And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled (Οἱ δὲ κρατήσαντες τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἀπήγαγον πρὸς Καϊάφαν τὸν ἀρχιερέα, ὅπου οἱ γραμματεῖς καὶ οἱ πρεσβύτεροι συνήχθησαν)—The verb ἀπάγω (apagō, 'to lead away') was used of leading to execution (27:31; Acts 12:19). They brought Jesus to Καϊάφας (Caiaphas), ὁ ἀρχιερεύς (the high priest, AD 18-36). John 18:13 mentions a preliminary hearing before Annas (Caiaphas's father-in-law, former high priest). At Caiaphas's residence, the Sanhedrin (γραμματεῖς 'scribes' and πρεσβύτεροι 'elders') had assembled (συνάγω, synagō).
This night assembly violated Jewish law—trials for capital offenses couldn't occur at night or during festivals. But they orchestrated an illegal trial to achieve predetermined verdict. The συνήχθησαν (had gathered) shows premeditation—they assembled before Jesus arrived, revealing this was show-trial, not legitimate jurisprudence. The religious establishment that claimed to represent God now plotted to kill God's Son. Institutional religion can become greatest obstacle to true faith.
Historical Context
Caiaphas was Sadducee high priest, appointed by Roman prefect Valerius Gratus. He served longer than most (18 years), suggesting political acumen. His role in Jesus's execution demonstrated collaboration with Rome. The high priest's house was likely in Jerusalem's upper city, where wealthy lived. The Sanhedrin normally met in the temple's Hall of Hewn Stone, but this night session (illegal) met at the high priest's residence for secrecy. Archaeological remains suggest large courtyard where Peter later denied Jesus (v. 69).
Questions for Reflection
What does the religious leaders' illegal night trial teach about the corrupting influence of power on religious institutions?
How do modern church leaders sometimes resemble Caiaphas—using religious authority to oppose rather than serve God?
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Analysis & Commentary
And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled (Οἱ δὲ κρατήσαντες τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἀπήγαγον πρὸς Καϊάφαν τὸν ἀρχιερέα, ὅπου οἱ γραμματεῖς καὶ οἱ πρεσβύτεροι συνήχθησαν)—The verb ἀπάγω (apagō, 'to lead away') was used of leading to execution (27:31; Acts 12:19). They brought Jesus to Καϊάφας (Caiaphas), ὁ ἀρχιερεύς (the high priest, AD 18-36). John 18:13 mentions a preliminary hearing before Annas (Caiaphas's father-in-law, former high priest). At Caiaphas's residence, the Sanhedrin (γραμματεῖς 'scribes' and πρεσβύτεροι 'elders') had assembled (συνάγω, synagō).
This night assembly violated Jewish law—trials for capital offenses couldn't occur at night or during festivals. But they orchestrated an illegal trial to achieve predetermined verdict. The συνήχθησαν (had gathered) shows premeditation—they assembled before Jesus arrived, revealing this was show-trial, not legitimate jurisprudence. The religious establishment that claimed to represent God now plotted to kill God's Son. Institutional religion can become greatest obstacle to true faith.