opportunity [to exercise his authority]. Festus was now dead, and Albinus was but upon the road; so he assembled the Sanhedrin of judges, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James, and certain others, [or, some of his companions]; and when he had formed an accusation against them as breakers of the law, he delivered them to be stoned; Antiq. 20:201 (20.9.1) but as for those who seemed the most equitable of the citizens, and such as were the most uneasy at the breach of the laws, they disliked what was done; they also sent to the king [Agrippa], desiring him to send to Ananus that he should act so no more, for that what he had already done was not to be justified; Antiq. 20:202 (20.9.1) nay, some of them went also to meet Albinus, as he was upon his journey from Alexandria, and informed him that it was not lawful for Ananus to assemble a Sanhedrin without his consent; Antiq. 20:203 (20.9.1) whereupon Albinus complied with what they said, and wrote in anger to Ananus, and threatened that he would bring him to punishment for what he had done; on which king Agrippa took the high priesthood from him, when he had ruled but three months, and made Jesus, the son of Damneus, high priest. Here are some additional statements from F. F. Bruce (Israel and the Nations) and Eusebius (Ecclesiastical History) about the arrest and death of James: F. F. Bruce: Festus died suddenly in office about the year 62, and a three months’ interregnum ensued before his successor Albinus arrived. During this interregnum the high priest, Ananus II, seized the opportunity to pay off a number of old scores. He brought a number of men before the Sanhedrin and procured their condemnation to death. Among these the most notable person was James
