Topical Bible: King: Chief officers of The Chief Priests

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In the context of the Bible, the term "king" is primarily associated with the rulers of Israel and Judah, but it also extends to the organizational structure within the religious hierarchy, particularly concerning the chief priests. The chief priests held significant authority in the religious and political life of ancient Israel, especially during the Second Temple period. They were responsible for the administration of the Temple, the performance of sacrifices, and the maintenance of religious law and order.

The chief priests were often part of the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish council and court, which played a crucial role in the governance of Jewish affairs under Roman rule. The chief priests were not only religious leaders but also wielded considerable political influence. They were often appointed by the ruling authorities, such as the Herodian kings or Roman governors, which sometimes led to tensions between religious duties and political allegiances.

In the New Testament, the chief priests are frequently mentioned in the context of their interactions with Jesus Christ. They were instrumental in the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus, as they perceived Him as a threat to their authority and the established religious order. The Gospel of Matthew records, "Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him" (Matthew 26:3-4).

The chief priests were also involved in the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate. They accused Jesus of blasphemy and sought to have Him executed. The Gospel of Mark notes, "The chief priests accused Him of many things. So Pilate questioned Him again, 'Do You not answer? Look how many charges they are bringing against You!'" (Mark 15:3-4).

The role of the chief priests extended beyond the life of Jesus. In the Acts of the Apostles, they continued to exert influence over the early Christian community. They were involved in the persecution of the apostles, as seen in Acts 5:17-18: "Then the high priest and all his associates, who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail" .

The chief priests' authority was deeply rooted in the Levitical priesthood, tracing back to Aaron, the brother of Moses, who was the first high priest. The Levitical priesthood was established by God as recorded in the Book of Exodus, where God commands Moses, "Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him" (Numbers 3:6).

Throughout the biblical narrative, the chief priests served as mediators between God and the people, performing sacrifices and maintaining the sanctity of the Temple. However, their role evolved over time, especially during the intertestamental period, when political and religious dynamics shifted significantly.

In summary, the chief priests were key figures in the religious and political landscape of ancient Israel. Their influence extended from the administration of the Temple to interactions with Jesus and the early Christian church, highlighting their complex role in biblical history.

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2 Samuel 8:17
And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;
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2 Samuel 20:25
And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:
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1 Kings 4:2
And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,
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Library

The Trial Before Pilate Resumed.
... in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying: "Hail,
King of the ... When therefore the chief priests and the officers saw him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the trial before pilate resumed.htm

Friday --The Day of Suffering.
... in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying: "Hail,
King of the ... When therefore the chief priests and the officers saw him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his last week/fridaythe day of suffering.htm

Of the Absence of any Discrepancies in the Accounts which the ...
... on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe; and they came to Him and said, Hail,
King of the ... When the chief priests therefore and officers saw Him ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter viii of the absence of.htm

Jesus Sentenced
... And said, Hail, King of the Jews! ... When the chief priests therefore and officers
saw Him, they cried out, saying, Crucify Him, crucify Him. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/jesus sentenced.htm

Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate Reluctantly Sentences Him ...
... He speaks of Jesus as no longer a king, but a mere man ... we behold the true man, the
second Adam.] 6 When therefore the chief priests and the officers saw him ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxi third stage of the.htm

Jesus Before Pilate.
... He was surrounded by officers and soldiers dressed with the ... man is of obscure birth,
he is the chief of a ... parables of double meaning concerning a king who is ...
/.../chapter xvii jesus before pilate.htm

Conclusion
... the one who presents the Lord Jesus as Israel's King and Messiah ... Judas then, having
received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/conclusion.htm

Of the Hour of the Lord's Passion, and of the Question Concerning ...
... But the evangelist proceeds again: "When the chief priests therefore and officers
saw Him ... friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xiii of the hour of.htm

Jesus Before Pilate.
... His head, and arrayed Him in a purple garment; and they came unto Him, and said,
Hail, King of the ... When therefore the chief priests and the officers saw Him ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xix jesus before pilate.htm

Christ Crucified.
... He no longer speaks of him as King, but points to him as a human sufferer. ... (John
19:6). 6. When the chief priests and officers saw him, etc. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/christ crucified.htm