Reference: Caiaphas
American
High priest of the Jews, A. D. 27 to 36. He was a Sadducee, and a bitter enemy of Christ. At his palace the priests, etc., met after the resurrection of Lazarus, to plot the death of the Savior, lest all the people should believe on him. On one of these occasions, Joh 11:47-54, he counseled the death of Christ for the political salvation of the nation; and his words were, unconsciously to him, an inspired prediction of the salvation of a lost world. These plots against Christ, Mt 26:1-5; Mr 14:1; Lu 22:2, led to his seizure, and he was brought first before Annas, formerly high priest, who sent him to Caiaphas his son-in-law. See ANNAS. Caiaphas examined Christ before the assembling of the Sanhedrin, after which the trial went on, and Christ was condemned, mocked, and transferred to Pilate for sentence and execution, Mt 26:57-68; Mr 14:53-72; Lu 22:54-71; Joh 18:13-27. Not content with procuring the death of the Savior, Caiaphas and his friends violently persecuted his followers, Ac 4:1-6; 5:17,33. But a few years after the ascension of Christ, and soon after the degradation of Pilate, Caiaphas also was deposed from office by the Roman proconsul Vitellius. Like Balaam of the Old Testament, he is a melancholy instance of light resisted, privilege, station, and opportunity abused, and prophetic words concerning Christ joined with a life of infidelity and crime and a fearful death.
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AND it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples, Ye know that after two days is the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. read more. Then were the chief priests and scribes, and the elders of the people gathered together in the palace of the high-priest, called Caiaphas. And they consulted together, how they might seize Jesus by guile, and put him to death. But they said, Not on the feast-day, lest there be a tumult among the people.
Then they who had apprehended Jesus, brought him to Caiaphas the high-priest, where the scribes and elders were assembled. But Peter followed him at a great distance unto the palace of the high-priest, and entering in, sat down with the servants, to see the issue. read more. Now the chief priests and elders and the whole sanhedrim, sought false witness against Jesus, that they might put him to death; and found none: and though many false witnesses came, they found it not [sufficient]. But at the last two false witnesses stepping forth, said, This fellow said, I am able to pull down the temple of God, and to build it up in three days. And the high-priest rising up, said to him, Answerest thou nothing? what do these men witness against thee? But Jesus was silent. And the high-priest addressing him, said, I adjure thee, by the living God, that thou tell us, if thou art the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus saith to him, Thou hast spoken [the fact]. Moreover I tell you, hereafter ye shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high-priest rent his garments, saying, he hath blasphemed: what farther need have we of witnesses? lo! now ye have heard his blasphemy: what think ye? They answered and said, He is deserving of death. Then they spit in his face, and buffeted him about; and some slapt his face with their hands, saying, Prophesy to us, you Messiah, who it is that struck thee!
NOW the passover and the feast of unleavened bread were but two days distant; and the chief priests, and the scribes, sought how they might seize him by craft, and kill him.
And they led Jesus unto the high-priest; and with him were assembled all the chief priests, and the elders, and the scribes. And Peter followed him at a distance, until he came into the palace of the high-priest: and was seated with the servants, and warming himself at the fire. read more. Then the chief priests, and the whole sanhedrim, sought for witness against Jesus, that they might put him to death; yet found none. For many bore false witness against him, and their attestations did not correspond. And certain persons rising up, bore false witness against him, saying, We have heard him affirm, I will destroy this temple made with hands, and after three days I will build another not made with hands. But even then their testimony was not correspondent. So the high-priest rising up in the midst interrogated Jesus, Answerest thou nothing? What is it that these witness against thee? But he kept silence, and made them not a word of reply. Again the high-priest questioned him, and said to him, Art thou the Messiah, the Son of the blessed? Then said Jesus, I am. And ye shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming with the clouds of heaven. Then the high-priest rent his clothes, and said, What farther need have we of witnesses? Ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? And they all adjudged him to be deserving of death. And some began to spit upon him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say to him, Prophesy: and the servants slapped him on the face with their hands. And as Peter was in the hall, at the lower end, there came to him one of the high-priest's maid-servants: and seeing Peter warming himself, stedfastly looking at him, she said, Thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. Then he denied it, saying, I do not so much as know him, nor understand what thou art saying. And he went out into the vestibule; and the cock crew. And a maid-servant observing him again; began to say to those who stood by, This man is one of them. Then he denied it again. And after a little while, they who stood by said to Peter, Of a certainty thou art one of them; for thou art a Galilean, and thy speech is correspondent. Then began he to make the most dreadful imprecations, and to swear, I know not the man of whom ye speak. And the second time the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word which Jesus spake unto him, That before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And casting his mantle over his face, he wept.
And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might destroy him; for they were afraid of the people.
