Caiaphas

Joseph Caiaphas served as high priest under Roman authority and was the son-in-law of Annas. The Gospels place him among the chief authorities involved in the plot against Jesus. John 11 records a council meeting after the raising of Lazarus, where leaders feared that growing belief in Jesus would provoke Roman intervention. Caiaphas argued that it was better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to perish. John comments that, as high priest that year, Caiaphas spoke prophetically beyond his own intention about Jesus dying for the nation and gathering God's scattered children. After Jesus' arrest, the Gospel traditions place Him before the high-priestly authorities, with Matthew specifically locating a hearing at Caiaphas' house. Acts 4 later names Caiaphas among the high-priestly family present when Peter and John were questioned after healing a lame man.