Caiaphas the Elder
14 BCE - 46 CE
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Caiaphas was the high priest of Jerusalem during Jesus’ rise, from about 18-37 CE, and during his crucifixion. Little is known historically about Caiaphas - he was appointed by Roman authorities and was allied with Pontius Pilate. As high priest - a position that existed for roughly four centuries leading up to Jesus’ time - Caiaphas was responsible for executing Jerusalem’s most sacred rituals and holidays and effectively represented the people to God. When Judea came under Roman rule in 6 CE, Caiaphas became subject to the authority of the Roman governor and the whims of political expediency. He was likely very politically adept at navigating imperial dictates and the people’s needs.
Matthias Stom, Christ before Caiaphas, c. 1632
The gospels are inconsistent about his involvement with Judas and his role in Jesus’ sentence. The Gospel of John suggests Caiaphas was concerned that Jesus’ popularity would invite Rome to initiate sanctions or violence. Matthew suggests Caiaphas hosted conspirators whose plans led to Jesus’ crucifixion but does not suggest Caiphas took part. However, perhaps most famously, Matthew relates Caiaphas’s demand that Jesus announce whether he is the Son of God; upon Jesus’ doing so, Caiaphas declares Jesus guilty of blasphemy. Mark does not name Caiaphas but describes only a “high priest” presiding over that session; John does not include Caiaphas at all. Two things are equally likely:
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Caiaphas masterminded the Crucifixion, and
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The writers of the Bible, a century after the Crucifixion, needed a convenient villain for a coherent narrative of Jesus’ persecution and death.
