The role of priests in the context of persecution of the disciples is a significant theme in the New Testament. The religious leaders, including priests, often found themselves in opposition to the early Christian movement, which they perceived as a threat to their authority and traditional Jewish beliefs.

1. Opposition to Jesus and His Followers: The priests, along with the scribes and Pharisees, were instrumental in the opposition to Jesus during His ministry. This opposition extended to His followers after His resurrection and ascension. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns His disciples about the coming persecution: "But beware of men; for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues" (Matthew 10:17).

2. Role in the Arrest and Trial of Jesus: The chief priests played a crucial role in the arrest and trial of Jesus. They conspired to arrest Him by stealth and kill Him (Matthew 26:3-4). Their actions set a precedent for the treatment of His disciples, who would later face similar hostility.

3. Persecution of the Apostles: After the resurrection of Jesus, the apostles faced persecution from the religious authorities, including the priests. In the Book of Acts, the apostles were arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin, where the high priest questioned them (Acts 5:17-18). Despite being warned not to teach in the name of Jesus, the apostles continued to preach boldly, leading to further persecution.

4. Stephen's Martyrdom: Stephen, one of the first deacons, became the first Christian martyr. His bold proclamation of the Gospel and critique of the Jewish leaders led to his arrest. The high priest presided over his trial, where Stephen was falsely accused of blasphemy (Acts 6:12-15). His subsequent stoning marked a significant moment of persecution against the early church.

5. Saul's Zeal: Before his conversion, Saul (later Paul) was a zealous persecutor of the church, acting with the authority of the high priests. He sought to imprison and punish the disciples, as seen in Acts 9:1-2 : "Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out threats of murder against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem."

6. Continued Hostility: The hostility from the priests and other religious leaders continued as the church grew. The apostle Paul, once a persecutor himself, faced numerous trials and imprisonments at the hands of Jewish authorities, who often incited the local populations against him (Acts 21:27-31).

The persecution of the disciples by the priests and religious leaders highlights the tension between the nascent Christian faith and established Jewish traditions. This opposition, while a source of suffering for the early church, also served to spread the Gospel as believers scattered and shared their faith across the Roman Empire.Acts 22:5
As also the high priest does bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters to the brothers, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound to Jerusalem, for to be punished.
Nave's Topical Index

Why were the people guilty for a priest's sin? | GotQuestions.org

What was the significance of the anointed priest? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God restrict the age that a priest could serve (Numbers 8:24 26)? | GotQuestions.org

Priest: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus