The answer is: Annas

John 18:13 - Annas was also a high priest. Pilate was procurator to Judea, but not of the same family as Caiaphas.

Caiaphas isn't your typical character, but who knew his family ties would take us on quite a journey through the Gospel narrative? Let’s dig deeper! Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, had quite the high-profile role in Jerusalem. While he was deposed by the Romans, he still wielded immense religious authority and respect, even running a kind of family dynasty in Jewish leadership—his sons and son-in-law (that’s Caiaphas, by the way) all dipped their toes in high priestly waters.

Caiaphas serving in the temple towered over a momentous period—not just politically, but theologically—with Jesus right in their crosshairs! It might interest you to know that in Kenneth E. Bailey’s insightful works, he highlights how this family tightrope walk signifies the complex socio-religious environment swirling around Jesus’ mission.

What’s even more fascinating is the interplay of these power dynamics. Around this time, there were also rivalries brewing within Judaism, with groups like the Pharisees and Sadducees often clashing over interpretations of the law and the meaning of resurrection. You might say this high priest duo, Annas and Caiaphas, formed the mightiest coalition for the status quo against the revolutionary teachings of Jesus. Their actions amplified the Gospel message, inviting every believer on a path—whether direct or contrived—toward understanding compassion, love, and detracting from strict literals of the Law, well beyond those temple walls!