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*Annas: the unofficial High Priest of Israel (AKA- the Jewish Godfather). Annas was the most powerful Jewish leader in Israel. In many ways Annas continued to pull the strings in relation to the Sanhedrin (the Jewish Supreme Court) even after he was "deposed by the procurator Gratus. Yet while having been officially removed from office, he remained as one of the nation's most influential political and social individuals, aided greatly by the use of his five sons and his son-in-law as puppet High Priests." Annas was powerful, corrupt, wealthy and ambitious (see John 18:12-23 and my related sermon, A Miscarriage of Justice of Unparalleled Proportions).
*Caiaphas: the current High Priest and son in-law to Annas. Caiaphas oversaw the Jewish portion of the trial of Jesus of Nazareth (see Matthew 26:57-27:10). After the resurrection of Lazarus, Caiaphas prophesied (unknowingly) that it is better for one man to die than for the entire nation to perish (note John 11:47-57). Caiaphas was respected, ruthless, powerful, and rich.
*The Sanhedrin- Made up the supreme religious, political, and judicial court of the Jews. Prior to AD 70 the Sanhedrin was comprised of 70 members plus the High Priest. They were known for enacting strict rules, for their magnificent beards, and for wearing lengthy robs. The chief priests (Mt. 27:41), the scribes (Acts 5:34), and the lead men of Jerusalem (elders) made up the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was envious of Jesus' popularity with the masses and wanted to eliminate him once and for all. This council used false witnesses during their kangaroo court in order to wrongly convict Jesus of blasphemy and sedition (against Caesar and Rome).
*Caiaphas: the current High Priest and son in-law to Annas. Caiaphas oversaw the Jewish portion of the trial of Jesus of Nazareth (see Matthew 26:57-27:10). After the resurrection of Lazarus, Caiaphas prophesied (unknowingly) that it is better for one man to die than for the entire nation to perish (note John 11:47-57). Caiaphas was respected, ruthless, powerful, and rich.
*The Sanhedrin- Made up the supreme religious, political, and judicial court of the Jews. Prior to AD 70 the Sanhedrin was comprised of 70 members plus the High Priest. They were known for enacting strict rules, for their magnificent beards, and for wearing lengthy robs. The chief priests (Mt. 27:41), the scribes (Acts 5:34), and the lead men of Jerusalem (elders) made up the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was envious of Jesus' popularity with the masses and wanted to eliminate him once and for all. This council used false witnesses during their kangaroo court in order to wrongly convict Jesus of blasphemy and sedition (against Caesar and Rome).
