The Christ Commission Ch 9

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Questions and Answers

What was the main reason Caiaphas turned Jesus over to Pilate?

Jesus had caused unrest among the people. (correct)

He was ordered by the Roman government to do so.

Caiaphas wanted to gain favor with the Romans.

He believed Jesus was innocent.

How does Matthias describe Caiaphas's perception of his own actions?

He expressed deep remorse for betraying Jesus.

He felt justified and proud of his decision.

He believed he was acting in the best interest of his people.

He seemed unaware of the historical consequences of his actions. (correct)

What significant act did Joseph of Arimathea perform before meeting with Caiaphas?

He participated in a ritual with the young priests.

He was escorted out by Roman guards.

He delivered a substantial tithe to the palace. (correct)

He publicly condemned Caiaphas's actions.

What does Matthias imply about the status of Roman citizens in the house of the high priest?

They were rare visitors to the high priest's palace. Signup and view all the answers

What emotion does Matthias convey towards Caiaphas during their meeting?

Pity for Caiaphas's ignorance of his fate. Signup and view all the answers

What was Caiaphas's reaction to the news about Sejanus's death?

He was surprised that Pilate had not been replaced. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Matthias believe he was able to gain Caiaphas's trust?

Joseph had described him in a certain way. Signup and view all the answers

What does Matthias imply about Jesus's influence after his execution?

His movement continued to grow significantly. Signup and view all the answers

What concern did Caiaphas express regarding Jesus?

He questioned why Jesus deserved a mention in history. Signup and view all the answers

What does Matthias mention about Pilate's duration of service?

He was favored due to his long appointment. Signup and view all the answers

What was Jesus' reasoning when criticized by the Pharisees for curing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath?

He argued that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Signup and view all the answers

What was the high priest Caiaphas' stance regarding the Pharisees and their actions?

He distanced himself from them, stating that his conduct was guided strictly by the law. Signup and view all the answers

What prompted Caiaphas to call for a meeting of the Sanhedrin regarding Jesus?

News of Jesus raising a dead man from his tomb in Bethany. Signup and view all the answers

What was Jesus' response when asked whether it was lawful to give tribute to Caesar?

He asked for the coin and highlighted Caesar's image. Signup and view all the answers

How did Caiaphas describe Jesus' miracles to his counsel during the conversation?

As acts influenced by Satan, despite appearing miraculous. Signup and view all the answers

What was Caiaphas's initial reaction to the reports about Jesus?

He dismissed them as rumors about a magician. Signup and view all the answers

How did Jesus prove his authority to forgive sins during the healing of the sick boy?

By asking the boy to rise and walk. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'Son of man' imply according to Caiaphas?

A man of simplicity and purity. Signup and view all the answers

What was Caiaphas's main concern regarding Jesus's actions?

His blasphemy in claiming to forgive sins. Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of the reports Caiaphas received about Jesus's activities?

They highlighted both good deeds and violations of the law. Signup and view all the answers

What provoked Jesus to overturn the tables of the money-changers in the Temple?

He believed the Temple should be a place of prayer. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Caiaphas hesitate to arrest Jesus after the latter's actions in the Temple?

He feared the reaction of the people supporting Jesus. Signup and view all the answers

What dilemma did Caiaphas face when questioned by Jesus about John’s baptism?

He was worried about the consequences of both possible answers. Signup and view all the answers

What was the immediate consequence of Jesus' actions in the Temple the day after he disrupted the money-changers?

The children began to chant his praises. Signup and view all the answers

How did Judas Iscariot influence Caiaphas' decision concerning Jesus?

He provided information that simplified the task of arresting Jesus. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main concern for Caiaphas regarding the timing of Jesus's trial and punishment?

The risk of public unrest during the Passover festival. Signup and view all the answers

What dilemma faced Caiaphas regarding the arrest party and their orders?

He needed to ensure the captors delivered Jesus directly to him. Signup and view all the answers

What approach did Caiaphas take concerning the arrest of Jesus's followers?

He deemed them unimportant and focused only on Jesus. Signup and view all the answers

What was the final arrangement Caiaphas made to ensure Jesus's trial proceeded?

He arranged for the Sanhedrin to convene immediately upon Jesus's arrival. Signup and view all the answers

What was Judas's initial belief about Jesus when he joined his followers?

He thought Jesus would overthrow the Roman government. Signup and view all the answers

How did Caiaphas feel about the implications of Jesus escaping before the trial?