Then seizing upon him, they led him away, and brought him into the palace of the high-priest. But Peter followed at a distance. And as they had lighted a fire in the middle of the hall, and had seated themselves in a company, Peter sat down in the midst of them. read more. But a certain maid-servant who sat at the fire, eyeing him, and looking at him stedfastly, said, This man was also with him. But he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. And after a little while another seeing him, said, Surely thou art one of them. Then said Peter, Man, I am not. And at about an hour's distance, another person strongly asserted, saying, Of a certainty this fellow was also with him: for he too is a Galilean. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And instantly, while he was yet speaking, the cock crew. And the Lord, turning round, looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, That before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter going without, wept bitterly. And the men who held Jesus insulted him, beating him with rods; and blindfolding him, smote him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is he that struck thee? And many other things, blaspheming, spake they against him. And when the day broke, the elders of the people and the chief priests and scribes assembled, and brought him into their sanhedrim, saying, If thou art the Messiah, tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: and if I shall ask you any question, ye will neither answer me, nor let me go free. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit at the right hand of the power of God. Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Yourselves say that I am. Then they said, What further need have we of witness? for we have heard it from his own mouth.
The chief priests and Pharisees therefore called the sanhedrim together, and said, What are we about? for this man is doing many miracles. If we suffer him to go on thus, all men will believe on him: and the Romans will come, and take away both our place and nation. read more. Then one particular person of them, Caiaphas, being the high-priest of that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation be not destroyed. And this he spake not from himself: but being the high-priest of that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation; and not for that nation only, but that he should collect into one body the children of God wherever dispersed. Then from that day they consulted together how they might kill him. Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews, but went thence into the country bordering on the desert, to a city called Ephraim, and there he abode with his disciples.
and led him away to Annas first; for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was the high-priest of that year. Now Caiaphas was the person who had given his advice to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should be destroyed instead of the people. read more. Now Simon Peter had followed Jesus, and another disciple: and that disciple was acquainted with the high-priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high-priest. But Peter stood without at the door. Then that other disciple, who was acquainted with the high-priest, went out, and spoke to the porteress, and introduced Peter. Then said the damsel who kept the door to Peter, Art not thou also one of the disciples of this man? He saith, I am not. Now the servants and inferior officers having made a fire, for it was cold, stood and warmed themselves: and there stood Peter with them, and warmed himself. The high-priest then questioned Jesus concerning his disciples, and respecting his doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I always taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews resorted; and in secret have I spoken nothing. Why dost thou question me? ask those who have heard me, what I have spoken to them: lo, they know what I said. As he was thus speaking, one of the servants who stood by him gave Jesus a slap on the face, saying, Dost thou answer the high-priest in this fashion? Jesus replied to him, If I have spoken in an improper manner, bear witness of the evil deed: but if properly, why strikest thou me? Now Annas had sent him bound to Caiaphas the high-priest. Meanwhile Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. Then said they to him, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not. One of the servants of the high-priest, being a kinsman of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, Did I not see thee in the garden with him? Then again Peter denied: and instantly the cock crew.
AND as they were thus speaking, the priests, and the captain of the temple-guard, and the Sadducees, came upon them, worn down with vexation, because they taught the people, and preached by Jesus the resurrection of the dead. read more. And they laid hands on them, and committed them to prison till the next day: for it was then evening. But many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. Now it came to pass that the next morning, their rulers, and elders, and scribes, were assembled at Jerusalem, and Annas the high-priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were the high-priest's relations.
Then arose the high-priest, and all those who were connected with him, (which was the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with zeal,
But when they heard this, they were cut asunder as with a saw, and took counsel how to make away with them.
Easton
the Jewish high priest (A.D. 27-36) at the beginning of our Lord's public ministry, in the reign of Tiberius (Lu 3:2), and also at the time of his condemnation and crucifixion (Mt 26:3,57; Joh 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 (Ac 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" (Joh 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 (Mt 27:2; Joh 18:28). At a later period his hostility to the gospel is still manifest (Ac 4:6). (See Annas.)
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Then were the chief priests and scribes, and the elders of the people gathered together in the palace of the high-priest, called Caiaphas.
Then they who had apprehended Jesus, brought him to Caiaphas the high-priest, where the scribes and elders were assembled.
And having bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
when Annas and Caiaphas were high-priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness;
Then one particular person of them, Caiaphas, being the high-priest of that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation be not destroyed.
and led him away to Annas first; for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was the high-priest of that year. Now Caiaphas was the person who had given his advice to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should be destroyed instead of the people.
Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetorium: and it was early: and they themselves went not into the praetorium, that they should not be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
and Annas the high-priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were the high-priest's relations.
