Caiaphas was a high priest who played a key role in condemning Jesus.
About Caiaphas
Caiaphas was the high priest during Jesus' life and ministry. As the leader of the Jewish nation, he headed the Sanhedrin, the highest court. Next to the Roman governor, Caiaphas was the most powerful man in Judea, responsible to the Romans for the nation's behavior. He was particularly worried about the excitement and unrest surrounding Jesus, especially with the growing activities of the Zealots, who would soon start a rebellion.
The raising of Lazarus (John 11) caused a big stir, pushing tensions to a peak. Caiaphas, fearing that those seeking a political messiah might trigger a Roman crackdown, suggested that Jesus be put to death (John 11:48–50). The Gospel of John notes that, in doing so, Caiaphas unknowingly prophesied about the atoning nature of Jesus' death (John 11:51–52).
Family Relationships
- Partner
- Wife of Caiaphas
Key References
Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and elders had gathered.
But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all!
They brought Him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.
along with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and many others from the high priest’s family.
All Scripture References (9)
Matthew (2)
At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas,
Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and elders had gathered.
Luke (1)
during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
John (5)
But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all!
They brought Him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.
Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be better if one man died for the people.
Then Annas sent Him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.
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 (1)
along with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and many others from the high priest’s family.