Caiaphas
The high priest who said one man should die for the people, and unknowingly prophesied the cross.
New Testament · High priest c. AD 18–36 · Matthew, Luke, John, Acts · Also known as Joseph Caiaphas, The high priest
About Caiaphas
Caiaphas was high priest in Jerusalem during Jesus’ ministry, son-in-law of the former high priest Annas. After Jesus raised Lazarus, the council feared the Romans would "take away both our place and nation." Caiaphas said, "Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not." John adds, "this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation." The chief priests gathered "unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas," to arrest Jesus. At the trial he demanded, "I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ," and when Jesus answered, he tore his clothes: "He hath spoken blasphemy."
This guide speaks about Caiaphas, not as him, out of care. Rome appointed high priests, and Caiaphas kept the post unusually long, about eighteen years, suggesting he cooperated closely with Pilate. In 1990 a burial box inscribed with the name "Joseph son of Caiaphas" was found in Jerusalem.
The story
Expedient for us
After Lazarus was raised, the council said, "If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not." "Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death."
John 11:47-53
He prophesied
"And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad."
John 11:51-52
I adjure thee by the living God
Jesus was taken "to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled." False witnesses failed. "The high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God." Jesus answered, "Thou hast said." "Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy."
Matthew 26:57-66
Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas
After Pentecost, Peter and John were arrested for preaching. "And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest" questioned them: "By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?"
Acts 4:5-7
Key moments
- "One man should die for the people": An unwitting prophecy. (John 11:49-51)
- Plot in his palace: To take Jesus "by subtilty." (Matthew 26:3-4)
- Tries Jesus: "I adjure thee by the living God." (Matthew 26:63)
- Tears his clothes: "He hath spoken blasphemy." (Matthew 26:65)
- Questions Peter and John: "By what name?" (Acts 4:6-7)
Questions about Caiaphas
Why did Caiaphas want Jesus dead?
The council feared that "all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation." Caiaphas argued it was "expedient for us, that one man should die for the people." It was political calculation: sacrifice one man to keep the peace with Rome and keep their own position. At the trial, the formal charge became blasphemy.
What did John mean that Caiaphas prophesied?
Caiaphas meant it cynically: better one man dies than the nation suffers. John saw God speaking through the high priest’s words anyway: "being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad." He said more truth than he knew.
Is there evidence for Caiaphas outside the Bible?
Yes. The Jewish historian Josephus names "Joseph who was called Caiaphas" as high priest. In 1990, builders in Jerusalem uncovered a family tomb with an ornate bone box inscribed "Joseph son of Caiaphas," which many scholars think belonged to him. It is now in the Israel Museum.
Connected people
- Jesus: Put him on trial
- Annas: Father-in-law
- Pontius Pilate: Handed Jesus over to him
- Peter: Questioned him
- Lazarus: His raising prompted the plot
Read it yourself
Start with John 11:47-53; Matthew 26:57-66.