Note 3 at Jn. 11:49: The Greek word "archiereus" used for high priest is derived from "arche," meaning head or chief and "hiereus," meaning priest. The term "high priest" or "chief priests" in the plural occurs over 64 times in the New Testament Most scholars believe that this term in its plural form refers to ex-high priests, members of high priestly families, a specific group of temple officers including the captain of the temple, temple overseers, treasurers, and the high priest serving in office at that time.

Generally, the high priest and priests in the New Testament were extensions of what one would find in the Old Testament However, with the rule of Herod the Great and continuing with Roman rule, the practice of appointing civil and religious leaders became the rule of the day. Thus, the office of high priest ceased to be lifelong and hereditary, and became wholly dependent upon political authority. Since there was no king during the first century A.D., both religious and political power rested in the high priest. He was the mediator between the Jewish people and their dealings with Rome.

Some of his duties included (1) serving as president of the Sanhedrin; (2) the unique privilege of entering the most Holy place once a year on the day of atonement; (3) taking part in any sacrifice at any time; and (4) presiding over religious trials such as those of Jesus (Mk. 14:53), the early apostles (Acts 5:17-18), Stephen (Acts 7:1), and Paul (Acts 23:2-5). It seemed also that he had the power to deputize the pre-Christian Saul to bring Christian Jews from Damascus to Jerusalem to stand trial (Acts 22:4-5).

The historian Josephus states that Caiaphas was made high priest by Procurator Valerius Gratus (A.D. 18) and was deposed by Procurator Vitellius (A.D. 36). Thus Caiaphas' high priesthood lasted some eighteen years.