He believed it would cause chaos among the citizens. Signup and view all the answers

What significant realization did Judas come to regarding Jesus's teachings?

Jesus preached love and forgiveness instead of conflict. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Caiaphas intend for Jesus to be held after his arrest?

In the home of Annas, near Roman headquarters. Signup and view all the answers

How did Judas contribute to the Sanhedrin's decision to arrest Jesus?

He recounted Jesus's prophecies about his own death. Signup and view all the answers

What did Caiaphas find when he arrived at the room where Jesus was tried?

The room was cluttered and in disrepair, indicating neglect. Signup and view all the answers

What motive did Caiaphas believe Judas had for betraying Jesus?

Regret over his disillusionment with Jesus. Signup and view all the answers

What was Caiaphas's reaction when he first learned about Judas's confession?

He sought more evidence aside from Judas's statement. Signup and view all the answers

What did Judas inform Caiaphas about Jesus on the night of the Paschal supper?

Jesus was resigned to his imminent arrest and death. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Caiaphas's request for help from Pontius Pilate?

Pilate sent a large number of soldiers to assist. Signup and view all the answers

What was Judas rewarded with after providing valuable information to Caiaphas?

Silver coins. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Background

Matthias is a historian traveling to interview Joseph Caiaphas, the high priest of the Jews.
Matthias is a friend of Vitellius, the governor of Antioch.
Matthias is writing a history of significant figures of the Jewish nation.
Jesus was crucified about six years before the conversation between Matthias and Caiaphas.
Jesus was seen by many as a troublemaker who believed he was sent by God.

Jesus' early days

Jesus' ability to heal was first reported to Caiaphas through a family who brought their paralyzed son to a house where Jesus was preaching.
Jesus' claim to be able to forgive sins was seen as blasphemy.
Caiaphas was initially unconcerned because Jesus was thought to be a carpenter from a small village, not to be taken seriously.
Jesus' "miraculous" healings, including the "miracle" of the paralytic boy, were reported to Caiaphas by friends in Galilee.

Jesus' rising influence

Jesus' healings and preaching activities grew in popularity and influence.
He was accused of working on the Sabbath.
Caiaphas sent messages to priests in the north to keep him updated on Jesus' activities.
Jesus' interaction with the Pharisees included arguments about following the laws of the Sabbath.

The high priest's concern

Caiaphas is concerned by Jesus' growing influence and the political instability it may cause.
He is worried about the possibility of Roman intervention.
Caiaphas believes Jesus is influenced by Satan despite the miracles he is performing.
Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin meet to discuss Jesus.
The Sanhedrin agrees Jesus' influence needs to be stopped.
The "miracle" at Bethany, the raising of a man from the dead, is the turning point for Caiaphas.
Caiaphas sees the miracle as evidence of Satan's influence on Jesus.

Caiaphas' role

Caiaphas claims to be acting with integrity and for the good of the people.
He blames the Pharisees for their part in pushing for Jesus' arrest.
He claims to have always respected the Jewish Law.
He is suspicious of Matthias' motivations and is careful in his answers.

Caiaphas and the Arrest of Jesus

Caiaphas, the High Priest, was determined to have Jesus arrested and executed
Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin initially wanted to arrest Jesus after he disrupted the Temple
They knew Jesus was in Bethany but delayed the arrest, fearing public backlash
Caiaphas feared losing his power if he acted without the support of other leaders
Judas Iscariot, disillusioned with Jesus, went to Caiaphas and disclosed information that contributed to the arrest
Judas revealed that Jesus had expressed that he would be killed by authorities
Judas helped to convince the Sanhedrin that Jesus was a danger and that they should act quickly
Caiaphas waited until after the Passover Seder, when the city was quieter and public interference was less likely
Caiaphas sought permission and support from Pontius Pilate for the arrest
Pilate initially refused, but ultimately agreed to accompany Caiaphas and Temple guards to Bethany to arrest Jesus
Caiaphas was concerned about the time limit for the arrest and trial because Jewish law prohibited trials and punishments during Passover
The arrest party, with Judas as a guide, traveled from the palace to Bethany but Jesus was not there
They went on to the Garden of Gethsemane but did not find Jesus
Finally, Jesus was found in the Garden of Gethsemane and arrested by Roman soldiers sent by Pilate
Caiaphas was furious that the Roman soldiers had not returned to the fortress immediately with the prisoner, as per Pilate's orders
The Roman soldiers took Jesus to the house of Annas, Caiaphas' father-in-law, instead of returning to the palace
Caiaphas summoned the Sanhedrin members via messengers, telling them that they were about to remove a "thorn from the side of Israel"
Caiaphas conducted the trial in a large meeting hall in his palace
The trial was brief and involved interrogating witnesses
Caiaphas, as presiding officer, did not vote on the verdict
Only a quorum of the Sanhedrin members were present at the trial due to the late hour
Caiaphas faced suspicion regarding his actions during the trial, accused of omitting members of the Sanhedrin who were friendly to Jesus.
Caiaphas vigorously defended his actions and asserted that the attendance at the trial was excellent, considering the time.
Caiaphas' account highlights the political tension, religious conflict, and power dynamics surrounding Jesus' trial and death.

