Bible Trivia - 7/18/2008

Question: Who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas?

Answer: Annas. (John 18:13)

Comments: Annas and Caiaphas both served as high priest at different times. Annas was the father-in-law of Caiaphas and had served as high priest first from 6-15 CE. He was deposed by Valerius Gratus shortly after the Roman governor took office. The governor appointed three more high priests over the next three years before finding Caiaphas to be cooperative in 18 CE. Caiaphas was still the high priest at the time of Jesus' trial and according to John 18, both Annas (verse 13) and Caiaphas (24) saw Jesus before his crucifixion.

and led Him to Annas first; for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. (John 18:13, NASB)

Not only did Annas' son-in-law serve as high priest, but all five of his sons also eventually held the position.

Note: This painting, "Jesus Before Caiaphas", was done by Giotto di Bondone (1267-1337).