Articles
People Of The Week: Annas And Caiaphas
Any man who would wear the title of “high priest” should have been the epitome of godliness and spiritual insight. But it was not so with Annas and Caiaphas, who were instrumental in securing the death of Jesus.
Annas was appointed high priest in 6 A.D. and was deposed by the Romans in 15 A.D. He was replaced by his son-in-law, Caiaphas, a political change the Jews considered invalid. Thus we see Jesus brought to Annas first at His trial (John 18:13); afterward, Jesus was interrogated before Caiaphas.
It was Caiaphas who advised that it was better for one man to die (Jesus) “and not that the whole nation should perish” (John 11:50). Under Annas and Caiaphas’ rule, their priestly underlings contracted with Judas to betray Jesus; argued the death penalty before Pontius Pilate; incited the crowd to ask for Barabbas’ release instead of Jesus'; mocked Jesus while on the cross; asked Pilate to secure His tomb; and persecuted the early church in Jerusalem.
Levitical priests were charged with being teachers of the law, spiritual guides and judges of the people. They should have had special insight into the revelation of God. Instead, their hands were stained by the very blood Jesus shed for them and for us all.
