Topical Bible: Envy: Chief Priests

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Topical Encyclopedia

Envy, a destructive and sinful emotion, is prominently illustrated in the actions of the chief priests during the time of Jesus Christ. 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. Their envy is a critical element in understanding their motivations and actions as depicted in the New Testament.

Biblical Context

The chief priests were members of the Jewish priestly class, responsible for temple rituals and maintaining religious order. They held significant influence and authority within the Jewish community. However, their position was threatened by the growing popularity and influence of Jesus, whose teachings and miracles attracted large crowds and challenged the established religious norms.

Scriptural References

The Gospel of Matthew provides a clear insight into the envy of the chief priests. In Matthew 27:18 , it is stated, "For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over." This verse highlights that Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, recognized that the chief priests' decision to deliver Jesus to him was driven by envy rather than justice or religious duty.

Mark's Gospel also emphasizes this point. In Mark 15:10 , it is reiterated, "For he knew it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over." This repetition across the synoptic Gospels underscores the significance of envy as a motivating factor in the actions of the chief priests.

The Role of Envy

Envy, as depicted in the actions of the chief priests, is a powerful and destructive force. It led them to conspire against Jesus, seeking to eliminate the threat he posed to their authority and influence. Their envy blinded them to the truth of Jesus' message and the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies. Instead of embracing the Messiah, they chose to protect their status and power, ultimately leading to the unjust trial and crucifixion of Jesus.

Consequences of Envy

The envy of the chief priests had profound consequences, not only for Jesus but also for themselves and the Jewish people. Their actions fulfilled the divine plan of salvation, as Jesus' death and resurrection became the cornerstone of Christian faith. However, their envy also led to their moral and spiritual downfall, as they rejected the very Savior they had long awaited.

Lessons from the Chief Priests' Envy

The account of the chief priests serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of envy. It warns against allowing jealousy and the desire for power to cloud judgment and lead to sinful actions. The account encourages believers to seek humility, recognize the truth, and embrace the teachings of Christ, avoiding the pitfalls of envy that can lead to spiritual ruin.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 15:10
For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

And Pilate Said unto the Chief Priests and the Multitude...
... [3496] For Pilate knew that envy had moved them to deliver him up. [29] [3497] And
the chief priests and the elders asked the multitudes to deliver Barabbas ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section l and pilate said.htm

The Trial Before Pilate Resumed.
... And Pilate answered them, saying, "Will ye that I release unto you the King of the
Jews?" For he perceived that for envy the chief priests had delivered him up ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the trial before pilate resumed.htm

Crucified, Dead and Buried
... For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy. But the chief priests
moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them. ...
/.../mark/jesus of nazareth a biography/chapter xv crucified dead and.htm

Whether the Sin of those who Crucified Christ was Most Grievous?
... than the sin of the soldiers who crucified Him at the governor's bidding, not out
of cupidity like Judas, nor from envy and hate like the chief priests. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the sin of those.htm

Friday --The Day of Suffering.
... And Pilate answered them, saying, "Will ye that I release unto you the King of the
Jews?" For he perceived that for envy the chief priests had delivered him up ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his last week/fridaythe day of suffering.htm

Christ and Pilate: the True King and his Counterfeit
... For he knew that the chief priests had delivered Him for envy.11. But the chief
priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.12. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christ and pilate the true.htm

The Sentence which Condemned the Judges
... For he knew that for envy they had delivered Him.19 ... But the chief priests and elders
persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.21 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the sentence which condemned the.htm

Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate Reluctantly Sentences Him ...
... Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ? 18 For he knew { ^b perceived} ^a
that for envy they ^b the chief priests had delivered him up. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxi third stage of the.htm

Of the Absence of any Discrepancies in the Accounts which the ...
... For he knew that for envy they had delivered Him. ... But the chief priests and elders
persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter viii of the absence of.htm

Acts xxiii. 8-Jun
... their wickedness: they as good as laid a necessity on the chief priests also: for ...
from having enemies dwelling in the same house with him, from envy and much ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xlix acts xxiii 8-jun.htm