Note 3 at Joh 11:49: The Greek word "ARCHIEREUS," used for "high priest" in this verse, is derived from "ARCHE," meaning "chief," and "HIEREUS," meaning "priest" (Strong's Concordance). This Greek word was also translated "chief priests." The phrases "high priest" and "chief priests" occur over 120 times in the New Testament. Most scholars believe that this word translated in a plural form refers to ex-high priests, members of high priestly families, and 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 norm. 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 (Mr 14:53), the early apostles (Ac 5:17-18), Stephen (Ac 7:1), and Paul (Ac 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 (Ac 22:4-5).

The historian Josephus stated that Caiaphas was made high priest by Procurator Valerius Gratus (The Antiquities of the Jews, Book 18, Chapter 2, Section 2) (A.D. 18) and was deposed by Procurator Vitellius (The Antiquities of the Jews, Book 18, Chapter 4, Section 3) (A.D. 36). Thus Caiaphas' high priesthood lasted some eighteen years.