The Chief Priests

The Chief Priests were influential religious leaders in ancient Israel who held significant authority within the Jewish religious system. They played a crucial role in the administration of the Jerusalem Temple and were involved in various religious and political events. The Chief Priests often clashed with Jesus Christ and eventually contributed to his arrest and crucifixion. The events involving the Chief Priests took place around the 1st century AD.

Background of the Chief Priests

The Chief Priests were members of the Jewish religious elite, drawn primarily from the Sadducees, a sect that held considerable power during the Second Temple period. They were responsible for performing religious rituals, interpreting and teaching the Law of Moses, and maintaining order in the Temple. The Chief Priests were also involved in political affairs and collaborated with the Roman authorities to maintain their influence and power.

High Priests during the During the New Testament Period

1. Joazar, son of Boethus: Joazar first served as high priest around 4 BC, during the final years of Herod the Great’s reign. Joazar was involved in the controversy surrounding the golden eagle that was placed in the Temple by Herod the Great and the Census of Quirinius. After Herod’s death, Joazar lost his position for a short time to Eleazar, son of Boethus, but later regained it during the reign of Archelaus, who ruled as ethnarch of Judea, Samaria, and Idumea from 4 BC to 6 AD.
2. Annas (Ananus): Annas was the high priest from 6 to 15 AD and the father-in-law of Caiaphas. He wielded considerable influence in the Jewish religious establishment, and his extended family held high positions within the priesthood. Annas is mentioned in the New Testament in relation to the trial of Jesus (John 18:12-14, 19-24) and the interrogation of Peter and John after they healed a lame man (Acts 4:5-7).
3. Ishmael, son of Phiabi: Ishmael was the high priest from 15 to 16 AD, serving between the high priesthoods of Annas and Caiaphas. His tenure was brief, but he was a member of the influential Phiabi family.
4. Eleazar, son of Ananus: Eleazar served as the high priest from 16 to 17 AD. He was a member of the influential Ananus family, which produced several high priests during the Second Temple period.
5. Simon, son of Camithus: (17 -18 AD)
6. Joseph, son of Caiaphas (Caiaphas): Caiaphas served as the high priest from 18 to 36 AD and played a significant role in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He served alongside his father-in-law Annas. He is mentioned in the New Testament as one of the main opponents of Jesus and his followers. (Matthew 26:3-4, 57-68; John 11:49-53, 18:13-14, 24, 28; Acts 4:6).
7. Jonathan, son of Ananus: Jonathan was another member of the Ananus family who served as the high priest from 36 to 37 AD. His tenure was marked by political intrigue, and he was eventually assassinated.
8. Theophilus, son of Ananus: Theophilus, son of Ananus, served as the high priest from 37 to 41 AD. He was restored in 44 AD and replaced later that year. His tenure was marked by political alliances and religious administration during a time of Roman influence over Judea.
9. Simon Cantheras, son of Boethus: Cantheras served from 41 to 43 AD during the reign of Herod Agrippa I, who was the king of Judea under the Roman Empire.
10. Matthias, son of Ananus: Matthias served as the high priest. He held the position from 43 to 44 AD, during the reign of Herod Agrippa I in Judea under the Roman Empire.
11. Elioneus, son of Simon Cantatheras: (43-44 AD)
12. Josephus, son of Camydus: (44-46 AD)
13. Ananias, son of Nebedaeus: Ananias was the high priest from around 47 to 58 AD. He is mentioned in the Book of Acts as the high priest who ordered the Apostle Paul to be struck during his trial before the Sanhedrin (Acts 23:2).
14. Jonathan: Jonathan served as high priest in 58 AD, but his time was shortlived as Antonius Felix had him assassinated by robbers at the Temple.
15. Ishmael II son of Fabus: (58-62 AD)
16. Eleazar, son of Ananus: Eleazar was the high priest for a brief period in 62 AD. He was a member of the influential Ananus family and played a role in the trial of James, the brother of Jesus.
17. Joseph Cabi son of Simon: (62-63 AD)
18. Ananus, son of Ananus: Also known as Ananus the Younger, he was the high priest in 62 AD and a member of the Sadducees. Ananus played a significant role in the trial and execution of James, the brother of Jesus. However, his actions were seen as an abuse of power. So the Jews quickly went to King Agrippa II to request he be deposed. Their request was granted, and he was deposed in his third month of power. This event is mentioned by the Jewish historian Josephus in his work “Antiquities of the Jews.”
19. Joshua ben Damneus: (63 AD)
20. Joshua ben Gamaliel: (63-64 AD)
21. Ananias, son of Ma’ath: Ananias served as high priest from 63 to 65 AD, succeeding Ananus, son of Ananus. His tenure was marked by political conflicts and religious strife during the period leading up to the First Jewish-Roman War.
22. Matthias, son of Theophilus: Matthias was the high priest from 65 to 66 AD. He was appointed by Herod Agrippa II but was removed by the Jewish rebels during the First Jewish-Roman War.
23. Phannias, son of Samuel: Phannias was the last high priest during the First Jewish-Roman War (66-70 AD). He was chosen by lot when the rebels took control of the Temple, and his appointment marked the end of the traditional hereditary high priesthood when the Temple was destroyed in 70 AD.

Biblical Timeline

1. Jesus’ early ministry: The Chief Priests begin to question Jesus’ authority after he drives out the merchants and money changers from the Temple (Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48).
2. Plotting against Jesus: The Chief Priests, along with the elders and scribes, plot to arrest and kill Jesus (Matthew 26:3-4, Mark 14:1, Luke 22:1-2).
3. The trial of Jesus: The Chief Priests play a significant role in accusing Jesus and bringing him before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate (Matthew 26:57-68, Mark 14:53-65, Luke 22:66-71, John 18:12-14, 19-24).
4. Crucifixion: The Chief Priests mock Jesus as he is crucified (Matthew 27:41-43, Mark 15:31-32, Luke 23:35).
5. Post-resurrection: The Chief Priests bribe the guards at Jesus’ tomb to spread false reports about the resurrection (Matthew 28:11-15).

Additional Notes

Extrabiblical References to the Chief Priests

The Chief Priests are mentioned in various non-biblical sources, including the works of the Jewish historian Josephus. In his writings, Josephus provides information about the high priests and their role in the religious and political life of Israel during the Second Temple period. Archaeological discoveries, such as the ossuary (bone box) bearing the inscription “Joseph son of Caiaphas,” provide further evidence for the existence of these religious leaders.