Caiaphas the High Priest

Caiaphas the High Priest

Caiaphas the high priest served in Jerusalem from about 18 to 36 AD. History tells us that he was the son-in-law of Annas, and likely from the tribe of Levi. As a member of the Jewish priestly class, Caiaphas was part of the sect of the Sadducees, who served in priestly as well as political and judicial roles. The other main religious group was the Pharisees – who focused more on religious laws and teaching in the local synagogues. The Sadducees tended to be corrupted by money and more interested in the political power and benefits that came from close ties with the Romans.

Caiaphas the high priest is an important historical anchor for three of the Gospels – Matthew, Luke and John. He is also attested in the writings of Roman historian Flavius Josephus, where Josephus attests to his name, position, and time of service as high priest. Interestingly, Josephus specifies that he was “Joseph son of Caiaphas,” but that he was also known as “Joseph who was called Caiaphas.” This explains why the Gospels merely use the name “Caiaphas.”

The name “Joseph son of Caiaphas” is also found on an ossuary – or, bone box -- found just outside the walls of first-century Jerusalem. In 1990, a tomb was accidently discovered during a construction project, and subsequently excavated. Twelve ossuaries were found inside the rock-cut tomb, two of which contained the family name “Caiaphas.” The ossuary inscribed with “Joseph son of Caiaphas” was particularly ornate. Inside, remains of six individuals were discovered, including a man about 60-years-old.

The tomb where the ossuary was found also contained a coin of Herod Agrippa I dated 42/43 AD, which places this ossuary in the right place at the right time. Based on the evidence, most scholars now accept that this artifact is the very ossuary that held the bones of Joseph Caiaphas, the Jewish high priest and the man who became such an important part of the Gospel story.

According to the Gospel of John, “Caiaphas was the one who advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people” (John 18:14). The chief priests gave orders that anyone knowing the whereabouts of Jesus should notify them immediately so he could be arrested. Passover was approaching, and the Temple officials figured that Jesus wouldn’t pass on the opportunity to show up in Jerusalem.

[lolamadamvillanueva]

Thank you for sharing this. This helps us in discovering who Caiaphas was, aiding us in our study of the events that led to the crucifixion of Jesus. God bless you richly!!

[ishouldbesleeping]

Drive thru History is SUCH a blessing to believers of “the way”

[justinamarina]

Thank you one of the best shows on youtube. Keep on doing the good work.

[annagriffin]

Excellent presentation of Biblical record, both historical and archaeological fact!

[alephtav]

Caiaphas had a great role in Jesus life he was like Pharaoh God let hardened his heart to fulfill the scripture for the generation of all Nation and all around cities in middle east as well Israel... He is the sample of High positioned man who convinced that great power, richness and his own belief is more important than the Messiah..

[jackjones]

Isn't it interesting that his bones were found outside the boundary of Jerusalem. He turned on and had the Son of God killed and now he isn't even afforded having his bones within Jerusalem, which he said he was so concerned with protecting. Woe to him.

[debrapittman]

Very informative would have like to know a bit more about him

[jackcarraway]

"The Jew cries in pain as he strikes you." —Polish proverb

[ishouldbesleeping]

I love these You Tube shorts. I just wish they didn’t have such abrupt endings 😕

[AJ_Jingco]

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ earthly ministry existed between 30-33 AD, with the crucifixion, death, ressurection of our Lord occuring in 33 AD.

[comali]

Hypocrites and murderers, the deicides who committed the most heinous crime and unjust trials of all time.

[matthewchrist]

They have found two nails of a crucifixion in his grave. Become he a Christian later on?

[stgnsw]

This is interesting, I was in Larnaca Cyprus and in the Church of saint Lazarus, there was Lazarus's Ossuary in the church which read
" LAZARUS FRIEND OF JESUS "
the first thing that came to my mind was how did he fit in there, some of his bones were taken to France or Rome, I can't remember which one.
But this documentary now explains to me how only his bones would of been put in there, not his whole body.
The funny part is I learned this from the ossuary of the man that wanted to kill him
.
JOHN 12: 9
Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also,  11because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus

[OtisLePoOtis]

Not christian, but very facinated by the people in the bible

[redpilledtrooper]

Its crazy. They dedicate their whole life to serving God under the patterns taught to Moses. Then when The Son of God. The Messiah that was foretold in scripture, rides into Jerusalem for Passover on a donkey fulfilling the 70 week prophecy of Daniel.

They are scared what the Romans might do, but they should have trusted in God. He was right there with them.

Obviously the sacrifice had to happen. All of the people at that time were being manipulated by dark spiritual forces. Because Jesus took the weight of all the sin and death of the world past present and future on his shoulders.

If the enemy knew what his plan was they never would have killed him

[jsphfalcon]

Caiaphas' biggest sin was forgetting what the laws says. No high priest is to take off his hat or tear his clothes. He is not to leave the sanctuary. He shall go unto any dead body. He shall not defile himself for his mother or his father. All this we know he did. The one that makes me wonder why it was included in Leviticus is he is to also not marry a none virgin. That would render all his line ineligible to be high priest.

[sabupattassery]

Any son of Adam how can u write all the Things? Didn't u know all prophets were killed?. Jesus is the word of God who came here to die for us because without blood sacrifice there is no forgiveness. All mankind are sinners because of the sin of Adam that is the reason why word of God became man.

[Titus-yooh]

Caiaphas was a fruit of nepotism: his uncle being Annas the precursor. His end was normal. He was removed from the post of High Priest by Pontius Pilate's successor Ventulus. He died a non entity. That is a rather comfortable ending to a worthless man. Curious to know if there are any extant filial and documented successors
of Caiphas today.

[ellysabourin]

Check out the testament of Caiaphus, he ended up believing that Jesus was the sacrifice for all the Christ.

[baggytanes]

There are many Caiaphias in the world now-Those powerful, rich, corrupted,,influencer,lustful,greedy,murderer,lier. ....even now like in Jesus's days.