JOHN 11:51 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;”
He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation — John's commentary explains that Caiaphas's words, though not consciously prophecy, actually function as prophecy due to his office. The high priest's role itself grants a certain prophetic authority, whether the speaker intends it or not. Caiaphas's statement about Jesus dying 'for the Jewish nation' is unwittingly a statement of redemptive purpose, though he speaks from political motivation.
Church Fathers on John 11:51
Such a miracle as this should have drawn forth wonder and praise. But they make it a reason of plotting against His life: Then gathered the chief priests and, Pharisees a council, and said, What do we?
But they had no thought of believing. The miserable men only consulted how they might hurt and kill Him, not how themselves might be saved from death. What do we? For this Man does many miracles.
Him of whose divinity they had received such certain proofs, they call only a man.
Read all 19 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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