Then arose the high-priest, and all those who were connected with him, (which was the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with zeal,
Hastings
Joseph Caiaphas, the son-in-law of Annas (Joh 18:13), was high priest between a.d. 18 and 36; and thus 'the memorable year' of our Lord's trial fell in the course of his pontificate (Joh 11:51; 18:13). He was, like all the priestly order, a Sadducee; and he was a man of masterful temper, with his full share of the insolence which was a Sadduc
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Then they who had apprehended Jesus, brought him to Caiaphas the high-priest, where the scribes and elders were assembled. But Peter followed him at a great distance unto the palace of the high-priest, and entering in, sat down with the servants, to see the issue. read more. Now the chief priests and elders and the whole sanhedrim, sought false witness against Jesus, that they might put him to death; and found none: and though many false witnesses came, they found it not [sufficient]. But at the last two false witnesses stepping forth, said, This fellow said, I am able to pull down the temple of God, and to build it up in three days. And the high-priest rising up, said to him, Answerest thou nothing? what do these men witness against thee? But Jesus was silent. And the high-priest addressing him, said, I adjure thee, by the living God, that thou tell us, if thou art the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus saith to him, Thou hast spoken [the fact]. Moreover I tell you, hereafter ye shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high-priest rent his garments, saying, he hath blasphemed: what farther need have we of witnesses? lo! now ye have heard his blasphemy: what think ye? They answered and said, He is deserving of death. Then they spit in his face, and buffeted him about; and some slapt his face with their hands, saying, Prophesy to us, you Messiah, who it is that struck thee!
And they led Jesus unto the high-priest; and with him were assembled all the chief priests, and the elders, and the scribes. And Peter followed him at a distance, until he came into the palace of the high-priest: and was seated with the servants, and warming himself at the fire. read more. Then the chief priests, and the whole sanhedrim, sought for witness against Jesus, that they might put him to death; yet found none. For many bore false witness against him, and their attestations did not correspond. And certain persons rising up, bore false witness against him, saying, We have heard him affirm, I will destroy this temple made with hands, and after three days I will build another not made with hands. But even then their testimony was not correspondent. So the high-priest rising up in the midst interrogated Jesus, Answerest thou nothing? What is it that these witness against thee? But he kept silence, and made them not a word of reply. Again the high-priest questioned him, and said to him, Art thou the Messiah, the Son of the blessed? Then said Jesus, I am. And ye shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming with the clouds of heaven. Then the high-priest rent his clothes, and said, What farther need have we of witnesses? Ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? And they all adjudged him to be deserving of death. And some began to spit upon him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say to him, Prophesy: and the servants slapped him on the face with their hands.
And when the day broke, the elders of the people and the chief priests and scribes assembled, and brought him into their sanhedrim, saying, If thou art the Messiah, tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: read more. and if I shall ask you any question, ye will neither answer me, nor let me go free. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit at the right hand of the power of God. Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Yourselves say that I am. Then they said, What further need have we of witness? for we have heard it from his own mouth.
The chief priests and Pharisees therefore called the sanhedrim together, and said, What are we about? for this man is doing many miracles.
And this he spake not from himself: but being the high-priest of that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation;
and led him away to Annas first; for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was the high-priest of that year.
and led him away to Annas first; for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was the high-priest of that year.
Watsons
CAIAPHAS, high priest of the Jews, succeeded Simon, son of Camith; and after possessing this dignity nine years, from A.M. 4029 to 4038, he was succeeded by Jonathan, son of Ananas, or Annas. Caiaphas was high priest, A.M. 4037, which was the year of Jesus Christ's death. He married a daughter of Annas, who also is called high priest in the Gospel, because he had long enjoyed that dignity. When the priests deliberated on the seizure and death of Jesus Christ, Caiaphas declared, that there was no room for debate on that matter, "because it was expedient that one man should die for the people, that the whole nation should not perish," Joh 11:49-50. This sentiment was a prophecy, which God suffered to proceed from the mouth of the high priest on this occasion, importing, that the death of Jesus would be for the salvation of the world. When Judas had betrayed Jesus, he was first taken before Annas, who sent him to his son- in-law, Caiaphas, who possibly lived in the same house, Joh 18:24. The priests and doctors of the law there assembled to judge our Saviour, and to condemn him. The depositions of certain false witnesses being insufficient to justify a sentence of death against him, and Jesus continuing silent, Caiaphas, as high priest, said to him, "I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou art the Christ, the Son of God!" To this adjuration, so solemnly made by the superior judge, Jesus answered, "Thou hast said; nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." On hearing these words, Caiaphas rent his clothes, saying, "What farther need have we of witnesses? Behold, now you have heard his blasphemy. What think ye?" They answered, "He is worthy of death." And as the power of life and death was not at this time in their hands, but was reserved by the Romans, they conducted him to Pilate, that he might confirm their sentence, and order his execution.
Two years after this, Vitellus, governor of Syria, coming to Jerusalem at the passover, was received very magnificently by the people. As an acknowledgment for this honour, he restored the custody of the high priest's ornaments, to the priests, he remitted certain duties raised on the fruits of the earth, and deposed the high priest Caiaphas. From this it appears that Caiaphas had fallen under popular odium, for his deposition was to gratify the people.
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Then one particular person of them, Caiaphas, being the high-priest of that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation be not destroyed.