High priest during Jesus' ministry and trial
Caiaphas
Named in 9 verses across 4 books, first in Matthew 26:3.
ΚαϊάφαςCaiaphas
- Married to
- Daughter of Annas
- People
- Tribe of Levi
About Caiaphas Written by AI
Caiaphas was the high priest during the time of Jesus' ministry and played a significant role in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion (Matt. 26:3, 57; Luke 3:2; John 11:49; Acts 4:6). He served as high priest from around AD 18 to 36, and was the son-in-law of Annas, another influential high priest. Caiaphas is most notable for his involvement in the trial of Jesus. After Jesus' arrest, He was brought before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. During this trial, Caiaphas questioned Jesus and ultimately charged Him with blasphemy (Matt. Acts 26:63 to 66). Caiaphas then sent Jesus to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, who sentenced Him to crucifixion. Caiaphas' actions were motivated by his concern for maintaining political stability and protecting the religious establishment from perceived threats (John 11:49 to 50). After Jesus' resurrection, Caiaphas was involved in the persecution of the early Christian church, as seen in the trial of Peter and John (Acts 4:6). Caiaphas' role in the Gospel narratives highlights the political and religious tensions of the time and the opposition faced by Jesus and His followers.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
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.)
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- Matthew 26:3
At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas,
- Matthew 26:57
Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and elders had gathered.
- Luke 3:2
during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
- John 11:49
But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all!
- John 18:13
They brought Him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.
- John 18:14
Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be better if one man died for the people.
- John 18:24
Then Annas sent Him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.
- John 18:28
Then they led Jesus away from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. By now it was early morning, and the Jews did not enter the Praetorium, to avoid being defiled and unable to eat the Passover.
- Acts 4:6
along with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and many others from the high priest’s family.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.