Caiaphas

CAIAPHAS

Scripture references:
Matthew 26:3, 57; Luke 3:2;
John 11:49; 18:13–28;
Acts 4:6

————————v————————

————————v————————

CAIAPHAS’S LIFE AND TIMES

The Revell Bible Dictionaryprovides this brief overview of Caiaphas’s character and his significance in the gospel story. Extrabiblical sources reveal much about this man.

Caiaphas was the son-in-law of Annas, who for many years dominated the priesthood and the Sadducean party. Extra-biblical sources establish this family’s greed and its exploitation of the Jewish people. At that time, the high priesthood was no longer hereditary—the eldest son of Aaron’s family—but was a Roman political appointment given because of graft. Christ’s remarks about “thieves and robbers” who pretended to be shepherds (John 10:8–10) would have been clearly understood by his hearers—and by the family of Annas. This vindictive and selfish motive for Jesus’ capture and trial before Caiaphas’s court is reflected in a discussion held after Jesus raised Lazarus. The Jewish leaders expressed fear that, if Jesus sparked a popular uprising, the Romans might come and take away “both our place and our nation.” Caiaphas then remarked how expedient it would be for just one man to die, rather than the whole nation (p. 184)!

CAIAPHAS: AN EXAMPLE FOR TODAY

Knowing something of Caiaphas’s character and the family he represented helps us understand his hidden motives in seeking Jesus’ death. The family of Annas controlled buying and selling in the temple, and the rate of exchange for purchasing the Tyran Duodrachma that they decreed was the only coinage acceptable as temple money. Their control of the temple generated vast wealth for the family— wealth extorted from the poor who came to the temple to worship God. No wonder Caiaphas was unwilling that anyone threaten his place, which was far more important to Caiaphas than the nation. Yet, we can learn from him.

•     Caiaphas reminds us we are not to take individuals at face value, especially where money is involved. Christians tend to be trusting, especially of others who present themselves as believers. Religion has been used as a cloak by the greedy for centuries.

•     Caiaphas warns us that evil men will go to any lengths to achieve their ends. The trial over which Caiaphas presided was illegal, held in secret at night. Caiaphas feigned shock at Jesus’ “blasphemy” when Christ stated that He was the Son of God. Evil men use religion and believers without concern for what God must think. You and I are to be too concerned with pleasing God either to have evil ends in mind or to use evil means.