People & groups
Sanhedrin
The leading Jerusalem council appearing in New Testament judicial and religious proceedings.
Also called · Council · Jewish council
What it means
New Testament scenes involving the council include the high priest, chief priests, elders, and scribes, who taught the law. Matthew 26 describes Jesus being taken to the high priest Caiaphas and questioned before these leaders.
In Acts, Peter and John, Stephen, and Paul appear before the council. In chapter 5, after Gamaliel urges caution, the council has the apostles beaten, orders them not to speak in Jesus’ name, and releases them.
How it appears in the Bible
In John 18, Jesus’ accusers take him to the Roman governor Pilate. When Pilate tells them to judge Jesus under their own law, they reply that they are not permitted to put anyone to death.