The chief priests may have included the heads of the 24 divisions of the priesthood; prominent members of high - priestly families; and former high priests who had been deposed, such as Annas. ​ — 1 Chronicles 24: 1 - 19; Matthew 2: 4; Mark 8: 31; Acts 4: 6.
Starp virspriesteriem, iespējams, bija 24 priesteru vienību vadītāji, ievērojami augsto priesteru ģimeņu locekļi un agrākie augstie priesteri, kas bija atcelti no amata, kā, piemēram, Anna. ( 1. Laiku 24: 1 — 19; Mateja 2: 4; Marka 8: 31; Apustuļu darbi 4: 6.)