Étude 1 sur 32 · Les pharisiens envisagent d’assassiner le Messie Jésus

  1. Étude 1 : Les pharisiens envisagent d’assassiner le Messie Jésus
  2. Étude 2 : Le Messie Jésus à Béthanie chez Marthe et Marie
  3. Étude 3 : Repas chez un pharisien
  4. Étude 4 : Questions des religieux sur la messianité de Jésus
  5. Étude 5 : La trahison de Judas l'Iscariote
  6. Étude 6 : Le complot contre le Messie Jésus
  7. Étude 7 : Le transfert chez le Souverain Sacrificateur en exercice, Caïphe
  8. Étude 8 : La présentation au Sanhédrin
  9. Étude 9 : Les maltraitances commencent
  10. Étude 10 : La présentation à Ponce Pilate
  11. Étude 11 : La libération d’un prisonnier
  12. Étude 12 : L’acharnement du Sanhédrin, condamnation officielle
  13. Étude 13 : Le titulus de Pilate
  14. Étude 14 : Joseph d’Arimathée demande le corps de Jésus
  15. Étude 15 : Joseph d’Arimathée et Nicodème mettent le corps de Jésus dans le tombeau
  16. Étude 16 : La visite des représentants du Sanhédrin chez Pilate
  17. Étude 17 : Les gardes avertissent les autorités juives
  18. Étude 18 : Pierre et Jean en prison
  19. Étude 19 : La défense de Pierre et de Jean devant le Sanhédrin
  20. Étude 20 : La délibération et la sentence du Sanhédrin
  21. Étude 21 : Le témoignage de Pierre et Jean
  22. Study 22: The search for the prisoners
  23. Study 23: The appearance before the Sanhedrin
  24. Study 24: The intervention of the Pharisee Gamaliel
  25. Study 25: The surprising reaction of the apostles
  26. Étude 26 : L’arrestation d’Etienne
  27. Étude 27 : La comparution d’Etienne devant le Sanhédrin
  28. Étude 28 : Le discours d’Etienne devant le Sanhédrin
  29. Étude 29 : Le meurtre d'Etienne
  30. Étude 30 : Sadducéens
  31. Étude 31 : Les pharisiens
  32. Étude 32 : Le Sanhédrin

From the second to the third Passover festival

  • The Pharisees plan to murder Jesus the Messiah

    Pericope 78 recounts the Pharisees' decision to murder Jesus the Messiah following the healing of the man with the paralysed hand on a Sabbath. In AD 31, in Capernaum, a clear divide separates the hostile religious authorities from the admiring people. Dissenting voices such as Nicodemus and Gamaliel testify to internal opposition within the Sanhedrin. Despite this plot, Jesus resolutely continues his ministry.

    John 18.14 (King James Version) :
    Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
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From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week

  • The Messiah Jesus in Bethany at the Home of Martha and Mary

    Luke 10.38-42 recounts the visit of the Messiah Jesus to Bethany, at the home of Martha and Mary, around late November or early December AD 32. Located 3 km from Jerusalem, this village welcomes Jesus in a context of relative calm: the Pharisees have changed strategy, preferring to gather incriminating testimonies rather than act violently. Luke is the only evangelist to mention this episode.

    Luke 10.38-42 (King James Version) :
    Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
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  • Meal at a Pharisee's house

    The pericope PER235 recounts Jesus’ meal at the house of a leader of the Pharisees on a Saturday (Luke 14.1), in a context of growing confrontation. The Pharisees are seeking to gather evidence against him for the Sanhedrin. Despite the tensions, Jesus accepts the invitation, holds his ground and corrects their teachings. Luke is the only evangelist to report this episode, which most likely took place at the Saturday midday meal.

    Deuteronomy 19.15 (King James Version) :
    One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
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  • The religious leaders’ questions about Jesus’ messiahship

    The article discusses the interaction between Jesus and the religious leaders over his messiahship. Despite their accusatory intentions, Jesus affirms that he is the Messiah, his works bearing witness to it. He promises security and eternal life to his disciples, stressing his unity with the Father.

