Topical Encyclopedia The chief priests in the New Testament are often depicted as key figures in the opposition to Jesus Christ. Their animosity towards Him is a recurring theme in the Gospels, where they are portrayed as leaders who actively sought to undermine and ultimately eliminate Jesus. This entry explores the nature and motivations behind the chief priests' hatred towards Christ, as well as the biblical accounts that highlight their role in the events leading up to His crucifixion.Biblical Context and Role of Chief Priests The chief priests were influential leaders within the Jewish religious hierarchy, primarily associated with the Temple in Jerusalem. They were responsible for overseeing temple rituals, sacrifices, and maintaining religious order. The high priest held the highest religious authority among them, and the position was often filled by members of the Sadducees, a sect known for its conservative and aristocratic tendencies. Motivations for Hatred 1. Threat to Authority: Jesus' teachings and actions posed a significant threat to the authority and influence of the chief priests. His growing popularity among the people, coupled with His criticism of the religious establishment, challenged their control over religious and social matters. In Matthew 21:23, the chief priests question Jesus' authority: "When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came to Him. 'By what authority are You doing these things?' they asked. 'And who gave You this authority?'" 2. Doctrinal Conflicts: Jesus' teachings often contradicted the interpretations and traditions upheld by the chief priests. His emphasis on inner righteousness over ritualistic observance, as seen in passages like Matthew 23:23-28, undermined their doctrinal positions and exposed their hypocrisy. 3. Fear of Roman Intervention: The chief priests were concerned that Jesus' growing influence could incite unrest, leading to Roman intervention and the potential loss of their privileged status. In John 11:48, they express this fear: "If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." Key Biblical Accounts 1. Plot to Kill Jesus: The Gospels record several instances where the chief priests conspired to kill Jesus. In Mark 14:1-2, it is written: "Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were two days away, and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him. 'But not during the feast,' they said, 'or there may be a riot among the people.'" 2. Trial and Condemnation: The chief priests played a pivotal role in the trial of Jesus. They sought false testimony against Him to justify His execution. In Matthew 26:59-60, it states: "Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward." 3. Manipulation of Public Opinion: The chief priests were instrumental in swaying public opinion against Jesus. During His trial before Pilate, they incited the crowd to demand His crucifixion. Mark 15:11 records, "But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas to them instead." 4. Mockery at the Cross: Even at the crucifixion, the chief priests continued to mock Jesus, displaying their deep-seated hatred. In Matthew 27:41-42, it is written: "In the same way, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him, saying, 'He saved others, but He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him.'" The chief priests' hatred towards Christ is a testament to the profound conflict between Jesus' message and the established religious order of the time. Their actions, driven by fear, jealousy, and a desire to maintain power, ultimately fulfilled the prophetic scriptures concerning the Messiah's suffering and death. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 27:1,2When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 22:5 Library In Joseph's Tomb Christ and Pilate: the True King and his Counterfeit 'The Rulers Take Counsel Together' The Captive Christ and the Circle Round Him The Life of Christ. Christ Before Pilate. The Arrest of Christ. --Peter's Haste, and Its Reproof. --The ... The Sanhedrim in Session. On the Lord's Passion iv. , Delivered on Wednesday in Holy Week. Acts of the Holy Apostle Thadd??us, Resources What does the Bible say about misanthropy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is misotheism? What is a misotheist? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view misandry? | GotQuestions.org Hatred: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hatred to Christ is on Account of his Testimony Against the World Hatred to Christ is Without Cause Hatred to Christ: Chief Priests Hatred to Christ: Involves: Hatred to his Father Hatred to Christ: Involves: Hatred to his People Hatred to Christ: No Escape for Those Who Persevere In Hatred to Christ: Punishment of Hatred: Against Iniquity, Justified Hatred: Inconsistent With: Liars Prone To Hatred: Inconsistent With: The Knowledge of God Hatred: Inconsistent With: The Love of God Hatred: Often Cloaked by Deceit Hatred: Saints should Give No Cause For Hatred: Saints should not Marvel At Hatred: Saints should not Rejoice in the Calamities of Those Who Exhibit Hatred: Saints should Return Good For Hatred: Scriptures Relating To Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards Each Other Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards God Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards Saints Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Backsliding Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Evil Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: False Ways Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Hatred and Opposition to God Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Lying Related Terms |
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