Caiaphas

The Jewish high priest (A.D. 27-36) at the beginning of our Lord’s public ministry, in the reign of Tiberius (Luke 3:2), and also at the time of his condemnation and crucifixion (Matt. 26:3, 57; John 11:49; 18:13, 14). He held this office during the whole of Pilate’s administration. His wife was the daughter of Annas, who had formerly been high priest, and was probably the vicar or deputy (Heb. sagan) of Caiaphas. He was of the sect of the Sadducees (Acts 5:17), and was a member of the council when he gave his opinion that Jesus should be put to death “for the people, and that the whole nation perish not” (John 11:50). In these words he unconsciously uttered a prophecy. “Like Saul, he was a prophet in spite of himself.” Caiaphas had no power to inflict the punishment of death, and therefore Jesus was sent to Pilate, the Roman governor, that he might duly pronounce the sentence against him (Matt. 27:2; John 18:28). At a later period his hostility to the gospel is still manifest (Acts 4:6). (See ANNAS.)

CA'IAPHAS (depression) was the high priest of the Jews, a.d. 27-36, and therefore at the time of our Saviour's trial. John 11:49, Jer 25:51. The office was formerly held for life, but at this time it was filled and vacated at the pleasure of the Roman government. The raising of Lazarus roused the Sanhedrin to action, and Caiaphas turned their thoughts toward the execution of the hated and feared Prophet by deliberately advising his death on the score of expediency. His language was unconsciously prophetic. John 11:49-52. After Christ's arrest he was arraigned before Caiaphas. A vain effort having been made to secure false testimony sufficient for his condemnation, Caiaphas at last adjured him to declare whether he was indeed the Christ, the Son of God. On Jesus's answering affirmatively, Caiaphas pretended to be so shocked at his supposed blasphemy that he declared all further witness was unnecessary to convict him, and the council unanimously condemned him to death. Matt 26:65-68. As Caiaphas had no power to inflict the punishment of death, Christ was taken from him to Pilate, the Roman governor, John 18:28, that his execution might be duly ordered. See Annas. Before Caiaphas, Peter and John were brought for trial. Acts 4:6.

CA'IAPHAS (depression) was the high priest of the Jews, a.d. 27-36, and therefore at the time of our Saviour's trial. John 11:49, Jer 25:51. The office was formerly held for life, but at this time it was filled and vacated at the pleasure of the Roman government. The raising of Lazarus roused the Sanhedrin to action, and Caiaphas turned their thoughts toward the execution of the hated and feared Prophet by deliberately advising his death on the score of expediency. His language was unconsciously prophetic. John 11:49-52. After Christ's arrest he was arraigned before Caiaphas. A vain effort having been made to secure false testimony sufficient for his condemnation, Caiaphas at last adjured him to declare whether he was indeed the Christ, the Son of God. On Jesus's answering affirmatively, Caiaphas pretended to be so shocked at his supposed blasphemy that he declared all further witness was unnecessary to convict him, and the council unanimously condemned him to death. Matt 26:65-68. As Caiaphas had no power to inflict the punishment of death, Christ was taken from him to Pilate, the Roman governor, John 18:28, that his execution might be duly ordered. See Annas. Before Caiaphas, Peter and John were brought for trial. Acts 4:6.