    John 10.24 (King James Version) :
    Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
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The last week before the arrest

  • The betrayal of Judas Iscariot

    The article explores the betrayal of Judas Iscariot toward Jesus, an act motivated by a feeling of incompatibility and frustration. Judas, knowing that the authorities are seeking to arrest Jesus, collaborates with them to denounce Jesus, in exchange for 30 pieces of silver. The article analyzes the Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark and Luke, which describe Judas’s actions and their impact on the events leading to Jesus’s arrest.

    Luke 22.1-6 (King James Version) :
    Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
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  • The plot against the Messiah Jesus

    The plot against Jesus is devised by the religious authorities before the Passover, with Judas’s help. Caiaphas convenes the Sanhedrin to condemn Jesus, regarded as a threat, by using false witnesses. Pilate is informed so as to facilitate the arrest on the Mount of Olives.

    Matthew 26.1-5 (King James Version) :
    And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
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The last day up to the crucifixion

  • The transfer to the incumbent High Priest, Caiaphas

    The article analyzes the transfer of Jesus to Caiaphas, highlighting the planning of the Jewish authorities to secure a swift condemnation, with a semblance of legality. Several appendices shed light on the historical context, and the Gospels describe the events in detail.

    Mark 14.53 (King James Version) :
    And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.
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  • The presentation before the Sanhedrin

    This article analyzes the presentation of Jesus before the Sanhedrin prior to his crucifixion according to the Gospels, setting out the violation of Jewish law by a night trial. Strategically orchestrated by Caiaphas to avoid the crowd, this judgment illustrates key theological and historical issues.

    John 18.19-24 (King James Version) :
    The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
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  • The abuse begins

    The article deals with the mistreatment inflicted on Jesus before the crucifixion, centered on the interpretation of the Gospel accounts. It explores how the Sanhedrin manipulated the accusations to obtain the support of the Roman authorities, turning a religious accusation into political sedition.

    John 18.19-24 (King James Version) :
    The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
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  • The presentation to Pontius Pilate

    Pericope PER341 reconstructs the presentation of Jesus before Pontius Pilate on Friday morning, around 6:45 a.m., after his nighttime condemnation by the Sanhedrin. Cross-referencing Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the article analyzes the precise chronology, the role of Caiaphas, the refusal of the religious leaders to enter the Praetorium, and the dialogue between Jesus and Pilate, the only one empowered to pronounce a capital sentence.

    Mark 15.1 (King James Version) :
    And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.
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  • The release of a prisoner

    During the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor tries to use the Passover custom of releasing a prisoner in order to avoid condemning Jesus. He offers the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a notorious criminal, convinced that the people will make the right choice. His wife's intervention strengthens his hesitation. This scene, attested by all four gospels, illustrates the manipulation by the religious authorities and theologically prefigures redemptive substitution.

    Matthew 27.19 (King James Version) :
    When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
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  • The relentlessness of the Sanhedrin, official condemnation

    PER346 analyzes the official condemnation of Jesus by Pontius Pilate under the relentless pressure of the Sanhedrin. In Jerusalem, on Friday morning, the crowd, manipulated by the religious leaders, demands crucifixion. Pilate, politically trapped, yields despite the absence of any valid charge. The study addresses the irregularities of the trial and the chronological question of the 'sixth hour' in John 19.14, through a synoptic approach to the four Gospels.

    Matthew 26.57-68 (King James Version) :
    And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
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  • The Titulus of Pilate

    Pilate's titulus is the notice placed on Jesus' cross bearing the words 'Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews', written in Hebrew, Latin and Greek. Pilate insists on this wording despite the protest of the chief priests, thus asserting a symbolic authority after having yielded on the condemnation. This act reveals a tragic irony: the inscription publicly proclaims Jesus' kingship at the very moment of his death.

    Matthew 27.22 (King James Version) :
    Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
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  • Joseph of Arimathea asks for the body of Jesus

    Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin and a secret disciple of Jesus, courageously asks Pilate to release the body of the Crucified One. Accompanied by Nicodemus, he arranges a dignified burial in his own new tomb, before the Sabbath begins. This episode, attested by all four Gospels, illustrates the passage from discretion to a public act of faith at the very moment when the closest disciples remain in hiding.

