Sanhedrin

The Jewish council of leaders in Israel in New Testament times. They were under the authority of the Roman rulers, but they had the final say in religious matters. The current high priest served as president. The seventy members included former high priests, heads of important families in Jerusalem, scribes, and Pharisees. Historical records do not show exactly how members were chosen or how long they served. The Sanhedrin usually met in one of the temple buildings or courts every day except on the Sabbath or feast days. Because the Roman Empire ruled the area, the Sanhedrin could not execute a prisoner without the permission of the Roman ruler. That is why Jesus had to be brought before Pilate as well as the Sanhedrin. After they healed a lame beggar, Peter and John were dragged before the Sanhedrin and told not to preach in Jesus’s name. The power of the Sanhedrin ended after Jerusalem was destroyed in AD 70.