Caiaphas
maleNew TestamentMeaning: “Comely; rock”
The high priest who presided over Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin and unwittingly prophesied that one man should die for the people.
Biography
Caiaphas was the Jewish high priest (about AD 18–36) who led the plot against Jesus and presided over His trial before the Sanhedrin. He was the son-in-law of the former high priest Annas.
An unwitting prophecy
After the raising of Lazarus, as the council debated what to do about Jesus, Caiaphas declared, "it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not." John notes that he "spake not of himself," but unwittingly prophesied "that Jesus should die for that nation" — and for all God's scattered children (John 11:49–52).
The trial
At the night trial, when witnesses failed, Caiaphas put Jesus under oath: "Tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God." When Jesus affirmed it, the high priest tore his clothes and charged Him with blasphemy, and the council condemned Him to death (Matthew 26:63–66). His words about one dying for the people, intended cynically, became a profound — if unintended — statement of the gospel.
Life Timeline
Prophesies that one man should die for the people
Condemns Jesus for blasphemy at His trial
Themes & lessons from Caiaphas
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Caiaphas appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
9 verses in 4 booksMatthew2 verses
Matthew 26:3
Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
Matthew 26:57
And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
Luke1 verse
Luke 3:2
Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
John5 verses
John 11:49
And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
John 18:13
And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year. year: year. And Annas sent Christ bound unto Caiaphas the high priest
John 18:14
Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
John 18:24
Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
John 18:28
Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover. the hall: or, Pilate's house
Acts1 verse
Acts 4:6
And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
Frequently asked about Caiaphas
Who was Caiaphas in the Bible?
The high priest who presided over Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin and unwittingly prophesied that one man should die for the people.
What does the name Caiaphas mean?
The name Caiaphas means “Comely; rock”.
What did Caiaphas do in the Bible?
Caiaphas served as high priest, of the tribe of Levi.
Where does Caiaphas appear in the Bible?
Caiaphas is mentioned 9 times across 4 books: Matthew, Luke, John, Acts.
What can we learn from Caiaphas?
The story of Caiaphas touches on themes of prisoners, caiaphas, high priest, the, scribe — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Caiaphas's life.
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