The Question were Annas and Caiaphas both serving at the same time? Did God ever permit two high priests to minister simultaneously?

The Scriptural Account

Luke 3:2

During the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. (ESV)

At first glance, this verse seems strange, because the Law of Moses prescribed that there was to be only one high priest at a time, serving for life. Numbers 35:25, for example, shows that the high priest remained in office until death. Only then would another succeed him.

So why does Luke mention two?

Historical and Political Background

Originally, Annas was the high priest, appointed around A.D. 6. But under Roman occupation, sacred offices were manipulated for political purposes. The Romans understood that the high priest held immense influence over the Jewish people. To prevent rebellion, they refused to let anyone hold that position for life. Instead, they dismissed high priests at will and installed their own appointees.

Thus, Annas was deposed by Rome, and his son-in-law Caiaphas was appointed (John 18:13).

Yet in the eyes of the Jews, Annas remained the legitimate high priest, since the Law of God required that a high priest serve until death. This explains why Jesus, when arrested, was taken first to Annas, even though Caiaphas officially held the office (John 18:24). Both were respected: Annas by tradition and divine order, Caiaphas by political authority.

Theological Lessons

1. Man’s Interference Corrupts God’s Order

God intended the high priesthood to be a sacred office pointing forward to Christ, our eternal High Priest (Hebrews 9:11–12). But political interference corrupted the system. The Romans reduced it to a tool of control, while God had designed it to foreshadow salvation. This shows the danger when worldly power overrides divine order.

2. Religious Confusion Prepares the Way for Spiritual Blindness

With two high priests, along with competing sects—Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, and zealots—the Jewish faith was fractured. No wonder they failed to recognize the Messiah, though He stood among them performing miracles and fulfilling Scripture. Paul later wrote:

2 Corinthians 4:4

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

3. Christ as the True and Eternal High Priest

Amid this corruption, Christ appeared as the perfect fulfillment of the priesthood. Unlike Annas and Caiaphas—whose authority was temporary and flawed—Jesus became our eternal High Priest through His own blood:

Hebrews 7:23–24

The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever.

Unlike the political appointees of Rome, Jesus was appointed directly by God:

Hebrews 5:5

So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, ‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you.

4. A Warning Against Divided Allegiances

The presence of two high priests illustrates the danger of divided spiritual authority. Jesus Himself said:

Matthew 6:24

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.

The Jewish leaders honored both Annas and Caiaphas, but in doing so, they failed to honor the One true High Priest standing before them.

Application for Today

Just as in the time of Annas and Caiaphas, today’s religious landscape is filled with divisions, sects, and institutions, many claiming to represent God. Yet the critical question remains: Is Christ at the center?

The true High Priest, Jesus Christ, is not concerned with titles, denominations, or political power. He is concerned with setting captives free, proclaiming good news to the poor, and reconciling humanity to God (Luke 4:18–19).

Religious systems may shift, but Christ remains the only One approved by the Father. Of the three “high priests” in that generation—Annas, Caiaphas, and Christ—only one was chosen by God.

Therefore, as believers, we must look beyond human traditions and political structures, fixing our eyes on Jesus, “the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

Conclusion

The case of Annas and Caiaphas reminds us that man’s interference creates confusion, but God’s plan remains unshaken. Annas was displaced, Caiaphas was politically installed, but only Jesus was divinely appointed. He is the eternal High Priest, our perfect mediator, and the One we must follow.

Amen.

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Question:
What is the difference between zeal and diligence according to the Bible?

Answer:
Let us read…

Romans 12:11

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” (NIV)

“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” (KJV)

“Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” (ESV)

1. Understanding “Zeal” 

Zeal is an inner passion, an inward motivation or desire to do something. It is the fire within that pushes a person toward a goal. However, a person can be full of zeal and still lack diligence meaning they may have the desire but fail to act on it effectively.

🔹 Example:

Someone may be very zealous in planning or strategizing, but when it comes to execution, they lack commitment or consistency.

2. Understanding “Diligence” 

Diligence goes beyond internal motivation it involves action. It is about applying effort consistently to accomplish something. Diligence is the visible fruit of inner zeal.

🔹 Example:

A person may be zealous about farming excited to plan how they’ll cultivate their land but diligence is shown when they actually go into the field and do the work.

Another example: someone may be zealous to grow spiritually by buying many Christian books. But only when they actually read, study, and apply what they learn, are they showing diligence.

Zeal without diligence is unfruitful. True spiritual maturity is shown when inner zeal is matched by outer effort. This is why Scripture encourages both.

Romans 12:11 (Revisited)

“Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” (ESV)

Paul calls believers not only to be inwardly passionate but also to be diligent in serving the Lord. This implies a balance between inward fervor (zeal) and outward action (diligence).

Titus 2:14

“…who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” (NIV)

In Greek, the phrase “eager to do what is good” can be translated as zealous (with action) toward good works. This is zeal + diligence.

This verse shows that Christ saved us not only to believe, but to become people eager and diligent in doing good works.

1 Peter 3:13

“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?” (NIV)

The Greek word here implies earnest effort diligence in pursuing righteousness.

1 Peter 4:8

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (NIV)

The phrase “love each other deeply” conveys the idea of persistent effort again, diligence. It is not enough to know love is important; one must practice it earnestly.

Do not be zealous only in thought or intention. Let your zeal be matched by diligence, especially in your spiritual life.

True spiritual growth happens when passion (zeal) is joined with action (diligence).

May the Lord help us not only to desire spiritual things but to pursue them actively and consistently.

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THE QUESTION:

When Job was struck by devastating loss—his wealth, his health, and even his children—he turned to his grieving wife and said:

“Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?”
(Job 2:10, NKJV)

This raises a deep theological question:
Do times of trouble also come from God? Or does God only give us what is pleasant?

THE ANSWER:

Let’s read the full verse in Job 2:10 (NKJV):

“But he said to her, ‘You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?’ In all this Job did not sin with his lips.”

Job’s response shows a mature understanding of God’s sovereignty. He acknowledges that God is in control of all things, not just the good, but also the difficult. Importantly, Job did not accuse God of wrongdoing—he trusted that God had a purpose, even if he didn’t understand it at the time.

DOES GOD SEND EVIL?

It’s critical to understand that God is not the author of evil. Scripture affirms this:

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”
(James 1:13, NKJV)

God may permit adversity, suffering, or testing—but He does not produce moral evil. Evil arises from the fallen world, human sin, and the activity of Satan. However, God sovereignly uses even painful circumstances for His redemptive purposes.

This is seen clearly in Joseph’s story:

“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”
(Genesis 50:20, NKJV)

PURPOSE IN SUFFERING

Adversity is often God’s tool for transformation. What seems like loss may be preparation for greater gain. God’s refining work in us happens in trials:

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”
(James 1:2–3, NKJV)

Job’s story is a powerful example of this. Though he lost everything, God restored him with double:

“Now the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning…”
(Job 42:12, NKJV)

Job didn’t know it, but his suffering had a divine purpose. God was vindicating Job’s faith, exposing the schemes of Satan (Job 1:6–12), and preparing Job for a deeper understanding of God’s greatness (Job 38–42).

SEEING THE BIGGER PICTURE

Sometimes what appears to be “bad” is simply the process leading to something better:

• When Israel was surrounded by the Aramean army (2 Kings 6–7), the siege led to a miraculous deliverance and abundance.
• When Samson faced a lion, God used it to bring him honey (Judges 14:8–9).
• A woman in labor pains endures momentary suffering, but rejoices in the birth of new life (John 16:21).

In all these examples, adversity was the doorway to breakthrough.

DEVELOPING GODLY CHARACTER

Seasons of testing are where godly character is formed:

• Patience (Romans 5:3–4)
• Humility (1 Peter 5:6)
• Endurance (Hebrews 12:7–11)
• Faith (1 Peter 1:6–7)

God uses these seasons to conform us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:28–29). What we often call “bad times” may actually be God’s way of making us more like Jesus.

GOD DOES NOT DESTROY HIS CHILDREN

Let’s be clear: God does not bring destruction to His children.

“If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?… how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
(Luke 11:11,13, NKJV)

God disciplines, yes (Hebrews 12:6), but never to destroy. His goal is always restoration and growth. He is a good Father—even when He allows hardship.

THE END OF JOB: A TESTIMONY OF GOD’S MERCY

James 5:11 (NKJV) sums it up perfectly:

“Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”

God’s goal was not to break Job, but to bless him—and through his endurance, Job received a deeper revelation of God and greater blessings than he had before.

FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT

So when Job asked, “Shall we accept good from God, and not adversity?”—he wasn’t suggesting that God is the source of evil. He was affirming that God is sovereign over every season, including those of sorrow and pain.

As believers, we can rest in the truth that:

• God allows trials with a purpose.
• No pain is ever wasted.
• And the end of the story will reveal God’s goodness.

So trust Him—not just in the blessing, but also in the battle.

The Lord is good, and His mercy endures forever.
May He strengthen you in every season you’re in.

Would You Like to Receive Jesus?

If you’d like help receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we’d love to talk with you and pray for you.
Please reach out using the contact information below.
This decision is the most important step toward living a life of purpose, peace, and eternal hope.

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The Book of Esther does not directly reveal the name of its author, unlike some other biblical books that clearly identify their writers. Because of this lack of explicit attribution, both Jewish and Christian traditions have offered various theories regarding the authorship of the book.

Some believe that Mordecai, a central figure in the narrative, may have authored it. Others suggest Ezra, Nehemiah, or an anonymous Jewish historian who had intimate knowledge of the Persian empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I).

However, the majority view especially among Jewish scholars leans towards Mordecai as the most likely author. This is due to several factors:

1. Mordecai’s Prominent Role in the Narrative

Mordecai is not only a key character in the Book of Esther, but the text also records his direct actions and communications, suggesting possible authorship. For instance, Esther 9:20–21 says:

“Mordecai recorded these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far,
obliging them to keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same, year by year,”
Esther 9:20–21, ESV

This passage suggests that Mordecai not only documented the events but also instituted the commemoration of the festival of Purim.

2. Access to Royal Affairs

The detailed insider knowledge regarding palace events, royal decrees, and even the internal dynamics of royal banquets and judgments, indicate that the author had access to the Persian royal court. For example, Mordecai, as one who “sat at the king’s gate” (Esther 2:19, 21), would have been well positioned to gather such information:

“Now when the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate… In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate…”
Esther 2:19, 21, ESV

This role likely placed him among the royal officials or advisors, giving him privileged insight into the empire’s inner workings.

3. Preservation of the Feast of Purim

Another indicator that Mordecai may have authored the book is his instrumental role in establishing and preserving the Feast of Purim, as seen in:

“Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew gave full written authority, confirming this second letter about Purim.
Letters were sent to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, in words of peace and truth,
that these days of Purim should be observed at their appointed seasons, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther obligated them…”
Esther 9:29–31, ESV

This suggests that he not only initiated the practice but also intended for it to be recorded and remembered by future generations perhaps by authoring the very book that tells the story.

Why Is the Book of Esther Important?

Regardless of who the human author was whether Mordecai or another Jewish writer the ultimate significance of the Book of Esther lies in God’s providential care for His people.

Interestingly, the book never explicitly mentions the name of God (Yahweh). However, His divine hand is evident throughout the story:

• The positioning of Esther as queen was no coincidence (Esther 2:17).
• The uncovering of the assassination plot (Esther 2:21–23).
• The king’s sleepless night that led to Mordecai’s promotion (Esther 6:1–11).
• The reversal of Haman’s evil plan, which showcases divine justice and protection.

As Romans 8:28 later affirms:

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28, ESV

Introduction to Chapter Studies: Esther Chapters 1 & 2

• Who were the “noble women” or “royal ladies” mentioned in Esther 1:18?
  These were the wives and concubines of the Persian nobles, who were expected to follow Queen Vashti’s example. Her disobedience, therefore, was seen as a potential threat to household order and male authority across the empire.
• What is the “Feast of Dedication” (Purim)?
  The Feast of Purim is not the same as the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah). Purim specifically celebrates the deliverance of the Jews from Haman’s genocidal plot, as recorded in the Book of Esther (Esther 9). It is a joyful time of reading the Megillah (the scroll of Esther), giving gifts, charity to the poor, and feasting.

Whether Mordecai or another individual wrote the Book of Esther, the most important point is the message it carries: God preserves His people, even in exile, and uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways to fulfill His purposes.

Just as Queen Esther was called to her position “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14), so too are believers called to act with courage and faith in times of challenge.

May the Lord bless you as you study His Word.

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Psalm 29:3 (KJV)

“The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the Lord is upon many waters.”

Have You Ever Wondered Why the Earth Was First Covered in Water Before God Spoke?

Let us go back to the beginning of creation:

Genesis 1:1-2 (ESV)

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”

Before anything else, the entire earth was covered with water, and then God spoke.

Have you ever considered this: If there had been no water, would God have spoken at that moment? Of course, the Word of God is sovereign and not limited by elements. However, God follows His own divine order and patterns when He chooses to speak. He doesn’t release His authoritative voice just anywhere or in any condition.

The Psalmist, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, confirms this mystery:

Psalm 29:3 (KJV)

“The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the Lord is upon many waters.”

This is not just poetic imagery. It reveals a spiritual principle: God’s voice often manifests in places that are full of “waters”  symbolic of the Spirit, preparation, and purity.

But God Does Not Dwell in Seas, Rivers, or Lakes

We must understand: God does not dwell in literal bodies of water like oceans or rivers. Instead, God chooses to dwell in the hearts of people.

But What Kind of Heart?

A heart full of “living water”  a heart saturated with the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Just as natural clouds must be filled with water before thunder is heard, in the same way, the human heart must be filled with the Spirit for the thundering voice of God to be heard clearly.

Jesus Clarifies This in the New Testament:

John 4:13–14 (NIV)

“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'”

This living water is later explained as referring to the Holy Spirit:

John 7:38–39 (ESV)

“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive…”

When a Person Makes Room for the Holy Spirit…

When a person allows the Holy Spirit to fill their life through obedience, prayer, worship, holiness, and separation from sin that person is increasing the waters within.

And where there is an abundance of water, the voice of God becomes clearer, more frequent, and more powerful like thunder.

But the reverse is also true:

• A dry heart, one lacking in spiritual depth or intimacy with God, cannot easily hear His voice.
• Without the water of the Spirit, our hearts become spiritually parched, and the thundering voice of God may remain unheard.

What Should We Do?

• Desire more of the Holy Spirit.
• Obey God’s Word.
• Spend time in worship and prayer.
• Separate yourself from sin.
• Seek intimacy with God.

As you do these things, you increase the living waters within, and God’s voice will not only become clear but also powerful in your life.

Final Prayer & Blessing

May the Lord fill your heart with the waters of His Spirit.
May His voice thunder within you.
May you never lack divine direction again.
Increase your waters let the Lord speak.

God bless you.

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