Sanhedrin
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The Sanhedrin was a Jewish council of 71 elders that served as the highest court of justice and legislative body in Jerusalem during the Second Temple period, while local courts of 23 members handled regional judicial matters.
What is the meaning of Sanhedrin in the Bible?
The Sanhedrin was a Jewish council of 71 elders that served as the highest court of justice and legislative body in Jerusalem during the Second Temple period, while local courts of 23 members handled regional judicial matters.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the Sanhedrin clarifies the political and religious authority structures present during the New Testament era, providing essential context for the trials of Jesus and the early apostles.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Sanhedrin in this passage?
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.