Topical Encyclopedia
Caiaphas, also known as Joseph Caiaphas, was the Jewish high priest during the time of Jesus Christ's public ministry and crucifixion. He held the office of high priest from approximately AD 18 to 36, a notably long tenure, which suggests he was a figure of considerable influence and political acumen. Caiaphas was the son-in-law of Annas, a former high priest, which likely contributed to his rise in the religious hierarchy of Jerusalem.
Role and InfluenceCaiaphas is best known for his involvement in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. As high priest, he presided over the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, which played a crucial role in the events leading to Jesus' death. The Gospels depict Caiaphas as a central figure in the plot to arrest and execute Jesus, viewing Him as a threat to the established religious order and to the delicate political balance with the Roman authorities.
Biblical ReferencesCaiaphas is mentioned in several passages in the New Testament. In the Gospel of John, Caiaphas is noted for his pragmatic approach to the perceived threat posed by Jesus.
John 11:49-50 records Caiaphas saying, "You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish." This statement, made in the context of a council meeting, reflects his belief that Jesus' death was necessary to prevent Roman intervention and potential destruction of the Jewish nation.
In the Synoptic Gospels, Caiaphas is depicted as presiding over the trial of Jesus.
Matthew 26:57-68 describes how Jesus was brought before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, where false witnesses were sought to testify against Him. Caiaphas directly questioned Jesus, asking Him if He was the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus' affirmative response led Caiaphas to accuse Him of blasphemy, a charge that carried the death penalty under Jewish law.
Historical ContextCaiaphas' role as high priest was not only religious but also political. The high priesthood during this period was heavily influenced by Roman authorities, who had the power to appoint and depose high priests. Caiaphas' long tenure suggests he was adept at navigating the complex political landscape, maintaining favor with both the Roman rulers and the Jewish populace.
LegacyCaiaphas' actions during the trial of Jesus have been the subject of much theological reflection and debate. His decision to prioritize the stability of the nation over the life of one man, as recorded in the Gospel of John, has been interpreted in various ways. Some view it as a pragmatic, albeit morally questionable, decision, while others see it as a fulfillment of divine prophecy, as Caiaphas unwittingly spoke of Jesus' sacrificial role for the salvation of many.
Caiaphas' legacy is inextricably linked to the Passion narrative, and he remains a significant figure in the study of the historical and religious context of the New Testament. His actions and motivations continue to be examined by scholars and theologians seeking to understand the complex interplay of religion, politics, and prophecy in the life and death of Jesus Christ.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Caiaphas or Caiaphas(depression), in fullJOSEPH CAIAPHAS, high priest of the Jews under Tiberius. (Matthew 26:3,57;John 11:49;18:13,14,24,28;Acts 4:6) The procurator Valerius Gratus appointed him to the dignity, He was son-in-law of Annas. [ANNAS]
Greek
2533. Kaiaphas --Caiaphas, an Israelite high priest...Caiaphas, an Israelite high priest. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration:
Kaiaphas Phonetic Spelling: (kah-ee-af'-as) Short Definition:
Caiaphas...Library
Caiaphas
...CAIAPHAS.... They hesitate, and are at a loss what to do. But however they may hesitate,
there is one man who knows his own mind"Caiaphas, the high priest....
Jesus BeforeCaiaphas
... JESUS BEFORECAIAPHAS. 'And... Me? Now Annas had sent Him bound untoCaiaphas
the high priest. And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself....
Jesus Examined byCaiaphas
... ILLUSTRATIONS: JESUS EXAMINED BYCAIAPHAS. And they that had laid hold on
Jesus led him away toCaiaphas the high priest, where the...
Caiaphas Answered.
... Book I. Chapter LXI."Caiaphas Answered. "ThenCaiaphas attempted to impugn
the doctrine of Jesus, saying that He spoke vain things...
Annas andCaiaphas, Summas and Datam, Gamaliel, Judas, Levi...
... Part I."The Acts of Pilate. Latin Form. Chapter 1. Annas andCaiaphas, Summas
and Datam, Gamaliel, Judas, Levi? Annas andCaiaphas...
Challenge byCaiaphas.
... Book I. Chapter XLIV."Challenge byCaiaphas. "But when we twelve apostles,
on the day of the passover, had come together with...
BeforeCaiaphas
... Mark CHAPTER 14:53-65 BEFORECAIAPHAS....Caiaphas adjures Him by their common
God to answer, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?...
Morning. --Examination BeforeCaiaphas.
... CHAPTER VI. THE TRIAL AND CONDEMNATION. Section 283. Morning."Examination
beforeCaiaphas. In the examination before the Sanhedrim...
Thursday Night - Before Annas andCaiaphas - Peter and Jesus.
... CHAPTER XIII. THURSDAY NIGHT - BEFORE ANNAS ANDCAIAPHAS - PETER AND JESUS.... [5895].
Of what occurred in the Palace ofCaiaphas we have two accounts. That of St....
Second Stage of Jewish Trial. Jesus Condemned byCaiaphas and the...
... Jesus Condemned byCaiaphas and the Sanhedrin. (Palace ofCaiaphas. Friday.)... d
24 Annas therefore sent him bound untoCaiaphas the high priest....
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