Sanhedrin

The Hebrew form of the Greek word “synedrion”, a council. The high court of the Jews, presided over by the high priest. Its 71 members included chief priests, elders and teachers of the law.

Jesus Christ and the Sanhedrin

Herod called together the Sanhedrin on hearing of the birth of Jesus Christ

Matthew 2:4 This is probably a reference to the entire Sanhedrin.

And when he had assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.

Jesus Christ acknowledged the authority of the Sanhedrin

Matthew 5:22

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

Jesus Christ foretold that he would suffer at the hands of the Sanhedrin

Matthew 16:21 parallels Mark 8:31, Luke 9:22 See also Matthew 20:18 parallel Mark 10:33

From that time on Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

These prophecies were fulfilled

Matthew 26:57–68 parallel Mark 14:58–65

The Sanhedrin plotted to kill Jesus Christ after he had raised Lazarus

John 11:47–53

Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” Caiaphas did not say this on his own. Instead, as high priest that year, he was prophesying that Jesus would die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also for the scattered children of God, to gather them together into one. So from that day on they plotted to kill Him.

The Sanhedrin, powerless to execute anyone, brought Jesus Christ to Pilate

John 18:28–31

Then they led Jesus away from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. By now it was early morning, and the Jews did not enter the Praetorium, to avoid being defiled and unable to eat the Passover. So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?” “If He were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed Him over to you.” “You take Him and judge Him by your own law,” Pilate told them. “We are not permitted to execute anyone,” the Jews replied.

Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea were members of the Sanhedrin

See also John 3:1; Mark 15:43 parallel Luke 23:50–52

The term Sanhedrin could also apply to local councils

Matthew 10:17 parallel Mark 13:9

But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues.

Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin

Acts 4:5–21 See also Acts 5:21, Acts 5:27, Acts 5:34, Acts 5:41

Stephen appeared before the Sanhedrin

Acts 6:12, Acts 6:15

Stephen angered the Sanhedrin by his defence

Acts 7:54, Acts 7:57–58

Paul and the Sanhedrin

Paul was commissioned by the chief priests to persecute the church

Acts 9:14 Acts 22:5 makes it clear that the entire Sanhedrin was involved. See also Acts 9:1–2, Acts 9:21, Acts 26:10–12

And now he is here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.”