Objection · Case 03 · Reliability of Scripture

The name doesn’t match Josephus exactly, the ossuary lacks any priestly title, and the tomb is too modest for a high priest. Several scholars think it belongs to a different family.

One objection from the free evidence repository at apologetics.pro.

Suggest a correction

Response

All three cautions are real and should stay prominent. The strongest counter is the 2011 discovery of an ossuary inscribed Miriam daughter of Yeshua son of Caiaphas, priest of Ma’aziah, which independently confirms a priestly Caiaphas family in the right period and place. The identification with the Gospel Caiaphas remains probable rather than certain, and that is how it should be presented.

About this exhibit

This objection is to The Caiaphas Ossuary.

In 1990, workers in Jerusalem uncovered a decorated bone box, or ossuary, inscribed with the name “Joseph son of Caiaphas,” holding the remains of a man about 60 years old.

Under Claim 03: Archaeology backs up specific people, places, and details in the Bible.