Topical Encyclopedia Caiaphas, also known as Joseph Caiaphas, served as the Jewish high priest during a pivotal period in the early first century A.D., notably presiding over the Sanhedrin during the trial of Jesus Christ. His tenure as high priest is generally dated from around A.D. 18 to 36, a period marked by significant political and religious turbulence under Roman occupation.Historical Context and Role Caiaphas was appointed high priest by the Roman prefect Valerius Gratus, the predecessor of Pontius Pilate. His position as high priest made him the leading religious authority among the Jews, responsible for maintaining the temple's sanctity and overseeing the priestly functions. The high priesthood during this era was heavily influenced by Roman political interests, and Caiaphas's long tenure suggests he was adept at navigating these complex dynamics. Biblical References Caiaphas is prominently mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the context of the events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus. In the Gospel of John, Caiaphas is noted for his pragmatic, albeit prophetic, statement regarding Jesus: "You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish" (John 11:50). This statement, made during a council of the Sanhedrin, underscores his role in the plot to arrest and execute Jesus, viewing it as a means to prevent Roman intervention and potential destruction of the Jewish nation. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke also recount Caiaphas's involvement in the trial of Jesus. In Matthew 26:57-68, Jesus is brought before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, where false witnesses are sought to testify against Him. Caiaphas directly questions Jesus, asking if He is the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus affirms, leading Caiaphas to accuse Him of blasphemy, a charge that ultimately results in a death sentence. Political and Religious Influence Caiaphas's influence extended beyond religious duties; he was a key figure in maintaining the delicate balance between Jewish autonomy and Roman authority. His collaboration with Roman officials, including Pontius Pilate, highlights the complex interplay between religious leadership and political expediency. The high priesthood, during this period, was not only a spiritual office but also a political one, requiring diplomatic skill to manage both internal Jewish affairs and external Roman expectations. Archaeological Evidence Archaeological discoveries have provided additional insights into Caiaphas's life and times. In 1990, an ossuary bearing the inscription "Joseph son of Caiaphas" was discovered in Jerusalem, believed by many scholars to be the burial box of the high priest himself. This find corroborates historical accounts of Caiaphas's existence and his prominence in Jewish society. Legacy Caiaphas's legacy is inextricably linked to the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. His actions, as recorded in the New Testament, have been interpreted as both a fulfillment of divine prophecy and a demonstration of the political and religious tensions of the era. His role in these events has made him a significant, albeit controversial, figure in Christian history, symbolizing the intersection of human authority and divine purpose. ATS Bible Dictionary CaiaphasHigh 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, John 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, Matthew 26:1-5 Mark 14:1 Luke 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, Matthew 26:57-68 Mark 14:53-72 Luke 22:54-71 John 18:13-27. Not content with procuring the death of the Savior, Caiaphas and his friends violently persecuted his followers, Acts 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. Easton's Bible Dictionary 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 (Matthew 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 (Hebrews 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 (Matthew 27:2; John 18:28). At a later period his hostility to the gospel is still manifest (Acts 4:6). (see ANNAS.) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CAIAPHASka'-a-fas, ki'-a-fas (Kaiaphas; Caiaphas = Kephas (compare Dods in Expositor's Greek Test, I, 803), and has also been interpreted as meaning "depression"): Caiaphas was the surname of Joseph, a son-in-law of Annas (compare John 18:13), who filled the post of high priest from about 18-36 A.D., when he was deposed by Vitellius (compare Josephus, Ant, XVIII, ii, 2; iv, 3). He is mentioned by Luke as holding office at the time of John the Baptist's preaching in the wilderness (Luke 3:2). 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 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2533.htm - 6k Library Caiaphas Jesus Before Caiaphas Jesus Examined by Caiaphas Caiaphas Answered. Annas and Caiaphas, Summas and Datam, Gamaliel, Judas, Levi... Challenge by Caiaphas. Before Caiaphas Morning. --Examination Before Caiaphas. Thursday Night - Before Annas and Caiaphas - Peter and Jesus. Second Stage of Jewish Trial. Jesus Condemned by Caiaphas and the ... Thesaurus Caiaphas (9 Occurrences)... His wife was the daughter of Annas, who had formerly been high priest, and was probably the vicar or deputy (Hebrews sagan) of Caiaphas. ...CAIAPHAS. ... /c/caiaphas.htm - 14k Caiaphas's (1 Occurrence) Ca'iaphas (9 Occurrences) Annas (4 Occurrences) Assembled (186 Occurrences) Arrest (22 Occurrences) Trial (45 Occurrences) Led (260 Occurrences) Elders (203 Occurrences) Malchus (1 Occurrence) Resources Who was Caiaphas in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the account of Annas and Caiaphas? | GotQuestions.org Who was Annas in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Caiaphas (9 Occurrences)Matthew 26:3 Matthew 26:57 Luke 3:2 John 11:49 John 18:13 John 18:14 John 18:24 John 18:28 Acts 4:6 Subtopics Caiaphas: Peter and Other Disciples Accused Before Caiaphas: Prophesies Concerning Jesus Related Terms |
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