Category:Trial of Jesus before the High Priest (subject)

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The Trial of Jesus before the High Priest was an episode in the Passion of Jesus, according to the Gospels of Mark (14:53.55–65), Matthew (26:57–68), Luke (22:54.63–71), and John (18:13-14.19-24).

< Passion of Jesus : Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem -- Cleansing of the Temple -- Plot to Kill Jesus -- Anointing of Jesus -- Betrayal of Judas -- Last Supper -- Agony in the Garden -- Arrest of Jesus -- Trial of Jesus before the High Priest -- Peter's Denial -- Trial of Jesus before Pilate -- Trial of Jesus before Herod Antipas -- Barabbas -- Flagellation of Jesus -- Mocking of Jesus -- Way to Golgotha -- Crucifixion of Jesus -- Burial of Jesus >

< Life of Jesus : Nativity of Jesus -- Childhood of Jesus -- Jesus' Hidden Years -- Ministry of Jesus (Parables of Jesus, Miracles of Jesus) -- Passion of Jesus -- Resurrection of Jesus -- Relics of Jesus >

Overview

All four Gospels agree that Jesus was first brought to the house of the High Priest, where Peter's Denial also took place. Matthew specifies that it was the house of Caiaphas. John instead states that it happened in the house of Annas as Jesus was brought first there and only later was sent to the house of Caiaphas. Mark and Luke do not clarify the issue.

The narrative emphasizes that Jesus could not be formally charged of breaking the Mosaic Torah. The problem was on one hand his opposition to the Temple and on the other hand, his controversial messianic teaching about the coming of the Son of Man. These reasons were more than sufficient from the point of view of the (Sadducean) authorities of the Temple for pursuing Jesus' death, but not enough for setting a formal charge of blasphemy before a Jewish court. Jesus was handed over to the Roman authorities as a troublemaker.

See Arrest of Jesus / Peter's Denial / Trial of Jesus before Pilate / Crucifixion of Jesus

Trial of Jesus before the High Priest, in ancient sources

Gospel of Mark

Gospel of Mark 14:53.55–65 (NRSV) -- [53] They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled... [55] Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. [56] For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. [57] Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, [58] "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.'" [59] But even on this point their testimony did not agree. [60] Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?" [61] But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?" [62] Jesus said, "I am; and 'you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power,' and 'coming with the clouds of heaven.'" [63] Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "Why do we still need witnesses? [64] You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?" All of them condemned him as deserving death. [65] Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, "Prophesy!" The guards also took him over and beat him.

Gospel of Matthew

Matthew 26:57-68 -- [57] Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, in whose house the scribes and the elders had gathered. 58 But Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest; and going inside, he sat with the guards in order to see how this would end. 59 Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they might put him to death, 60 but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward 61 and said, "This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.'" 62 The high priest stood up and said, "Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?" 63 But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, "I put you under oath before the living God, tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God." 64 Jesus said to him, "You have said so. But I tell you, From now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven." 65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your verdict?" They answered, "He deserves death." 67 Then they spat in his face and struck him; and some slapped him, 68 saying, "Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who is it that struck you?"

Gospel of Luke

Luke 22:54.63–71 (NRSV) -- [54] Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house... [63] Now the men who were holding Jesus began to mock him and beat him; 64 they also blindfolded him and kept asking him, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?" 65 They kept heaping many other insults on him. 66 When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council. 67 They said, "If you are the Messiah, tell us." He replied, "If I tell you, you will not believe; 68 and if I question you, you will not answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God." 70 All of them asked, "Are you, then, the Son of God?" He said to them, "You say that I am." 71 Then they said, "What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!"

Gospel of John

John 18:13-14.19-24 (NRSV) -- [13] First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. [14] Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people... [19] Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. [20] Jesus answered, "I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. [21] Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said." [22] When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?" [23] Jesus answered, "If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?" [24] Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.