The Sanhedrin

If you were to ask most Christians what the Sanhedrin was, they would probably tell you that it was the "Supreme Court of the Jews." If you then asked them how they knew that, most of them would be stumped for an answer. You can understand their confusion when you realize that the word Sanhedrin does not even appear in many translations of the Bible (such as the KJV and the NKJV)!

The Great Sanhedrin in Jerusalem was the highest religious, political, legal, legislative, and judicial body among the Jews during the Second Temple period. This body was composed of 71 members, presided over by the High Priest. The Sadducees, a sect mainly composed of priests, seemed to have dominated the Sanhedrin, but the Pharisees were also represented. However, the word Sanhedrin could also be used of a small court found in most Jewish cities, or to the Lesser Sanhedrin, a body composed of 23 men, in Jerusalem.

This new book by David Padfield contains six sermon outlines dealing with the history, organization, and power of the Sanhedrin. It also covers the trials of Christ and His apostles. The book also covers the legal procedures of the court, as well as how punishments were administered. The final lesson discusses the relationship of the apostle Paul to the court and considers where he could have been a member of the august body.

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The Sanhedrin contains a series of six sermon outlines giving an in-depth examination of the high court of the Second Temple period. You will need Acrobat Reader, available free from Adobe Systems, to view and print this book (45 pages; PDF file size: 4.5MB). All of the books on this website may be reprinted by individuals, churches, schools, and seminaries for use in their teaching programs. However, these books may not be altered in any way, and they must be given away at no charge.