ACC ~ John 11 v53

THEY MISUNDERSTOOD THEIR OWN PROPHECY

ORIGEN Spurred on by Caiaphas’s words, they took counsel together to kill the Lord. From what sort of spirit then did Caiaphas prophesy that Jesus was to die for the nation, and was the Holy Spirit at work in such a man, and thus became the cause of the plot against Jesus? Or was it not then the Holy Spirit but another spirit which was able both to speak in the impious man and to move those like him against Jesus? … Just as those who deliberately put the worst construction on things misrepresent the holy meaning of the Scriptures … so did the Pharisees and the chief priests. For they did not understand correctly the prophecy about our Savior that Caiaphas spoke. It is a prophecy that is true in that it is better for us that one man die for the people and the whole nation not perish. But they thought the meaning and intention of his counsel was something else, and so they took counsel together from that day to kill Jesus. Now, I say these things to answer the argument that it was the Holy Spirit who prophesied through Caiaphas. I personally do not in the least maintain that this was the case but leave it to the readers to decide what one must recognize as correct concerning Caiaphas and whether he was moved by the Spirit. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 28.186-87, 190-91. [1]

[1] FC 89:330-32**; SC 385:152-54.

PLANS MOVE INTO ACTION

CHRYSOSTOM Before they only looked for ways to kill him. Now they ratify their determination and get down to business in determining how to carry it out. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 65.1. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:241**.