Bible Figure
Sanhedrin
The Sanhedrin was the principal Jewish council in Jerusalem during the New Testament period. It included leading priests, elders, and scribes and appears prominently in the proceedings against Jesus and later in hearings involving the apostles.
Biography
The exact structure and authority of the first-century Sanhedrin varied under Roman rule, but the New Testament depicts a Jerusalem council capable of deliberating on major religious and public matters. The chief priests and council participate in the proceedings that lead to Jesus being handed over to Pontius Pilate. Acts later portrays Peter and John appearing before the rulers, elders, and scribes, and the apostles facing further examination. Gamaliel's counsel within the council temporarily restrains harsher action. Paul also appears before the council and exploits the doctrinal division between Pharisees and Sadducees over resurrection. This is an institutional rather than personal figure record.
Biblical Significance
The Sanhedrin provides essential institutional background for the Passion and Acts. Its appearances show the interaction of Jewish leadership with Roman political authority and reveal the early church's determination to obey God and testify to Jesus even under official pressure.