Lives of Scripture

Caiaphas served as Jerusalem's high priest for most of Pontius Pilate's governorship and presided over the Jewish council (the Sanhedrin) that condemned Jesus. Earlier, after Jesus raised Lazarus, the council feared Rome would destroy the nation over the growing following Jesus drew; Caiaphas told them bluntly, "it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish" -- John notes he spoke better than he knew, unintentionally prophesying that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only (John 11:47-52). After Jesus's arrest, He was brought first to Annas, Caiaphas's father-in-law, then to Caiaphas, where the chief priests and council sought false testimony against Him but could not agree on consistent charges (Matthew 26:57-60; John 18:13, 24). When Caiaphas demanded under oath whether Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, Jesus affirmed it and added that they would see Him seated at God's right hand. Caiaphas tore his robes and declared this blasphemy, and the council condemned Jesus to death (Matthew 26:63-66). Caiaphas appears again presiding over Peter and John's hearing after Pentecost (Acts 4:6), still opposing the movement he had tried to end by killing its founder. His office made him responsible for guarding true worship; instead, he became the one who formally condemned the true Messiah.