Topical Encyclopedia The concept of deceit is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with the actions and intentions of individuals who oppose God's will. Among the notable figures in the New Testament who exemplify deceit are the chief priests. These religious leaders, who were part of the Jewish Sanhedrin, played a significant role in the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.The chief priests are frequently depicted in the Gospels as being driven by envy, fear of losing their authority, and a desire to maintain their power and influence over the people. Their deceitful actions are highlighted in several key passages. One of the most prominent examples of deceit by the chief priests is found in their conspiracy to arrest and kill Jesus. 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 illustrates their secretive and malicious intent, as they sought to eliminate Jesus without causing an uproar among the people who followed Him. The deceit of the chief priests is further demonstrated in their manipulation of Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. They offered Judas thirty pieces of silver to betray Jesus, as noted in Matthew 26:14-15: "Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?' And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver" . This transaction underscores their willingness to use treachery to achieve their ends. After Jesus' arrest, the chief priests continued their deceitful practices during His trial. They sought false testimony against Him 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" . This passage highlights their disregard for truth and justice in their pursuit of condemning Jesus. The deceit of the chief priests did not end with the crucifixion of Jesus. After His resurrection, they attempted to suppress the truth by bribing the soldiers who guarded Jesus' tomb. 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 deceit was intended to prevent the spread of the truth about Jesus' resurrection. Throughout the New Testament, the chief priests are portrayed as figures who embody deceit in their opposition to Jesus Christ. Their actions serve as a cautionary example of how religious authority can be corrupted by self-interest and a rejection of divine truth. Torrey's Topical Textbook 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library When the Jews were Made Acquainted with These Things done by ... Then Went the Pharisees and Considered How they Might Ensnare Him ... On the Words, and Rose Again from the Dead on the Third Day, and ... Preface. Jesus, Pilate and Herod. Jesus Drives Out the Money-Changers. Of the Two Sons who were Commanded by their Father to Go into his ... The Last Day in the Temple. Therefore, Behold, I, the Wisdom of God, am Sending unto You ... Matt. xxvii. 62-64. Resources What is lasciviousness? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I learn to distinguish right from wrong? | GotQuestions.org What is guile in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Deceit: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Deceit: A Characteristic of Antichrist Deceit: A Characteristic of the Apostasy Deceit: Blessedness of Being Free From Deceit: Characteristic of the Apostasy Deceit: Characteristic of the Heart Deceit: Christ Was Perfectly Free From Deceit: Evil of Hinders Knowledge of God Deceit: Evil of Keeps from Knowledge of God Deceit: Evil of Keeps from Turning to God Deceit: Evil of Leads to Lying Deceit: Evil of Leads to Pride and Oppression Deceit: False Teachers are Workers of Deceit: False Teachers: Impose on Others By Deceit: False Teachers: Preach Deceit: False Teachers: Sport Themselves With Deceit: Hatred often Concealed By Deceit: Keeps from Turning to God Deceit: Leads: To Pride and Oppression Deceit: Ministers should Lay Aside Deceit: Often Accompanied by Fraud and Injustice Deceit: Saints: Delivered from Those Who Use Deceit: Saints: Pray for Deliverance from Those Who Use Deceit: Saints: Purpose Against Deceit: Saints: Purposed Against Deceit: Saints: should Beware of Those Who Teach Deceit: Saints: should Lay Aside, in Seeking Truth Deceit: Saints: Shun Those Addicted To Deceit: The Kisses of an Enemy Are Deceit: The Tongue is an Instrument of Deceit: The Tongue, the Instrument of Deceit: The Wicked are Full of Deceit: The Wicked: Delight In Deceit: The Wicked: Increase In Deceit: The Wicked: Use, to Each Other Deceit: The Wicked: Use, to Themselves Related Terms |
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