caiaphas

1 definition found

caiaphas - Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary :

  Caiaphas
  the Jewish high priest (A.D. 27-36) at the beginning of our
  Lord's public ministry, in the reign of Tiberius (Luke 3:2), and
  also at the time of his condemnation and crucifixion (Matt.
  26:3,57; John 11:49; 18:13, 14). He held this office during the
  whole of Pilate's administration. His wife was the daughter of
  Annas, who had formerly been high priest, and was probably the
  vicar or deputy (Heb. sagan) of Caiaphas. He was of the sect of
  the Sadducees (Acts 5:17), and was a member of the council when
  he gave his opinion that Jesus should be put to death "for the
  people, and that the whole nation perish not" (John 11:50). In
  these words he unconsciously uttered a prophecy. "Like Saul, he
  was a prophet in spite of himself." Caiaphas had no power to
  inflict the punishment of death, and therefore Jesus was sent to
  Pilate, the Roman governor, that he might duly pronounce the
  sentence against him (Matt. 27:2; John 18:28). At a later period
  his hostility to the gospel is still manifest (Acts 4:6). (See ANNAS.)