The term "Jewish Authorities" in the context of the New Testament refers to the religious leaders and governing bodies within Judaism during the time of Jesus Christ and the early church. These authorities played a significant role in the religious, social, and political life of the Jewish people. The primary groups that constituted the Jewish authorities were the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, and the Sanhedrin.

Pharisees

The Pharisees were a prominent religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions. They believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels, and the importance of ritual purity. The Pharisees often clashed with Jesus over interpretations of the law and traditions. In Matthew 23:27, Jesus criticizes them, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity."

Sadducees

The Sadducees were another influential sect, primarily composed of the priestly and aristocratic classes. They held significant power in the Sanhedrin and were known for their denial of the resurrection, the existence of spirits, and the oral law, focusing solely on the written Torah. In Acts 23:8, it is noted, "The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angels, nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all."

Scribes

Scribes were experts in the Law of Moses and were often associated with the Pharisees. They were responsible for copying, teaching, and interpreting the Scriptures. Jesus frequently rebuked them for their legalism and hypocrisy. In Mark 12:38-40, He warns, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and receive greetings in the marketplaces, and the chief seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation."

The Sanhedrin

The Sanhedrin was the supreme council and tribunal of the Jewish people, composed of chief priests, elders, and scribes. It held authority over religious and some civil matters. The Sanhedrin played a crucial role in the trial and condemnation of Jesus. In Mark 14:55, it is recorded, "The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any."

Interactions with Jesus and the Early Church

The Jewish authorities were often in opposition to Jesus and His teachings, perceiving Him as a threat to their authority and traditions. They questioned His authority, sought to trap Him with difficult questions, and ultimately conspired to have Him crucified. In John 11:47-48, the chief priests and Pharisees convened a council, saying, "What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation."

After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the Jewish authorities continued to oppose the early Christian movement. They arrested and persecuted the apostles, as seen in Acts 4:1-3, "While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees came up to them, greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in custody until the next day."

The Jewish authorities, through their interactions with Jesus and the early church, are depicted in the New Testament as both protectors of Jewish tradition and as opponents of the new covenant established through Christ. Their actions and decisions were pivotal in the unfolding of the events surrounding the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, as well as the spread of the Gospel in the early church era.