Person New Testament
Caiaphas
Also known as Joseph Caiaphas
Caiaphas was the high priest in Jerusalem during the ministry and trial of Jesus. The chief priests met in his courtyard to plan the arrest, and at his house Jesus was put under oath, declared Himself the Son of Man at God's right hand, and was judged worthy of death. John records that Caiaphas had earlier said it was better for one man to die for the people.
Why it matters. As high priest, Caiaphas gave the religious verdict that sent Jesus to Pilate, and John reads his words about one man dying for the nation as an unintended prophecy of the atonement.
- Primary passages
- Last reviewed
- 2026-08-30 by the FaithGraph team
Connections
Caiaphas participates in The controversies in the temple
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceThe chief priests and elders who question Jesus' authority are led by the high priest; Matthew names Caiaphas as high priest in the same week.
Evidence:Caiaphas participates in Judas agrees to betray Jesus
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceThe chief priests with whom Judas bargains had gathered in the courtyard of Caiaphas to plan the arrest.
Evidence:Caiaphas participates in The trial before the Sanhedrin
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceCaiaphas presides, puts Jesus under oath, and declares blasphemy.
Evidence:Caiaphas participates in The trial before Pilate
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceThe chief priests, led by the high priest, hand Jesus over to Pilate and press for crucifixion.
Evidence:Caiaphas promises Sacrifice and atonement
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceJohn says Caiaphas, as high priest, prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation and to gather God's scattered children, though he meant it as political expedience.
Evidence:
Appears in Scripture
Named in 9 verses across 4 books. Occurrence data from STEPBible TIPNR (CC BY 4.0); references only, no translation text.