    Luke 23.50-56 (King James Version) :
    And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathæa, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
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  • Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus place the body of Jesus in the tomb

    Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two members of the Sanhedrin favorable to Jesus, bury his body on Friday, April 1, AD 33, before the Sabbath. Nicodemus brings a large quantity of spices, and Joseph provides his new tomb. Their courageous and public act, carried out according to Jewish rites, gives the Messiah's burial a royal and honorable dimension, marking their emergence from discretion after the crucifixion.

    2 Chronicles 16.14 (King James Version) :
    And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries’ art: and they made a very great burning for him.
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  • The visit of the Sanhedrin's representatives to Pilate

    An episode found only in Matthew, this passage recounts the visit of the Sanhedrin's representatives to Pilate on Saturday morning to obtain a guard for the tomb of Jesus. Fearing a rumor of resurrection, they have the sepulcher sealed. Pilate, a pragmatist, yields to their request. This episode reveals the tensions between the Jewish religious leadership and Roman authority, and directly prepares the account of the resurrection.

    Matthew 27.51 (King James Version) :
    And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
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The resurrection and the various appearances

  • The guards warn the Jewish authorities

    Matthew 28.11-15 reports that the tomb guards, unwitting witnesses of the resurrection, went to the Jewish authorities. The latter bribed them to spread the claim that the disciples had stolen the body. The article analyzes the apologetic value of this testimony from outside the Christian circle and the contradictions of the official version, noting that this episode, found only in Matthew, fits within the Easter chronology of Sunday, April 3, AD 33.

    Mark 16.14 (King James Version) :
    Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
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Peter's ministry

  • Peter and John in prison

    This article deals with the confrontation of Peter and John with the Sanhedrin. The apostles, arrested for preaching, must appear before this influential religious court. Facing the same authority that had condemned Jesus, Peter and John, supported by the Holy Spirit, courageously bear witness to their faith, illustrating the continuity of the message of Christ.

    John 18.13 (King James Version) :
    And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.
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  • The defense of Peter and John before the Sanhedrin

    Peter and John present a bold defense before the Sanhedrin after a miracle that surprises the authorities. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they show an assurance that astonishes their judges. Luke stresses the fulfillment of Jesus' promises, and the irrefutability of the facts strengthens their testimony.

    Matthew 10.19-20 (King James Version) :
    But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
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  • The deliberation and sentence of the Sanhedrin

    Faced with the Sanhedrin's embarrassment after a miracle performed by Peter and John, the religious authorities forbid preaching in the name of Jesus, hoping that threats will undermine the Christian message. Peter and John respond by affirming that obedience to God comes first, illustrating a spiritual transformation sustained by the Holy Spirit.

    Acts 4.21 (King James Version) :
    So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
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  • The testimony of Peter and John

    The article deals with the return of Peter and John to the believers after their arrest by the Sanhedrin. Faced with threats, the assembly unites in prayer, affirming the sovereignty of God and asking for strength to proclaim the Gospel, expressing an unshakable faith.

    Acts 4.23-31 (King James Version) :
    And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
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  • The search for the prisoners

    Analysis of Acts 5.21-26: after the miraculous deliverance of the apostles, the Sanhedrin discovers the empty cells. Luke highlights the perplexity of the religious authorities, the embarrassment of the captain of the Temple and the fear of a popular reaction. Despite the inexplicable, the religious leaders persist in their opposition and order a second arrest, illustrating God's sovereignty over all human opposition.

    Acts 5.12-16 (King James Version) :
    And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
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  • The appearance before the Sanhedrin

    Exegetical study of Acts 5.27-33, which relates the appearance of the apostles before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. Faced with the accusations of Caiaphas, Peter declares with confidence that obedience to God takes precedence over obedience to men, and announces that Jesus, crucified and risen, is exalted as Prince and Savior to grant repentance and forgiveness to Israel. A foundational episode of the apostolic mission.

