High Priest

The High Priest in ancient Israel held the most significant religious position within the Levitical priesthood, serving as the chief mediator between God and the people. The role was established by divine command, with Aaron, the brother of Moses, being the first to hold the office (Exodus 28:1). The High Priest's primary responsibilities included overseeing the tabernacle (and later the temple) worship, performing sacrifices, and entering the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the nation (Leviticus 16:32-34).

The High Priest wore distinctive garments, including the ephod, breastplate, and turban, each with symbolic significance (Exodus 28:4-39). The breastplate contained the Urim and Thummim, used for divination to discern God's will (Exodus 28:30). The High Priest was also tasked with maintaining the sanctity of the temple and ensuring that the rituals and sacrifices were conducted according to the Law of Moses.

In the New Testament, the High Priest played a crucial role in the events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Caiaphas, the High Priest at the time, presided over the Sanhedrin trial that condemned Jesus (Matthew 26:57-68). The High Priest's position, while originally intended to be a lifelong appointment, became subject to political influences during the Roman occupation, with appointments often made by Roman authorities.

Council of Elders

The Council of Elders, also known as the Sanhedrin, was the supreme religious and judicial body in ancient Israel. Composed of chief priests, scribes, and elders, the Sanhedrin held authority over religious, civil, and criminal matters. The council's origins can be traced back to the seventy elders appointed by Moses to assist in governing the people (Numbers 11:16-17).

The Sanhedrin was divided into two main bodies: the Great Sanhedrin, consisting of seventy-one members, and the Lesser Sanhedrin, which operated in various towns with twenty-three members. The Great Sanhedrin convened in Jerusalem and was presided over by the High Priest. It functioned as the highest court of appeal and was responsible for interpreting Jewish law.

In the New Testament, the Sanhedrin is frequently mentioned in the context of its interactions with Jesus and the early Christian community. The council played a pivotal role in the trial and condemnation of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels (Mark 14:55-64). The apostles, including Peter and John, were also brought before the Sanhedrin for preaching the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 4:1-22).

The Sanhedrin's authority was limited under Roman rule, as capital punishment required Roman approval. Despite this, the council maintained significant influence over Jewish religious life and legal matters. The Sanhedrin's decisions were guided by the Torah, and its members were expected to be well-versed in the law and traditions of Israel.

Biblical References

· Exodus 28:1 : "Then bring near to you your brother Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites to serve Me as priests—Aaron, Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar."
· Leviticus 16:32-34 : "The priest who is anointed and ordained to succeed his father as high priest is to make atonement. He is to put on the sacred linen garments and make atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, and for the priests and all the people of the assembly."
· Numbers 11:16-17 : "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Bring Me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.'"
· Matthew 26:57-68 : "Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and elders had gathered."
· Acts 4:1-22 : "The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead."