# Jewish Council (Sanhedrin)

The words “Jewish council” describe a group of Jewish leaders. This group included chief priests, elders, scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and the high priest. The “Jewish council” is also called “Sanhedrin.” 

See: [Chief Priest](../articles/chiefpriest.md); [Elder](../articles/elder.md); [Scribe](../articles/scribe.md); [Pharisees](../articles/pharisees.md); [Sadducees](../articles/sadducees.md); [High Priest](../articles/highpriest.md)

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The Jewish council was a group of 71 members. This included the high priest, who ruled over the other members.

The Roman government allowed the Jewish council to rule over the Jews. However, the Council was not allowed to execute someone. Instead, the Council had to ask the Roman government to execute someone. That is why the Council brought Jesus to Pilate. They wanted Pilate to decide and command that Jesus should be crucified(see: Matthew 27:1-2; John 18:31).

At Jesus’ trial, he stood in front of the Jewish council. Most of the people in the Council were opposed to Jesus. They wanted to find reasons to kill him. Even though Jesus did nothing wrong, they still said he was guilty and should die (see: Matthew 26:3, 47-65; Mark 14:43-64; 15:1, 43; Luke 22:47-23:2, 50-51). 

The Jewish council also tried to stop the apostles and other Christians from teaching about Jesus (see: Acts 4:5-22; 5:17-42; 6:9-15; 22:30-23:22).

See: [Rome (Roman Empire, Caesar)](../articles/rome.md); [Crucify (Crucifixion)](../articles/crucify.md); 
[Ancient Trials (Lawsuit)](../articles/ancienttrials.md); [Apostle](../articles/apostle.md)