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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Now when Jesus had finished these discourses, he said to his disciples, ye know that in two days the feast of the passover will begin, and the son of man be delivered up to be crucified. read more. About this time the chief priests, and the elders of the people, assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and consulted how to seize Jesus by surprize, and take away his life. but they said, this must not be done on the feastday, for fear the people rise.
And they that had apprehended Jesus, led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the Scribes and the senators were assembled. but Peter followed him at a distance to the high priest's palace, and going in, he sat with the officers to see the event. read more. Now the chief priests, the senators and the whole council, endeavour'd to get false evidence against Jesus, that he might be condemn'd to die. but they found none: and though many false witnesses came, it was not found sufficient. at last there came two false witnesses, who charg'd him with saying, "I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days." and the high priest arose, and said to him, have you nothing in answer to that charge they bring against you? but Jesus made no reply. and the high priest said to him, I conjure thee by the living God, to tell us, are you the Christ the son of God? Jesus reply'd, I am: moreover I declare to you, within a while ye shall see the son of man sitting on the right hand of God, and coming on the clouds of heaven. then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, he has spoke blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? you yourselves have now heard his blasphemy. what is your opinion? they reply'd, he deserves to die. then they spit in his face, some beat him on the head, others slapt him on the cheeks, crying now Christ divine, who 't is that struck you?
Within two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread. and the chief priests, with the Scribes, contriv'd how they might seize Jesus by surprize, and put him to death.
Jesus they led away to the high priest's, where all the chief priests, the rulers and Scribes, were assembled. Peter followed at a distance, even into the palace of the high priest: where he sat down among the servants to warm himself at the fire. read more. Now the chief priests, and the whole council endeavour'd to get evidence against Jesus, to condemn him to die; but they found none. there were indeed several, who depos'd what was false against him: besides, what they deposed was insufficient. at last there appear'd some, who gave in false evidence against him, saying, we heard him say, "I will pull down this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands." but neither did this evidence appear sufficient. then the high priest rising up in the midst of the assembly, ask'd Jesus, saying, have you nothing to plead for your self? what say you to the evidence they give against you? but Jesus remain'd silent, and gave no answer. then the high priest asked him again, and said to him, art thou the Christ, the son of the most High? and Jesus answered, I AM. and ye shall see the son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. then the high priest rent his robes, and said to the council, what occasion is there for any more witnesses? you have heard the blasphemy, what is your opinion? and they all pronounc'd, that he deserved to die. then some began to spit on him, others cover'd his face and struck him on the head, crying out, divine, who it is. and the domestics slapt him on the cheeks. In the mean time Peter was in the entry of the hall, where one of the maids belonging to the high priest came: and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked earnestly upon him, and said, you too was with Jesus the Nazarene. but he denied it, saying, I don't know him, neither am I acquainted with any such you mention. and he went out into the porch, when the cock crow'd. the maid saw him a second time, and said to the standers-by, this is one of them: but he denied it again. a little time after, they that stood by, still urg'd Peter, saying, you are certainly one of his disciples, for your speech shows you to be a Galilean. but he fell a cursing, and swore, I don't know the man you mention, and the cock crowed for the second time. then Peter calling to mind that expression of Jesus, "before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice," he cover'd his head and wept.
being nigh, the chief priests consulted with the Scribes, how they might put Jesus to death; for they were afraid of the people.
Then they seized him and carried him away to the high priest's house, and Peter followed at a distance. now as they had made a fire in the middle of the hall, and people were sitting all round it, Peter too sat down among them. read more. but one of the servants seeing him by the fire, star'd him in the face, and said, this man was with him too. but he renounc'd Jesus, saying, woman, I don't know him. a little while after another seeing him, said, you are even one of them. but Peter said to him, man, I am not. about an hour after another confidently affirm'd, saying, this fellow was certainly with him; for he too is a Galilean. Peter reply'd, man, I don't know what you would say, and immediately while he was yet speaking, the cock crew. whereupon the Lord turned about, and look'd upon Peter. then Peter remembred what the Lord had said to him, "before the cock-crowing you shall deny me thrice." and Peter went out, and wept bitterly. In the mean time, they who held Jesus, treated him with insults and buffoonry. they made him blind-fold, they slapt him on the face, and cry'd out, divine who it was that smote thee. and besides all this, they loaded him with the most impious invectives. As soon as it was day, the rulers of the people, the chief priests and the Scribes being assembled, they order'd him to be brought before their council, and said to him, if you are the Christ, say so. but he answer'd, if I should tell you so, you will not believe it. and if I should argue it with you, you will neither answer me, nor let me go. but in a little time the son of man shall be seated on the powerful right hand of God. then said they all, art thou then the son of God? you are in the right, answer'd he, for I am so. upon this they cry'd, what occasion have we for further evidence? for we ourselves have heard enough from his own mouth.
