Section 154
First Jewish phase, before Annas
Jerusalem, house of Caiaphas
John 18:13-14, 19-23
13and led him away first to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14(It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it was better for one man to perish for the people.)
19Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in the synagogues and in the temple courts, where the Jews always assemble together. I have said nothing in secret. 21Why do you question me? Question those who heard what I said to them. Behold, they know what I said.” 22When Jesus said this, one of the officers standing nearby slapped him and said, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify as to what was wrong; but if I have spoken well, why are you hitting me?”
Notes
The House of Caiaphas
The St. Peter in Gallicantu (cock crow) Church commemorates Peter’s three denials of Jesus and his repentance. It lies on the eastern slope of present-day Mount Zion. This site also commemorates the illegal trial of Jesus staged by Caiaphas and Annas, and the imprisonment of Jesus. Outside the existing church is an ancient stairway which is actually a main walkway up the side of Mount Zion. It is very likely that Jesus, after being taken prisoner in Gethsemane, was led up these stairs to the house of Caiaphas. These stairs were in existence in Jesus’ day.
This location for Caiaphas was determined by reports from Christian pilgrims from the 3rd century A.D. Their reports say this site “was known by all.” About 460 A.D. the Empress Eudoxia built a church on the ruins of Caiaphas’ house to commemorate Peter’s denial and repentance. The present day church was built over the remains of a basilica destroyed on this site by the Persians in 614 A.D. Some archaeologists believe that the house of Caiaphas was located higher up on the summit of Mount Zion in the present day Jewish quarter.