Topical Bible: Revenge: Chief Priests

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The concept of revenge, particularly as it pertains to the actions of the chief priests in the New Testament, is a significant theme that highlights the tension between human justice and divine justice. The chief priests, as religious leaders of the Jewish people, held considerable influence and authority. However, their actions during the life and ministry of Jesus Christ reveal a complex interplay of power, jealousy, and a desire for retribution.

Role and Authority of the Chief Priests

The chief priests were part of the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish council and court in Jerusalem. They were responsible for maintaining the temple's sanctity, overseeing sacrifices, and ensuring adherence to the Mosaic Law. Their authority was both religious and political, as they often collaborated with Roman authorities to maintain order and their own positions of power.

Revenge Against Jesus

The Gospels depict the chief priests as key figures in the plot to arrest and crucify Jesus. Their motivation for seeking revenge against Jesus can be traced to several factors:

1. Challenge to Authority: Jesus' teachings and actions often challenged the authority and traditions upheld by the chief priests. His growing popularity among the people threatened their control and influence. In Mark 11:18 , it is noted, "When the chief priests and scribes heard this, they began looking for a way to kill Him. For they feared Him, because the whole crowd was astonished at His teaching."

2. Accusations of Blasphemy: The chief priests accused Jesus of blasphemy, a charge that carried the death penalty under Jewish law. In Matthew 26:65 , the high priest tore his clothes and declared, "He has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy."

3. Political Expediency: The chief priests were also motivated by political concerns. They feared that Jesus' messianic claims could incite unrest and provoke Roman intervention, threatening their own positions. In John 11:48 , they expressed their 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."

The Plot to Kill Jesus

The desire for revenge culminated in a plot to kill Jesus. The chief priests conspired with Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, to betray Him. In Matthew 26:14-16 , it is recorded, "Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?' And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus."

Manipulation of Justice

The trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin was marked by manipulation and false testimony. The chief priests sought to ensure a guilty verdict by any means necessary. In Mark 14:55-56 , it is stated, "Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimony was inconsistent."

Influence on Pilate

The chief priests also played a crucial role in persuading Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, to authorize Jesus' crucifixion. Despite Pilate's initial reluctance, the chief priests incited the crowd to demand Jesus' death. In Mark 15:11-13 , it is noted, "But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas to them instead. So Pilate asked them again, 'What then do you want me to do with the One you call the King of the Jews?' And they shouted back, 'Crucify Him!'"

Legacy of Revenge

The actions of the chief priests serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of revenge and the misuse of religious authority. Their pursuit of vengeance against Jesus ultimately fulfilled divine prophecy, demonstrating that God's purposes prevail even amidst human schemes. The chief priests' role in the crucifixion of Jesus is a sobering reminder of the destructive power of envy and the perils of prioritizing human ambition over divine truth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 5:33
When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ Crucified and Buried.
... galled; and he took his revenge by flashing the idea before the public mind, that
it was a crime, in the estimation of at least the chief priests and scribes ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/christ crucified and buried.htm

G. Jesus Before Pilate. Ch. 23:1-25
... 13 And Pilate called together the chief priests and the ... When, therefore, their chief
council had decided that ... To wreak upon Jesus a petty revenge, Herod mocked ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/g jesus before pilate ch.htm

Jesus Before Pilate.
... The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar ... He is a Galilean of no
consequence, connected with no good family who might revenge His death." This was ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xix jesus before pilate.htm

Christ Crucified
... to Israel and her monarch, that he saw the way to a petty revenge. ... The populace mocked
Him openly: the chief priests, too cultivated to insult avowedly a dying ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 15 21-32 christ crucified.htm

Jesus Drives Out the Money-Changers.
... The priests and Pharisees listened eagerly ... As they caught the word "revenge" they
turned to each ... Meanwhile Dathan, a merchant, the chief of the traders who had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter i jesus drives out.htm

Jesus Before Herod.
... pretty early in the morning.' The Chief Priests produced their ... When the High Priests
and the other enemies of ... festival day, and take the most inhuman revenge. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xx jesus before herod.htm

In Joseph's Tomb
... The revenge which the priests had thought would be so sweet was already bitterness
to them ... and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 80 in josephs tomb.htm

Jesus, Pilate and Herod.
... Then came Caiaphas, Annas and the chief priests, and the ... Then went the priests out,
sorely dissatisfied with the ... To revenge oneself on such a man would be the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter vii jesus pilate and.htm

Messiah Derided Upon the Cross
... self-interest does not interfere, and the bitter passions of envy, hatred, malice,
and revenge, are not ... (1.). The Chief Priests, Elders, and Rulers of the people ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xxi messiah derided upon.htm

Whom to Obey, --Annas or Angel?
... for greetings in the marketplace, and the chief seats in ... to glimmer over Olivet,
and the priests were preparing ... nation, so that no incitement to revenge lay in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/whom to obeyannas or angel.htm