(seated together). The supreme council of the Jewish nation, whose germ was in the seventy elders (Num. 11:16-17), and further development in Jehoshaphat’s tribunal (2 Chron. 19:8-11). In full power after the captivity, and lasted till A. D. 425. The “great Sanhedrim” was composed of 71 priests, scribes, and elders, and presided over by the high priest. The “lesser Sanhedrims” were provincial courts in the towns, and composed of 23 members appointed by the “great Sanhedrim.” The word usually appears as “council” in N. T. (Matt. 5:22; Mark 14:55; John 11:47; Acts 4:5-7). The members of the Sanhedrim embraced the three classes, priests, elders, and scribes. After the Roman conquest it had no control of the death power, but the confirmation and execution of capital sentences rested with the Roman procurator. Thus it was that while the Sanhedrim condemned Christ for blasphemy, he was not brought under the Roman judgment of death till accused by the Jews of treason (Matt. 26:65-66; John 18:31; 19:12). The stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57-59), was either due to mob excitement, or else illegal.