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 when Jesus had finished these discourses, He said to his disciples, Ye know that after two days the passover is to be kept,---and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. read more. Now the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people were then assembled together into the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas: and were consulting how they might take Jesus by treachery and put Him to death. But they said, Not on the feast-day, least there should be a tumult among the people.
Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled. And they, that apprehended Jesus, led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled: and Peter followed Him at a distance, to the high-priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, that he might see the issue. read more. Now the chief priests and elders, and the whole council sought false-witness against Jesus, that they might put Him to death: but found none. And tho' many false witnesses came, they found none to their purpose. But at last came two false witnesses and said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. And the high priest stood up and said to Him, Dost thou make no answer? what do these men testify against thee? but Jesus made no reply. Then the high priest said to Him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us, if thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, It is as thou hast said: and I tell you, hereafter ye shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming on the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy, what need have we more of witnesses? now ye have heard his blasphemy, what think ye? and they answered, He ought to be put to death. Then did they spit in his face, and beat Him about the head; and some struck Him with rods, saying, Divine to us, thou Christ, who it is that smote thee.
Now the feast of the passover and unleavened bread was within two days: and the chief priests and the scribes were contriving how they might seize Him by treachery and put Him to death.
And they led Jesus away to the high priest, with whom were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. And Peter followed Him at a distance, even into the palace of the high priest: and sat down among the servants, and warmed himself at the fire. read more. Now the chief priests and all the council sought for evidence against Jesus, to put Him to death, and found none: for many bare false witness against Him, and the evidences did not agree. At last there rose up some and bare false witness against Him, saying, We heard Him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands: but neither was their evidence consistent. Then the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus saying, Answerest thou nothing? what do these men witness against thee? but he held his peace, and made him no answer. So the high priest asked Him again, and saith to Him, Art thou the Messiah the Son of the blessed God? And Jesus said, 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 clothes and said, What farther need have we of witnesses? ye have heard the blasphemy; what think ye? and they all condemned Him as worthy of death. And they spit upon Him, and blind-folded Him, and then buffeted Him and said to Him, prophesy who it was: and the officers struck him with their rods. And Peter being in the hall below, there came one of the maid-servants of the high priest; and when she saw Peter as he was warming himself, she looked earnestly upon him and said, Thou also wast with Jesus the Nazarene: but he denied it, saying, I do not know Him, nor do I understand what thou meanest. And he went out into the porch, and the cock crew. And the maid seeing him again said to them that stood by, This is one of them: and he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by, said to Peter again, Thou art certainly one of them: for thou art a Galilean, and thy speech is like theirs. But he began to curse and swear saying, I do not know this man of whom ye speak: And the cock crowed a second time. Then Peter called to mind the word which Jesus had said to him, Before the cock crow twice thou wilt deny me thrice. And he covered his face and wept.
And the chief priests and scribes were consulting how they might put Him to death; for they were afraid of the people.
Then they took Him and led Him away, and brought Him to the high priest's. And Peter followed at a distance. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and sat down together, Peter also sat down among them: read more. and a servant-maid seeing him as he sat by the fire, and looking hard at him, said, This fellow was also with Him: But he denied Him, saying, Woman, I do not know Him. And after a little while another person seeing him said, And thou art one of them: but Peter said, Man, I am not. And about an hour after, another confidently affirmed saying, In truth this fellow also was with Him; for he is a Galilean too: but Peter answered, Man, I know not what thou sayst. And immediately, while he was yet speaking, the cock crew. And the Lord turned and looked upon Peter; and Peter called to mind the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, Before the cock crow thou wilt deny me thrice. And Peter went out and wept bitterly. And the men that laid hold on Jesus, insulted and abused Him; and when they had blind-folded Him, they struck Him on the face, and asked Him, saying, Prophesy who it was that smote thee. And many other things spake they against Him, blaspheming Him. And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people, and chief-priests, and scribes, assembled together, and ordered Him up into their council: and said to Him, Art thou the Messiah? tell us. And He said unto them, If I should tell you, ye would not believe: and if I should put any question to you, ye would not answer me, nor discharge me. But hereafter shall the Son of man be seated on the right hand of the power of God. And they all said, Art thou then the Son of God? And He said unto them, I am. And they said, What need have we of any farther evidence? when we ourselves have it from his own mouth?
