Page 342 - Bible History

PREPARATION OF THE WORLD FOR THE MESSIAS 315
HE SANHEDRIN IN SESSION
former high priests were called, the elders, who were the leading men of the people, and the scribes. It was presided over by the high priest, who was usually ap­ pointed by the ruler of the country.
The Sanhedrin met in one of the halls of the Temple. It had authority over all religious matters. It con­ trolled the public worship, saw that the Law of Moses was carried out properly, and decided which were true and which were false prophets. It was a kind of su­ preme court and could pass sentence on those who were found guilty of disobeying the law. However, it had no right to condemn anyone to death. This power was reserved to the Roman procurator.
Sacri ces were o ered only in the Temple in Jeru­ Syu­ salem, but the Jews met in other buildings, called synagogues, for religious instruction and for the read­
ing of the Books of Scripture. These served also as