Faith & Reason Nexus

1. Great Sanhedrin

• a. Grand Council
• b. Seated in Jerusalem
• c. Supreme tribunal of the Jews
• d. Composed of seventy-one members
• e. Powers: Legislative, Executive, Judicial

1. Minor Sanhedrin
2. Lower Tribunal (Court of Three)

Name:
“Sanhedrin” originates from a Greek term indicating a legislative assembly or ecclesiastical council deliberating in a sitting posture.

Origin:
Established in Jerusalem between 170 and 106 B.C.

Organization:
Seventy-one members divided into three chambers:

1. Chamber of Priests (Religious) – 23 members
2. Chamber of Scribes (Literary/Legal) – 23 members
3. Chamber of Elders (Popular) – 23 members

Number:
69 members from the three chambers plus 2 presiding officers, totaling 71.

Officers of the Great Sanhedrin:

1. “Prince” – Chief and president of the court.
2. “Father of the Tribunal” – Vice-president

Quorum:
23 members constituted a quorum.

Criminal Trials:

1. Majority of one vote for acquittal.
2. Majority of two votes for condemnation.

Authority:
Had powers of a national parliament and a supreme court, comparable to the Areopagus in Athens and the Roman Senate.