Caiaphas' Testimony: The Trial of Jesus

Caiaphas recounts the trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin
The first witnesses called were unreliable and gave conflicting testimonies
Caiaphas dismissed them
A seller of trinkets testified that Jesus said he would destroy the temple made with hands and build another in three days
This was judged to be blasphemy, but a second witness contradicted the first, claiming Jesus said he was able to destroy the temple
The second witness' testimony was not seen as blasphemy, but as empty boasting
Caiaphas combined the titles "Christ" and "Son of God" into a question to elicit a confession from Jesus
Jesus responded by affirming his identity as the Christ and Son of God, stating that he will "see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power and coming in the clouds of heaven."
This response was deemed blasphemy, and the council condemned Jesus to death
Roman law required Pilate's permission for executions
Caiaphas had secured Pilate's agreement to sanction the death sentence beforehand
Caiaphas recounts that the Sanhedrin found Jesus guilty of blasphemy and that the usual punishment was death by stoning
However, Jesus was crucified, not stoned, by Roman soldiers, not the Sanhedrin.
Caiaphas claims not to know what happened at Pilate's hearing

Legal Irregularities in Jesus' Trial

The arrest of Jesus was illegal because no warrant was issued and Jesus was not informed of his crime
The trial was held at night, which is forbidden by Jewish law
The trial was held on the day before the Sabbath, which is also prohibited
The trial included enemies of Jesus among the judges, which is against Jewish law
The witnesses did not agree on their testimonies, which is insufficient for conviction
Jesus' confession was not admissible without two other witnesses
The question posed to Jesus was designed to condemn him, which is forbidden by Jewish law
The verdict was unanimous, which is an acquittal according to the laws
The Sanhedrin did not formally sentence Jesus

Events Surrounding the Crucifixion

Caiaphas claims that Pilate changed his mind about permitting the execution
Joseph of Arimathea claimed Jesus' body and buried it in a new tomb
Caiaphas was aware of Jesus' prophecy of His resurrection and asked Pilate to seal and guard the tomb to prevent the disciples from stealing the body
Pilate refused
Caiaphas ordered a guard to stand watch at the tomb
The guard claimed to have fallen asleep and that the tomb was empty when they awoke
The guards, except for Shobi, were found dead by their own hands
Shobi disappeared

Caiaphas' Perspective

Caiaphas claims that he acted to save his people
He does not believe that he murdered the Son of God
He dismisses Jesus' prophecy of resurrection as nonsense
He believes he prevented the disciples from stealing the body and claiming it was resurrected
He laments the lack of control over the disciples and the spread of Christianity

The Disappearance of Jesus' Body

Caiaphas, the high priest, believes Jesus’ disciples stole his body to make it appear he was resurrected.
Caiaphas offered a substantial reward for information leading to the location of Jesus' body but no one claimed it.
Caiaphas was desperate to find the body, willing to pay a thousand times more than Judas was paid to betray Jesus.
Caiaphas believes the body was hidden in the tomb of Joseph and wants Matthias to find it.

Matthias' Journey for the Truth

Matthias suspects Caiaphas did not remove the body from the tomb.
Matthias plans to meet with Pilate in the morning to learn more.
A mysterious black-hooded rider was spotted following Matthias on the journey.

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Explore the pivotal moments surrounding Caiaphas and his role in the trial of Jesus. This quiz delves into significant actions, emotions, and perceptions of key historical figures leading up to Jesus's execution. Test your knowledge of this critical period in history.