The term "Sanhedrim" (or "Sanhedrin") refers to the assembly or council of Jewish leaders that functioned as the highest religious, legal, and political authority among the Jewish people during the Second Temple period. The Sanhedrin is most prominently mentioned in the New Testament, where it plays a significant role in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Historical Background

The origins of the Sanhedrin are somewhat obscure, but it is generally believed to have been established during the Persian or Hellenistic periods. By the time of the New Testament, the Sanhedrin had become a well-established institution in Jewish society. It was composed of chief priests, elders, and scribes, and was presided over by the high priest. The Sanhedrin met in Jerusalem, and its decisions were binding on the Jewish people.

Structure and Composition

The Sanhedrin was traditionally composed of 71 members, reflecting the model of the seventy elders appointed by Moses in the wilderness, with the high priest serving as the presiding officer (Numbers 11:16-17). The members were drawn from three main groups: the chief priests, who were primarily Sadducees; the elders, who were lay leaders; and the scribes, who were often Pharisees. This composition ensured a representation of the major religious and political factions within Judaism.

Functions and Authority

The Sanhedrin held significant authority over religious, civil, and criminal matters. It was responsible for interpreting Jewish law, adjudicating disputes, and overseeing the administration of justice. The Sanhedrin also had the authority to issue decrees and regulations that affected the daily lives of the Jewish people. In religious matters, it was the final arbiter of questions concerning the interpretation of the Torah and other sacred texts.

The Sanhedrin in the New Testament

The New Testament provides several accounts of the Sanhedrin's activities, particularly in relation to Jesus and the early Christian community. The Gospels describe how the Sanhedrin played a central role in the arrest and trial of Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is recorded that "the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death" (Matthew 26:59). The Sanhedrin ultimately condemned Jesus for blasphemy, leading to His crucifixion by the Roman authorities.

The Book of Acts also highlights the Sanhedrin's opposition to the early Christian apostles. Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin for preaching about Jesus' resurrection, and the council sought to suppress their message (Acts 4:1-22). Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was tried and condemned by the Sanhedrin for his bold proclamation of the Gospel (Acts 6:8-7:60).

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the Sanhedrin's interactions with Jesus and the apostles underscore the tension between the established religious authorities and the emerging Christian faith. The Sanhedrin's rejection of Jesus as the Messiah and its persecution of His followers highlight the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering and rejection of the Messiah (Isaiah 53).

Dissolution and Legacy

The Sanhedrin's authority waned following the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. Although attempts were made to reconstitute the Sanhedrin in subsequent centuries, it never regained its former influence. The legacy of the Sanhedrin, however, continues to be felt in Jewish religious and legal traditions, as well as in Christian theological reflections on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Jewish Homes
... It is difficult to fix the limits of the actual power wielded by these
Sanhedrims in criminal cases. But the smaller Sanhedrims ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 6 jewish homes.htm

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
... Temple, and what, perhaps would have been even dearer to the heart of a genuine
Pharisee"its four hundred and eighty synagogues, its Sanhedrims (great and ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 13 among the people.htm

The Organization of the Apostolic Church.
... Jerusalem is said to have had two of these smaller sanhedrims, as it was found that
the multitudes of cases arising among so vast a population were more than ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the organization of.htm

The Trial Before the High Priest.
... The Jewish writers speak of three Sanhedrims, of which two were, in fact, great
committees of the Sanhedrim, twenty-three members being required for a meeting. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the trial before the high.htm

Galilee
... but consciously or unconsciously they helped it considerably by the policy which
they adopted towards the local councils, or Synedria"Sanhedrims"as they ...
/.../lake/landmarks in the history of early christianity/i galilee.htm

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
... Again, we know that it was the practice of the members of the various Sanhedrims"
who on ordinary days sat as judicatories, from the close of the morning to ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 7 the upbringing of.htm

Sanhedrims (2 Occurrences)
...Sanhedrims (2 Occurrences). Matthew 10:17 But beware of men; for they will deliver
you up to sanhedrims, and scourge you in their synagogues; (DBY YLT). ...
/s/sanhedrims.htm - 7k

Sanhedrim (20 Occurrences)

/s/sanhedrim.htm - 15k

Heed (223 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Matthew 10:17 And, take ye heed of men, for they will give you up to
sanhedrims, and in their synagogues they will scourge you, (YLT). ...
/h/heed.htm - 36k

Sanhedrin (19 Occurrences)

/s/sanhedrin.htm - 27k

Courts (59 Occurrences)
... Matthew 10:17 And, take ye heed of men, for they will give you up to sanhedrims,
and in their synagogues they will scourge you, (See NAS). ...
/c/courts.htm - 33k

Bear (425 Occurrences)
... Mark 13:9 And take ye heed to yourselves, for they shall deliver you up to sanhedrims,
and to synagogues, ye shall be beaten, and before governors and kings ye ...
/b/bear.htm - 44k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus