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Bible Dictionaries
Caiaphas
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
or CAIAPHAS . Joseph Caiaphas, the son-in-law of Annas ( John 18:13 ), was high priest between a.d. 18 and 36; and thus ‘the memorable year’ of our Lord’s trial fell in the course of his pontificate ( John 11:51; John 18:13 ). He was, like all the priestly order, a Sadducee; and he was a man of masterful temper, with his full share of the insolence which was a Sadducæan characteristic. He figures thrice in the NT. 1 . After the raising of Lazarus, the rulers, alarmed at the access of popularity which it brought to Jesus, convened a meeting of the Sanhedrin to determine what should be done. Caiaphas presided ex officio , and with a high hand forced a resolution that Jesus should be put to death ( John 11:47 ff.). 2 . He presided at the subsequent meeting of the Sanhedrin when Jesus was tried and condemned; and there again he displayed his character by his open determination to find Him guilty, and his shameless disregard of the forms of law in order to bring about that end ( John 18:24 , Matthew 26:57-68 = Mark 14:53-65 = Luke 22:66-71 ). 3 . He took part in the examination of Peter and John ( Acts 4:6 ).
David Smith.
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Hastings, James. Entry for 'Caiaphas'. Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hdb/c/caiaphas.html. 1909.
