In brief
Caiaphas is the high priest at the time of the trial of Jesus. Before the Sanhedrin, he declares that it is expedient for one man to die for the people, and John explains that he thus prophesied, without knowing it, that Jesus would die for the nation. He presides over the meeting where it is decided to arrest Jesus, questions Jesus and tears his robes, accusing him of blasphemy. Later, he still sits when Peter and John appear. His story shows that one can hold a high religious office and reject the Messiah.
What does the name Caiaphas mean?
The name Caiaphas is generally considered to be of Aramaic origin, but its meaning is uncertain, and the biblical text does not explain it. Matthew 26:3 presents him as the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, which suggests a name or nickname by which he was known.
The story of Caiaphas
The council that decides to put Jesus to death
John 11:47-53After the raising of Lazarus, the chief priests and the Pharisees gather the Sanhedrin, fearing that everyone will believe in Jesus. Caiaphas, high priest that year, declares that it is expedient for them that one man should die for the people. John adds that he did not say this of his own accord: he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation.
The plot in Caiaphas' courtyard
Matthew 26:3-4The chief priests and the elders of the people gather in the courtyard of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas. They plan to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. Caiaphas is thus at the center of the human decision that leads to the cross, while God fulfills his plan of salvation.
Jesus before Caiaphas
Matthew 26:57-66Those who have seized Jesus take him to Caiaphas, where the scribes and the elders have gathered. They look for false testimony. Caiaphas puts Jesus under oath by the living God to say whether he is the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus answers that he has said so. Caiaphas then tears his robes and cries out that Jesus has blasphemed.
Annas, Caiaphas, then Pilate
John 18:13-14, 24, 28According to John, Jesus is first led to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. John recalls that Caiaphas had advised that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. Annas sends Jesus bound to Caiaphas, then he is led from Caiaphas to the governor's headquarters, early in the morning.
Peter and John before the same council
Acts 4:5-7After the healing of a lame man, the rulers, elders and scribes gather in Jerusalem with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander and all who were of the high-priestly family. They place Peter and John in the midst and ask them by what power or by what name they have done this.
What Caiaphas teaches us
- A high religious position does not guarantee that one will recognize the Messiah.
- God can carry out his plan even through unjust human decisions: Caiaphas' words announce, in spite of himself, the death of Jesus for the nation.
- Fear of losing one's place and influence drives people to reject the truth, as in the reasoning of the Sanhedrin.
- Facing opposition, the disciples keep speaking in the name of Jesus.
Key verses
Caiaphas says it is better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to perish. A cynical sentence, which John interprets as a prophecy.
John explains that Caiaphas, being high priest that year, prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation. God uses his words to speak the truth of the cross.
Caiaphas puts Jesus under oath by the living God to tell them whether he is the Christ, the Son of God. The central question of the trial is the identity of Jesus.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Caiaphas in the Bible?
Caiaphas is the high priest at the time of the trial of Jesus (Matthew 26:3, John 18:13). He advises putting Jesus to death (John 11:49-50), presides over the questioning in which Jesus is accused of blasphemy (Matthew 26:57-66) and still sits at the judgment of Peter and John (Acts 4:6).
What does the name Caiaphas mean?
The name Caiaphas is generally considered Aramaic, but its meaning is uncertain. The Bible does not explain it: Matthew 26:3 says only that the high priest was called Caiaphas. It is therefore best to stay cautious about any interpretation.
Where can I find the story of Caiaphas in the Bible?
He is found in the Gospels and in Acts: Matthew 26:3-4 and 26:57-66, John 11:47-53 and John 18:13-28, then Acts 4:5-7. These passages show him at the heart of the decision to put Jesus to death, then opposed to his disciples.