Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
John 18:14 identifies Caiaphas as the one who had given counsel to the Jews that it was expedient and better that one man should die for the people. That counsel concerned the death of Jesus. Caiaphas was high priest that same year, Annas was his father-in-law, and Annas was one whose counsel the people sought and carried out as the voice of God.
After Jesus was taken from Gethsemane under guard, He was brought first to Annas at the high priest's palace occupied by Annas and Caiaphas. This places Caiaphas in the chain of custody before Jesus was taken to Pilate. Caiaphas was among the principal actors in the plan to take possession of Jesus and seize Him. He was intent on securing His condemnation.
The one man to die was Jesus, who accepted death as the sacrifice to bear the sins of the world, pay the penalty of man's transgression, save the perishing human race, and make everlasting life possible for millions. Though He could have delivered Himself from His enemies had He chosen, He voluntarily submitted to be taken and bound. The verse belongs to the account of His trial and condemnation, in which He endured abuse and unjust trial. His betrayal and death brought the disciples their great test, for He had prepared His faithful followers beforehand so they would not be overcome when He was condemned and the crowd called for His crucifixion. His abuse, trial, and unjust condemnation and death show the kind of suffering His followers may also endure for His name.
John 18:14 identifies Caiaphas as the one who had given counsel to the Jews that it was expedient and better that one man should die for the people. That counsel concerned the death of Jesus. Caiaphas was high priest that same year, Annas was his father-in-law, and Annas was one whose counsel the people sought and carried out as the voice of God.
After Jesus was taken from Gethsemane under guard, He was brought first to Annas at the high priest's palace occupied by Annas and Caiaphas. This places Caiaphas in the chain of custody before Jesus was taken to Pilate. Caiaphas was among the principal actors in the plan to take possession of Jesus and seize Him. He was intent on securing His condemnation.
The one man to die was Jesus, who accepted death as the sacrifice to bear the sins of the world, pay the penalty of man's transgression, save the perishing human race, and make everlasting life possible for millions. Though He could have delivered Himself from His enemies had He chosen, He voluntarily submitted to be taken and bound. The verse belongs to the account of His trial and condemnation, in which He endured abuse and unjust trial. His betrayal and death brought the disciples their great test, for He had prepared His faithful followers beforehand so they would not be overcome when He was condemned and the crowd called for His crucifixion. His abuse, trial, and unjust condemnation and death show the kind of suffering His followers may also endure for His name.