1Throughout the New Testament Gospels, we read of various groups who interacted with Jesus and his disciples. In this post my goal is to give a short synopsis of the religious and political leadership positions and groups in first century Israel. In my next article, I will write about various factions within Israelite society and how they related to each other. I will likewise give information about the Sanhedrin, the top council in Israel and Synagogues, their local worship centers.
The highest position held by an Israelite was the High Priest. The High Priest presided over all temple services, especially on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), for only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies on the annual Jewish religious observance (Leviticus 16). On the Day of Atonement, the High Priest made atonement for the people and for himself with sacrificial blood. The High Priest also supervised the 24 priestly divisions (1 Chronicles 24). He ensured the purity and order of the sacrificial system and managed temple administration and finances, including the temple treasury.
The High Priest served as president of the Sanhedrin, the highest council in Israel (see our next post), and exercised enormous influence over religious rulings, judicial decisions, and the interpretation of the law. Additionally, he was required to function as a liaison with Roman or Herodian authorities along with occasionally functioning as a head of state in Jewish internal affairs.
In earlier periods, the role was hereditary within the Zadokite line (descendants of Aaron). By the first century, under Roman influence, the high priesthood was heavily politicized. The High Priest was appointed or approved by Roman governors or the Herodian rulers. Originally the High Priest served for life, but in the first century, the Romans deposed and replaced High Priests frequently (e.g., Annas was deposed but still wielded power; his son-in-law Caiaphas held the office during Jesus’ ministry). He would be selected from aristocratic priestly families in Jerusalem.
The High Priest was well compensated for his position. While from wealthy aristocratic families (often Sadducean) with large landholdings, he also had access to the significant wealth of the Temple, including tithes, offerings, and various fees (e.g., for sacrifices). The High Priest was appointed by the Roman governor or the Herodian kings, he would also likely received financial benefits or bribes.
The high priesthood became a politically powerful and wealthy office in this period, particularly under Roman and Herodian influence. Some High Priests (e.g., Annas and Caiaphas) were known for their corruption and for turning the Temple into a business enterprise (cf. Jesus cleansing the Temple).
The next group is the chief priests. The chief priests consisted of the current High Priest, former High Priests, heads of the 24 priestly divisions (1 Chronicles 24), and prominent members of powerful priestly families. They played major roles in temple administration and often sat on the Sanhedrin. They had access to the treasure of the Temple, including tithes, offerings, and various fees (e.g., for sacrifices). Many of the chief priests came from wealthy aristocratic families (often Sadducean), with large landholdings.
The general priests made up the bulk of the priestly group. Priests were male descendants of Aaron from the tribe of Levi. Their position was hereditary. They served in the temple by rotation (as prescribed in 1 Chron. 24), performing sacrifices, rituals, and upkeep of the temple. Most priests lived outside Jerusalem and came for assigned service times. Priests received training in temple procedures, in Scripture and law. When not serving at the temple, priest would be actively involved in the spiritual life of their local community through the local synagogue.
Financial support and compensation for priests came from tithes and portions of sacrifices (Leviticus 6–7, Deut 18:1–8): priests received portions of the grain, wine, oil, and meat sacrifices brought by the people. As most priests lived outside Jerusalem, they supported themselves by farming or local trade when not on duty. Yet not all priests were wealthy—many were modest or even poor. Priestly income varied depending on how much was brought to the Temple and the status of their service.
The next group, Levites, get confused with priests many times. Levites were members of the tribe of Levi not descended from Aaron. They assisted priests in non-sacrificial temple duties: music, guarding gates, maintaining utensils, etc. Financial support and compensation came from tithes from the people (Numbers 18:21–24): The Levites received the tithe (10%) from the people of Israel. Levites in turn gave a tenth of their tithe to the priests (Num. 18:26). Levites generally had a more modest income compared to priests. Some Levites served as singers, guards, or treasurers in the Temple, which may have come with additional provision. Many lived in towns throughout Israel and had supplemental occupations.
Scribes, sometimes called “lawyers,” were experts in the Torah and Jewish law. Many were Pharisees but not all. A scribe was not a formal office but a recognized professional status. Trained extensively in the law through study under established teachers (like Gamaliel, Acts 5:34-40). The function of a scribe was to copy, interpret, and teach Scripture. They functioned as legal scholars and judges. Financial support and compensation came from teaching and legal work. Scribes were trained experts in the Law and often served as legal advisors, document writers, and teachers. In addition, they may have had private patrons, wealthy individuals or local communities who gave them some support. Some scribes held official teaching roles bringing support through community funds or synagogue contributions. Some scribes became very prominent and wealthy (especially those aligned with the Pharisees or aristocracy), while others lived simply. Jesus criticized scribes who “devour widows’ houses” (Mark 12:40), suggesting some profited unjustly from their role.
Rabbis were an important and growing group in the life of the Jewish people. They were religious teachers, often itinerant, who interpreted the Torah and taught their disciples. In Jesus’ time, “rabbi” was a title of respect rather than a formal office. It later became formalized after 70 AD with the rise of rabbinic Judaism. One was recognized as a rabbi by their followers and community. Gaining a status as a rabbi was based on knowledge, wisdom, and teaching. Most rabbis were expected to have a trade. Paul, for example, was a tentmaker (Acts 18:3). While not salaried, some received financial help from their followers or the local synagogue. Rabbinic teaching emphasized the virtue of not charging for instruction in Torah. The ideal was self-support, to maintain integrity and humility.
The final position is the Chiefs or Rulers of the Synagogue (also referred to as the Synagogue Ruler). These were local leaders responsible for the administration and order of a synagogue. They were generally respected lay elders, not priests, chosen from the local male population. Typically, synagogue rulers were prominent, respected Jewish men in the community—often older, educated, and of good moral standing. The local synagogue leadership or a group of elders would appoint someone based on their reputation, wisdom, and leadership qualities. This was not a priestly or Levitical position. It was a lay role, though often filled by someone with knowledge of the Torah and synagogue customs. Synagogue rulers were not members of the Sanhedrin, unless they held additional roles (like being an elder of Jerusalem). Synagogue rulers would respect the authority of the Sanhedrin in matters of law, doctrine, and national religious issues. In local communities, the synagogue was the center of Jewish life, and the synagogue rulers were the top local authorities on religious practice beneath the Sanhedrin.
Their duties included: overseeing worship services, appointing who would read Scripture or speak, managing synagogue property and scrolls. Sometimes they served as a judge or arbiter in local matters. Financial support and compensation came from modest stipends from the local synagogue as each synagogue was supported by local contributions. Many leaders were not full-time employees but respected local men with trades or businesses of their own.
This was not a complete list of all the positions or groups in leadership, but we covered most of them. Some of these roles, beside of the priest and Levites would be found in Jewish communities outside of Israel. Hopefully, you saw how Jesus fit clearly in the role as a Rabbi. Additionally, you should have gained an understanding of the diverse types of leaders he dealt with and was confronted by.
Until the next time we see you here at CultivatingFaith.org, God Bless! #CultivatingFaithOrg
For more resources on related topics see “Biblical Background” under the Resource menu.