People of the Bible
Who Was Caiaphas in the Bible?
Caiaphas was the high priest who plotted Jesus' death and unknowingly spoke a deeper truth, that one man should die for the people.
Caiaphas served as high priest during Jesus' ministry and led the council that sought to put Him to death. Fearing the loss of their place and nation, he argued that it was better for one man to die than for the whole people to perish.
John notes that Caiaphas did not realize he was prophesying: he spoke more truly than he knew. At the trial he condemned Jesus for claiming to be the Christ, tearing his robes and calling it blasphemy, and delivered Him to Pilate.
Key verses
“It is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.”John 11:50, King James Version
“And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation.”John 11:51, King James Version
A key moment
In the council, seeking a way to be rid of Jesus, Caiaphas declares that one man should die for the people, uttering the truth of the Gospel without knowing it.
What we learn
We learn, soberly, that religious position without a soft heart can harden into opposition to God, and that God can weave even human scheming into His saving purpose.
How Caiaphas points to Jesus
Caiaphas meant his words as cold calculation, but they were the deepest truth: Jesus did die for the people, and not that nation only, but for all God's children scattered abroad. The high priest condemned the true High Priest who offered Himself for us.
Common questions
Where is Caiaphas in the Bible?
Matthew 26, John 11, and John 18.
What can we learn from Caiaphas?
We learn, soberly, that religious position without a soft heart can harden into opposition to God, and that God can weave even human scheming into His saving purpose.
The same God who met Caiaphas is near to you today. Step inside The Living Bread to read the Scriptures, pray, and walk with the family of God.