1. Name / Role
Sanhedrin
2. Category
Government Roles
3. Time Period / Biblical Context
The Sanhedrin is mentioned in the New Testament during the Second Temple period, particularly in the Gospels and Acts. While its formal origins trace back to post-exilic Jewish governance, its most prominent role was during the life and trial of Jesus and the early persecution of the apostles.
4. Origin / Background
The term Sanhedrin comes from the Greek synedrion, meaning “council” or “assembly.” It was the highest Jewish judicial and religious council during the Roman era in Judea. Historically, its development was influenced by the council of seventy elders appointed under Moses (Numbers 11:16–17), though it formally emerged under Persian and later Hellenistic rule as a central governing body for Jewish legal and religious matters.
5. Primary Role / Function
The Sanhedrin functioned as the supreme court of Jewish law in religious, civil, and criminal cases. It comprised elders, scribes, priests, and leading sectarians (notably Pharisees and Sadducees). The Great Sanhedrin in Jerusalem had authority over religious decisions, Temple affairs, and disputes related to the Torah. It held limited power under Roman occupation but could conduct trials and issue sentences—though capital punishment required Roman approval.
6. Key Characteristics / Traits
- Comprised 71 members, presided over by the High Priest
- Included Sadducees (often dominant) and Pharisees
- Based in Jerusalem, meeting in the Hall of Hewn Stone within the Temple complex
- Represented religious orthodoxy, but often entwined with political motivations
- Seen as both guardians of tradition and opponents of prophetic voices
7. Symbolism / Spiritual Significance
The Sanhedrin symbolises institutional religious authority, judicial responsibility, and spiritual blindness when power is prioritised over truth. Its actions during the trial of Jesus and persecution of apostles illustrate the danger of religious leadership corrupted by fear, pride, or political allegiance. Theologically, it represents both the necessity and fallibility of human religious systems.
8. Notable Figures / Examples
- Caiaphas – High Priest and presiding figure during Jesus’ trial (Matthew 26:57–68)
- Annas – Former High Priest, influential in Sanhedrin decisions (John 18:13, Acts 4:6)
- Nicodemus – Sanhedrin member who sought Jesus by night and later defended Him (John 3:1; 7:50–51)
- Joseph of Arimathea – Member who did not consent to Jesus’ condemnation and buried His body (Luke 23:50–53)
- Gamaliel – Pharisee and respected teacher who advised caution in handling the apostles (Acts 5:34–40)
9. Related Bible References
- Matthew 26:57–68; Mark 14:53–65 – Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin
- Luke 22:66–71 – Sanhedrin’s interrogation of Jesus
- Acts 4:5–22; Acts 5:27–40 – Apostles brought before the council
- Acts 6:12–15; Acts 7 – Stephen’s trial and martyrdom
- Acts 23:1–10 – Paul’s defence before the Sanhedrin
- John 3:1–21; 7:50–51 – Nicodemus’s interactions with Jesus
10. Summary / Reflection
The Sanhedrin played a central role in first-century Jewish religious life, holding great authority over legal and theological matters. While tasked with upholding God’s law, the council’s opposition to Jesus and early Christians reveals the danger of institutional rigidity and spiritual pride. Their story is a solemn reminder that religious authority must remain accountable to truth and open to divine revelation. In the gospel narrative, the Sanhedrin becomes both a symbol of justice corrupted and a backdrop against which the true authority of Christ shines forth.