The Great Sanhedrin

Politics in Jerusalem during the time of Christ is a political hot bed. The people live under the subjugation of the Roman Empire and the strict laws of the Sanhedrin weigh heavy burdens on them.

The kingdom of Israel is a fragment of what it once was during the reign of king David and ever since the Most High took it from Solomon (1 Kings 11:11), the kingdom remains split two. Israel (10 Tribes) is scattered throughout the north and the tribe of Judah (2 Tribes) living in the south.

The quest for political power is at the forefront of every new sect and a seat at the high table is on the minds of their leaders.

What was the Great Sanhedrin?

The Great Sanhedrin was the high court system of Jerusalem. It was governed by five political parties; all of them having opposing views on the interpretations of the Oral law (Traditions of Men) and Written law (Torah of God); and all fighting for complete control of the Great Sanhedrin.

It was governed by a council of 71 elders, stemming from 5 different parties:

The Pharisee (which was split into two sects)

1. Beit Hillel

2. Beit Shammai

3. The Zealots

4. Sadducees

5. Essences

Control of the Great Sanhedrin was predicated on how many seats your party held. The Pharisee because of their influence over the kings and queens of Judea, managed to keep control of the Great Sanhedrin for decades.

Beit Hillel had majority control among the Pharisee; and was required to appoint a nasi (president) over the Great Sanhedrin. Gamaliel the Elder is believed to have been the nasi during the time of Christ.

Why is this important?

When you understand a nations history, then you can better understand its people. Put yourself in the mind frame of a 1st century judean instead of a 21st century westerner.

It is with this knowledge we can begin to visualize what Jesus was up against. It is evident that Christ did not have political desires but we clearly see by the actions of the Pharisee, that they saw him as a threat to their rule and hold on Jerusalem.

Sources:

Britannica – Sanhedrin; Jewish Virtual Library https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-sanhedrin; Chabad https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4100306/jewish/The-Sanhedrin-The-Jewish-Court-System.htm; ARTSCROLL TALMUD tractate SANHEDRIN; New World Encyclopedia – Sanhedrin https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/sanhedrin