Caiaphas
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Caiaphas in the Bible?
Caiaphas, born Joseph, was the son-in-law of Annas and served as the Jewish high priest from approximately 18 to 36 AD. He presided over the Sanhedrin trial of Jesus and advocated for Jesus' execution to maintain political stability under Roman rule.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Caiaphas clarifies the political and religious tensions in first-century Judea, showing how the Jewish leadership navigated Roman authority and internal dissent, which provides essential context for the narrative of Jesus' arrest and trial in the Gospels.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Caiaphas reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Caiaphas in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Caiaphas clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Caiaphas." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/caiaphas/