upon this the chief priests and the Pharisees being assembled in council, said, what shall we do? for this man performs many miracles. if we let him go on at this rate, all will believe on him; and the Romans will come, and destroy both our temple and nation. read more. but one of them named Caiaphas, being the high priest at that time, said to them, ye don't know what you are about. you little consider it is our interest, that one man should die for the people, to prevent the destruction of the whole nation. now this he did not say from his own motion: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation: and not for that nation only, but likewise to reassemble the dispersed children of God into one body. from that day therefore, they consulted together to put Jesus to death. For which reason he did not afterwards appear publickly among the Jews; but retir'd into the country near the desart, to a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
they brought him first to Annas; for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was the high priest at that time: the same Caiaphas, who in council told the Jews, "it was expedient that one man should die for the people." read more. Simon Peter followed Jesus, with another disciple, who being known to the high priest, was admitted into his palace at the same time with Jesus, whilst Peter stood without at the door. but that other disciple, who was known to the high priest went out, and spoke to her that kept the door, who let Peter in. then said the damsel, that kept the door, to Peter, are you also one of this man's disciples? I am not, said he. now the servants and officers that were there, had made a coal-fire, for it was cold, to warm themselves: and Peter stood warming himself among them. In the mean time, the high priest having question'd Jesus about his disciples, and his doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spoke openly to the world; I was continually teaching in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither all the Jews resort, and in secret have I said nothing. why do you question me? ask those who heard me, what discourse I had with them: they know very well what I said. Upon his expressing himself thus, one of the officers there present, struck Jesus on the face, saying, answerest thou the high priest so? Jesus replied, if I have said any thing injurious, show then wherein; but if I said right, why do you smite me? now Annas had sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. as Simon Peter then stood there warming himself: they said to him, art not thou also one of his disciples? which he denied, and said, I am not. one of the servants of the high priest, kinsman to him whose ear Peter struck off, said, did not I see thee in the garden with him? but Peter denied this too, and immediately the cock crew.
While they were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadduces came upon them, being displeas'd that they taught the people, and maintain'd the resurrection from the dead in the person of Jesus. read more. and they laid hands on them, and put them in prison, till the next day: for it was now evening. however, many who heard Peter's discourse, believed, to the number of about five thousand people. On the morrow, the rulers, senators, and doctors of the law, then at Jerusalem, assembled, with Annas the high priest, Caiphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the pontifical family.
Then the high priest, and all that accompanied him, who were of the sect of the Sadducees, being filled with indignation,
When they heard that, they were so enraged, they consulted to take away their lives.
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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About this time the chief priests, and the elders of the people, assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas,
And they that had apprehended Jesus, led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the Scribes and the senators were assembled.
and when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor of Judea.
under the pontificate of Annas and Caiaphas, JOHN, the son of Zacharias, received his divine commission in the wilderness.
but one of them named Caiaphas, being the high priest at that time, said to them, ye don't know what you are about. you little consider it is our interest, that one man should die for the people, to prevent the destruction of the whole nation.
they brought him first to Annas; for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was the high priest at that time: the same Caiaphas, who in council told the Jews, "it was expedient that one man should die for the people."
Then they led Jesus early in the morning from Caiaphas, to the Pretorium: but the Jews themselves did not enter into the Pretorium, lest they should be defiled: and so not be in a condition to eat the passover.
with Annas the high priest, Caiphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the pontifical family.
Then the high priest, and all that accompanied him, who were of the sect of the Sadducees, being filled with indignation,
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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And they that had apprehended Jesus, led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the Scribes and the senators were assembled. but Peter followed him at a distance to the high priest's palace, and going in, he sat with the officers to see the event. read more. Now the chief priests, the senators and the whole council, endeavour'd to get false evidence against Jesus, that he might be condemn'd to die. but they found none: and though many false witnesses came, it was not found sufficient. at last there came two false witnesses, who charg'd him with saying, "I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days." and the high priest arose, and said to him, have you nothing in answer to that charge they bring against you? but Jesus made no reply. and the high priest said to him, I conjure thee by the living God, to tell us, are you the Christ the son of God? Jesus reply'd, I am: moreover I declare to you, within a while ye shall see the son of man sitting on the right hand of God, and coming on the clouds of heaven. then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, he has spoke blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? you yourselves have now heard his blasphemy. what is your opinion? they reply'd, he deserves to die. then they spit in his face, some beat him on the head, others slapt him on the cheeks, crying now Christ divine, who 't is that struck you?
Jesus they led away to the high priest's, where all the chief priests, the rulers and Scribes, were assembled. Peter followed at a distance, even into the palace of the high priest: where he sat down among the servants to warm himself at the fire. read more. Now the chief priests, and the whole council endeavour'd to get evidence against Jesus, to condemn him to die; but they found none. there were indeed several, who depos'd what was false against him: besides, what they deposed was insufficient. at last there appear'd some, who gave in false evidence against him, saying, we heard him say, "I will pull down this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands." but neither did this evidence appear sufficient. then the high priest rising up in the midst of the assembly, ask'd Jesus, saying, have you nothing to plead for your self? what say you to the evidence they give against you? but Jesus remain'd silent, and gave no answer. then the high priest asked him again, and said to him, art thou the Christ, the son of the most High? and Jesus answered, I AM. and ye shall see the son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. then the high priest rent his robes, and said to the council, what occasion is there for any more witnesses? you have heard the blasphemy, what is your opinion? and they all pronounc'd, that he deserved to die. then some began to spit on him, others cover'd his face and struck him on the head, crying out, divine, who it is. and the domestics slapt him on the cheeks.
As soon as it was day, the rulers of the people, the chief priests and the Scribes being assembled, they order'd him to be brought before their council, and said to him, if you are the Christ, say so. but he answer'd, if I should tell you so, you will not believe it. read more. and if I should argue it with you, you will neither answer me, nor let me go. but in a little time the son of man shall be seated on the powerful right hand of God. then said they all, art thou then the son of God? you are in the right, answer'd he, for I am so. upon this they cry'd, what occasion have we for further evidence? for we ourselves have heard enough from his own mouth.
upon this the chief priests and the Pharisees being assembled in council, said, what shall we do? for this man performs many miracles.
now this he did not say from his own motion: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation:
they brought him first to Annas; for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was the high priest at that time:
they brought him first to Annas; for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was the high priest at that time:
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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but one of them named Caiaphas, being the high priest at that time, said to them, ye don't know what you are about. you little consider it is our interest, that one man should die for the people, to prevent the destruction of the whole nation.