67 – People Roles in the Time of Jesus

by Jill

In this podcast, we’re going to explore the different groups of people in the New Testament and why Jesus addressed them directly with what they needed to do to see the kingdom of God. As we go through this journey together, we’ll examine the Pharisees, Sadducees, Sanhedrin, and other groups, understanding their roles and beliefs during the time of Jesus. 

The Pharisees were strict about adhering to the laws of the scripture, while the Sadducees were more elite, aristocrats, and well-off who believed only in the Torah. It’s fascinating to learn about how these groups interacted with one another and with Jesus.

We’ll also discuss the Sanhedrin, the Supreme Court of the Jewish Nation at the time, which was appointed mostly by Herod. They formed a crucial part of the judicial system, with representatives for accusation and defense, much like our modern-day court systems. Their main aim was maintaining peace, even if it meant aligning with the Romans. It’s interesting to see how politics played a role in the decisions they made.

The podcast also touches on the roles of priests and scribes. Priests, especially high priests, were responsible for the temple and the religious rites. On the other hand, Scribes were the educated class responsible for reading, writing, and even creating legal documents. They played a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the scripture through meticulous work.

Lastly, we delve into the different people groups like Levites, Herodians, and Zealots. Levites, descending from the tribe of Levi, were the priest class. The Herodians supported Herod’s rule and were responsible for tax collection, while the Zealots were revolutionaries opposing Roman rule. Understanding these groups provides a clearer picture of the socio-political climate during the time of Jesus. 

You may also like