Therefore the chief priests and the pharisees held a council and said, What are we doing? for this man worketh many miracles. If we suffer Him to go on thus, all the people will believe on Him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our place and nation. read more. But Caiaphas who was one of them, being high-priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all; nor do ye consider, that it is better for us that one man should die for the people, than that the whole nation should perish. This however he spake not of himself, but being high-priest at that time he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation: and not for the Jewish nation only, but that he might also gather together the children of God that are dispersed. From that day therefore they consulted together to put Him to death. Wherefore Jesus appeared no longer publicly among the Jews; but went away from thence into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
and led Him away to Annas first: (for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high-priest that year:) (18:24) and Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high-priest.
and 14.] Now Caiaphas was he who had said in council to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. read more. And Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. And that other disciple being known to the high priest went in with Jesus into the high-priest's hall. But Peter stood at the door without: the other disciple therefore, who was known to the high-priest, went out and spake to her that kept the door, and brought Peter in. Then saith the maid, that kept the door, to Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? and he said, I am not. And the servants and officers stood there, having made a fire of coals, for it was cold, and were warming themselves: and Peter was standing with them and warming himself. The high-priest therefore asked Jesus concerning his disciples, and his doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world, I always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, whither the Jews are continually resorting: and in secret have said nothing. Why dost thou ask me? ask them that heard me, what I have said unto them: for they know what I have said. And upon his saying these things, one of the officers that stood by struck Jesus, saying, Dost thou answer the high-priest thus? Jesus answered him, If I have ever spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why dost thou strike me? [See verse
between verse And Simon Peter stood warming himself: and they said to him, Art not thou one of his disciples? and he denied it, and said, I am not. read more. Then said one of the servants of the high-priest, kinsman to him whose ear Peter cut off, Did not I see thee in the garden with Him? Peter then denied it again, and immediately the cock crew.
And while they were speaking to the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the sadducees came upon them, being vexed that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. read more. And they laid hands on them, and put them into custody till the next day: for it was now evening. But many of them who heard the word, believed: and the number of the men was about five thousand. And on the morrow their rulers, and elders, and scribes were gathered together at Jerusalem: and with them Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest.
Then the high priest rose up, and all that were with him, (being of the sect of the sadducees,) and were filled with rage:
And when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to put them to death.
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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Now the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people were then assembled together into the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas:
Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled. And they, that apprehended Jesus, led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled:
so they bound Him and led Him away, and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the Roman governor.
and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being high priests, the word of God came unto John the Son of Zacharias in the wilderness:
But Caiaphas who was one of them, being high-priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all; nor do ye consider, that it is better for us that one man should die for the people, than that the whole nation should perish.
and led Him away to Annas first: (for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high-priest that year:) (18:24) and Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high-priest.
and 14.] Now Caiaphas was he who had said in council to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the pretorium: (now it was morning) and they themselves went not in to the court, least they should be defiled, and so might not eat of the passover.
and with them Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest.
Then the high priest rose up, and all that were with him, (being of the sect of the sadducees,) and were filled with rage:
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 all the disciples deserted Him and fled. And they, that apprehended Jesus, led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled: and Peter followed Him at a distance, to the high-priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, that he might see the issue. read more. Now the chief priests and elders, and the whole council sought false-witness against Jesus, that they might put Him to death: but found none. And tho' many false witnesses came, they found none to their purpose. But at last came two false witnesses and said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. And the high priest stood up and said to Him, Dost thou make no answer? what do these men testify against thee? but Jesus made no reply. Then the high priest said to Him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us, if thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, It is as thou hast said: and I tell you, hereafter ye shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming on the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy, what need have we more of witnesses? now ye have heard his blasphemy, what think ye? and they answered, He ought to be put to death. Then did they spit in his face, and beat Him about the head; and some struck Him with rods, saying, Divine to us, thou Christ, who it is that smote thee.
And they led Jesus away to the high priest, with whom were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. And Peter followed Him at a distance, even into the palace of the high priest: and sat down among the servants, and warmed himself at the fire. read more. Now the chief priests and all the council sought for evidence against Jesus, to put Him to death, and found none: for many bare false witness against Him, and the evidences did not agree. At last there rose up some and bare false witness against Him, saying, We heard Him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands: but neither was their evidence consistent. Then the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus saying, Answerest thou nothing? what do these men witness against thee? but he held his peace, and made him no answer. So the high priest asked Him again, and saith to Him, Art thou the Messiah the Son of the blessed God? And Jesus said, 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 clothes and said, What farther need have we of witnesses? ye have heard the blasphemy; what think ye? and they all condemned Him as worthy of death. And they spit upon Him, and blind-folded Him, and then buffeted Him and said to Him, prophesy who it was: and the officers struck him with their rods.
And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people, and chief-priests, and scribes, assembled together, and ordered Him up into their council: and said to Him, Art thou the Messiah? tell us. And He said unto them, If I should tell you, ye would not believe: read more. and if I should put any question to you, ye would not answer me, nor discharge me. But hereafter shall the Son of man be seated on the right hand of the power of God. And they all said, Art thou then the Son of God? And He said unto them, I am. And they said, What need have we of any farther evidence? when we ourselves have it from his own mouth?
Therefore the chief priests and the pharisees held a council and said, What are we doing? for this man worketh many miracles.
This however he spake not of himself, but being high-priest at that time he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation:
and led Him away to Annas first: (for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high-priest that year:) (18:24) and Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high-priest.
and led Him away to Annas first: (for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high-priest that year:) (18:24) and Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high-priest.
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 Caiaphas who was one of them, being high-priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all; nor do ye consider, that it is better for us that one man should die for the people, than that the whole nation should perish.