Caiaphas
   the Jewish high priest (A.D. 27-36) at the beginning of our
   Lord's public ministry, in the reign of Tiberius (Luke 3:2), and
   also at the time of his condemnation and crucifixion (Matt.
   26:3,57; John 11:49; 18:13, 14). He held this office during the
   whole of Pilate's administration. His wife was the daughter of
   Annas, who had formerly been high priest, and was probably the
   vicar or deputy (Heb. sagan) of Caiaphas. He was of the sect of
   the Sadducees (Acts 5:17), and was a member of the council when
   he gave his opinion that Jesus should be put to death "for the
   people, and that the whole nation perish not" (John 11:50). In
   these words he unconsciously uttered a prophecy. "Like Saul, he
   was a prophet in spite of himself." Caiaphas had no power to
   inflict the punishment of death, and therefore Jesus was sent to
   Pilate, the Roman governor, that he might duly pronounce the
   sentence against him (Matt. 27:2; John 18:28). At a later period
   his hostility to the gospel is still manifest (Acts 4:6). (See ANNAS.)