    Acts 5.29 (King James Version) :
    Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
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  • The intervention of the Pharisee Gamaliel

    During a session of the Sanhedrin in the spring of 33, the Pharisee Gamaliel steps in to calm the Sadducees who want to put the apostles to death. By a pragmatic argument drawing on the precedents of Theudas and Judas the Galilean, he persuades the council to adopt a wait-and-see position. From Luke's perspective, his words illustrate a central theme of Acts: the work of God cannot be stopped by men.

    Acts 1.8 (King James Version) :
    But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
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  • The surprising reaction of the apostles

    After being flogged by the Sanhedrin, the apostles react in a surprising way, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. Far from being discouraged, they continue their ministry every day in the Temple and in the houses, teaching and announcing the good news. Luke shows that persecutions, far from stopping the Gospel, paradoxically contribute to its progress.

    Acts 5.42 (King James Version) :
    And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
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  • The arrest of Stephen

    The article analyzes the arrest of Stephen (Acts 6.8-12) in Jerusalem around AD 34-35. Although appointed among the Seven, Stephen carries out a remarkable apostolic ministry. His witness provokes the opposition of Hellenistic Jews who, unable to refute him, resort to false witnesses to bring him before the Sanhedrin. Luke highlights the parallels with the trial of Jesus and the gradual extension of the persecution to the whole Church.

    Luke 21.15 (King James Version) :
    For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
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  • Stephen's appearance before the Sanhedrin

    The appearance of Stephen before the Sanhedrin (Acts 6.12-15), around AD 34-35, is initiated by Hellenistic opponents from the synagogue of the Freedmen. Unable to refute his wisdom, they resort to false witnesses. The accusations concern the Temple and the Law, recalling the trial of Jesus. Luke thus draws an intentional parallel between the Master and his disciple.

    Mark 14.58-59 (King James Version) :
    We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.But neither so did their witness agree together.
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  • Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin

    Before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem around AD 34-35, Stephen delivers the longest speech in Acts. Retracing the history of Israel from Abraham, he shows that God's messengers have always been rejected, culminating in the rejection of the Messiah. Far from defending himself, Stephen becomes the accuser of his judges, taking his place in the line of the prophets and of Christ.

    Acts 7.39-41 (King James Version) :
    To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
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  • The murder of Stephen

    Analysis of the account of the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7.54-60), the first Christian martyr. The article examines the anger of the Sanhedrin, the legally irregular character of the execution, the vision of the glorified Christ granted to Stephen, and the theological parallel Luke draws between the passion of the disciple and that of Jesus. The presence of Saul foreshadows the rest of the apostolic narrative.

    Acts 7.54-60 (King James Version) :
    When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
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Historical notes

  • Sadducees

    The Sadducees were an aristocratic and priestly group of ancient Judaism (200 BC – AD 70), controlling the Temple of Jerusalem and the Sanhedrin. They accepted only the Pentateuch, and denied the resurrection of the dead and the existence of angels. Mentioned fifteen times in the New Testament, they played a key role in the condemnation of Jesus, notably through Caiaphas and Anna. Their disappearance coincides with the destruction of the Temple in AD 70.

    Acts 23.6 (King James Version) :
    But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
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  • The Pharisees

    The Pharisees, who appeared after the Maccabean revolt (165 BC), were an influential religious group of ancient Judaism. Devoted to the written and oral Torah, they believed in the resurrection and remained close to the people. Often in conflict with Jesus in the Gospels, they nevertheless produced figures such as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. Their teachings founded rabbinic Judaism after the destruction of the Temple in AD 70.

    John 3.1-21 (King James Version) :
    There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
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  • The Sanhedrin

    The Sanhedrin was the highest religious, judicial, and legislative authority of Second Temple Judaism (2nd century BC – AD 70). Made up of 71 members and sitting in Jerusalem, it interpreted the Torah, settled major disputes, and oversaw the Hebrew calendar. Mentioned in the Gospels and described by rabbinic literature, it disappears after AD 70, but its model continues to inspire Jewish organization and legal thought.

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Further reading
  • ANN031 The Chief Priests

    The article explores the role of the chief priests under the Roman occupation, focusing on Annas and Caiaphas, and the entanglements between religious and political power. The…