But in spite of his precautions, the very thing he dreaded afterward came upon him. His honors were stripped from him, he was cast down from his high office, and, stung by remorse and wounded pride, not long after the crucifixion he ended his own life. 138 So all who compromise with sin will gain only sorrow and ruin. "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Proverbs 14:12. When Pilate declared himself innocent of the blood of Christ, Caiaphas answered defiantly, "His blood be on us, and on our children." Matthew 27:25.

Men trods sin forsigtighed blev han senere ramt netop af det, som han frygtede. Hans æresposter blev frataget ham, han blev afsat fra sit høje embede, og plaget af samvittighedsnag og såret stolthed tog han sit eget liv ikke længe efter korsfæstelsen.