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Easton's Bible Dictionary - Caiaphas
Caiaphas
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
(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 (Matthew 27:2; John 18:28). At a later period
his hostility to the gospel is still manifest (Acts 4:6). (See ANNAS .)
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible
Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy
freely.
Bibliography Information
Easton, Matthew George. "Entry for 'Caiaphas'". "Easton's Bible Dictionary".
1897.
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