Meaning
A council is an assembly of people gathered to discuss matters, give advice, or make decisions.
The word comes through Old French from Latin concilium, meaning an assembly or meeting.
Biblical Usage
The Jewish council was an assembly of religious leaders who dealt with matters concerning the Law and the community.
In the Bible, a council was an assembly gathered for deliberation or judgment. The term is used in different settings, including references to the Jewish governing council and assemblies involved in legal or religious matters.
Jesus was brought before the council after His arrest. The chief priests, elders, and scribes sought testimony against Him. The apostles were also brought before the council because of their preaching concerning Jesus Christ and the resurrection.
The New Testament also records councils in other settings where people assembled to consider questions and make decisions.
Key References
- Matthew 5:22
- Matthew 26:59-68
- Mark 14:55-65
- Luke 22:66-71
- John 11:47-53
- Acts 4:5-22
- Acts 5:21-40
- Acts 22:30
- Acts 23:1-10
Related Terms
- Chief Priests
- Pharisees
- Sadducees
- Scribes
- Judgment
- Law