Topical Encyclopedia The theme of deception is notably present in the actions and attitudes of the chief priests as depicted in the New Testament. The chief priests, who were part of the Jewish religious leadership, played a significant role in the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Their actions are often characterized by manipulation, falsehood, and a desire to maintain their own power and influence.Plotting Against Jesus The chief priests were instrumental in the plot to arrest and kill Jesus. Their deception is evident in their secretive and underhanded methods. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is recorded: "Then the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him" (Matthew 26:3-4). This passage highlights their willingness to engage in deceitful practices to achieve their ends. False Accusations The chief priests also engaged in deception through false accusations against Jesus. During His trial, they sought false testimony to justify their predetermined verdict. Mark 14:55-56 states, "Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimony was inconsistent" . Their reliance on false witnesses underscores their commitment to deception in order to eliminate Jesus. Manipulating Public Opinion The chief priests further demonstrated deception by manipulating public opinion. After Jesus' resurrection, they bribed the soldiers guarding the tomb to spread a false report. Matthew 28:12-13 records, "When the chief priests had met with the elders and formed a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money and instructed them: 'You are to say, "His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep"'" . This act of bribery and spreading false information was intended to suppress the truth of the resurrection. Influence Over Pilate The chief priests also exerted deceptive influence over Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. They incited the crowd to demand Jesus' crucifixion, despite Pilate's initial reluctance. Mark 15:11 notes, "But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas to them instead" . Their manipulation of the crowd demonstrates their strategic use of deception to achieve their objectives. Conclusion The actions of the chief priests, as recorded in the New Testament, serve as a profound example of deception in the pursuit of power and control. Their willingness to engage in falsehood, manipulation, and bribery highlights the moral and spiritual corruption that can arise from a desire to maintain authority at any cost. Nave's Topical Index Mark 14:1After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. Nave's Topical Index Library Yielding to Arrest. In Joseph's Tomb Acts of Andrew and Matthias The Arrest Confession The Crucifixion. The Sovereignty of God in Operation The Mind which was in Christ Jesus. Rev. George Wood. "The Time of Trouble. " The Time of Trouble Resources What is the great deception in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about self-deception? | GotQuestions.org Why does God allow deception? | GotQuestions.org Deception: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Deception in Representing to Their Father That Joseph had been Destroyed by Wild Beasts Deception: Abraham, in Stating That Sarah Was his Sister Deception: Amnon Deceives Tamar by Feigning Sickness Deception: Ananias and Sapphira Deception: David Feigns Madness Deception: Delilah Deceives Samson Deception: Ehud Deceives Eglon, and Kills Him Deception: Hushai Deceives Absalom Deception: Isaac, in Stating That his Wife Was his Sister Deception: Jacob and Rebekah, in Imposing Jacob on his Father, and Jacob's Impersonating Esau Deception: Jacob's Sons, in Entrapping the Shechemites Deception: Joseph, in his Ruse With his Brothers Deception: Sanballat Tries to Deceive Nehemiah Deception: The Gibeonites, in Misrepresenting Their Habitat Deception: when he Avenged his Sister Deception: when he Began his Conspiracy Self-Deception: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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