Some argue that the Bible is contradictory concerning whether Jesus saw Annas or Caiaphas after he was arrested. The argument is that Matthew 26:57 says that Jesus saw Caiaphas, but John 18:19, 24 says that Jesus saw Annas first. However, the solution to this alleged contradiction in the Bible is simple.
Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered.
Matthew 26:57
19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching… 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
John 18:19, 24
Luke 3:2 tells us that at that time, Annas and Caiaphas were both high priests:
during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
Luke 3:2
Acts 4:5-6 tells us that both Annas and Caiaphas were present after Jesus was arrested:
5 On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, 6 with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family.
Acts 4:5-6
This would mean that after Jesus was arrested, he was first brought to Annas, who then brought Jesus to Caiaphas. Matthew 26:57 does not exclude the possibility that events occurred between Jesus’ arrest and Jesus being brought to Caiaphas; it can be interpreted to mean that Jesus ”’ended up”’ being brought to Caiaphas.
There is simply no contradiction between Matthew 26:57 and John 18:19, 24.
There are some foundational principles that apply to all alleged and apparent contradictions in the Bible. To read more, see Bible Difficulties: Foundational Principles.
To read more answers to alleged and apparent contradictions in the Bible, see “Contradictions” in the Bible Answered.
These books are also excellent resources:
Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World - Josh and Sean McDowell
Little Pilgrim's Progress (Illustrated Edition) - Helen L. Taylor