Bible Word of the Day

Caiaphas (High Priest During Jesus Crucifixion)

Meaning
Caiaphas was the High Priest during the crucifixion of Jesus. He’s mentioned several times in the New Testament as the corrupt High Priest. His name was Joseph Caiaphas, but he’s mostly known by the name of Caiaphas. He was involved in the plot to kill Jesus and was also believed to have been involved in the Sanhedrin trial of Jesus, both of which violated Jewish law and were meant as an excuse to kill Jesus because the Jewish leaders felt threatened. Caiaphas was the son-in-law of the former High Priest who was named Ananias.

Though Caiaphas had been appointed by the Roman leaders, they both ran the priesthood which by this time had become corrupted. After his arrest Jesus was taken to Caiaphas, who questioned him privately. The trial took place on the next day on the eve of Passover. This trial was before the Sanhedrin over whom Caiaphas presided. Both Caiaphas and his father-in-law Ananias were appointed by Roman prefects though God’s law stated only the descendants of Aaron could hold the office of High Priest.

In Judaism the office of the High Priests was considered one of the primary leadership roles in Jewish society. The High Priest was the only person who could offer sacrifices for the people once a year during the Day of Atonement.