The Holy Spirit’s Witness

(The inner work of the Holy Spirit in the soul of a believer)

The witness of the Holy Spirit affects the inner part of man’s make-up in both sinner and saint alike. It deals with how the Spirit of God reaches the human soul in Salvation. The Holy Spirit affects the human soul when man "hears" the truth of the word of God. As the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit inwardly work together the unholy will and desire of man is affected or swayed. The Spirit’s witness through the Gospel message affects the mind and will of sinful man enough that sinful man can be led to repentance. The Spirit’s conviction pricks the heart by stirring the conscience and revealing to man (Christ) thus showing man his need to turn away from a life of sin.

· Acts 2:37-38…now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent

Repentance is work of the Holy Spirit in the human soul that helps sinful man to change his mind. The Spirit places a new desire in the heart to quit wrongdoing and helps one to recognize a consciousness to Christ. The Holy Spirit testifies Christ to the heart of man.

· John 15:26…But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me

As the Spirit testifies to the heart, man can see himself as he really is. Sin is exposed as the power of the Holy Spirit affects the will of man enough that a change of mind can be made. Mans choice to change is made as the goodness of God leads him to repentance.

· Rom 2:4…not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance

The Spirit’s witness makes Christ known to the human soul. This work of the Holy Spirit affects mans choices and decision making process. When a sinful man sees himself in the presence of Christ brokenness from the guilt of sin occurs. By the Spirits conviction man becomes sorrowful for sinful acts and wrongdoing. Sorrow then turns to consent of the human will in repentance, belief, and acceptance of Christ for the forgiveness of sins.

· 2 Cor 7:10…For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation

Unlike conviction and repentance which affect the will of man, believing and receiving deals with consent of the human will. Consent of human will is given through mans faith toward Christ. It is worked out through a life of obedience to God. Contempt of human will is reflected toward Christ through doubt, rejection, or unbelief. It is worked out through a life of disobedience to God. The Holy Spirit’s invitation through preaching the Gospel can disturb the conscience enough to sway the will of man. Through acceptance of Christ man makes a willful choice to get away from what he is. His choice to willfully exercise faith allows the power of God to produce a life of subjection and obedience to Christ. Note the fact that faith and the Holy Spirit enter into man through hearing… the word of God.

· Gal 3:2…Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
· Rom 10:17…So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

The Holy Spirit cuts through the hardness of man’s negative side and bears witness with the spirit of man. The witness of the Holy Spirit unites with the spirit of man through regeneration of the new birth. The mind, will, and desires of a believer are not only affected …by the power of the Holy Spirit but are now… changed. Repentance and remission of sins allows this believer to be pardoned from all past sins. Justification is a pardon granted from God for all the past sins of a man who now trusts in Christ for the forgiveness of sins. For this reason the Gospel is preached.

· Luke 24:47…And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations
· Acts 13:38-39…through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things

When man believes and gives his heart to Christ he receives the down payment of a new life in the Spirit. He is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.

· Eph 1:13…after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise

Sealing is an initial work of the Spirit that places a believer into Christ and into Christ’s spiritual body. When man is sealed into Christ by the Spirit, life is viewed through a different set of eyes. Man becomes aware of the Holy Spirits presence. He knows his sins are forgiven by trusting the death of Christ alone. He is conscious to righteousness rather than wrongdoing. He is given a holy heart with holy desires and reverence to God. He joyfully abides in the Spirit with a realization of holiness without guilt or condemnation from sin. He knows Christ and knows that his changed moral make up is sealed with the Holy Spirit. He’s Gods property and ownership. The seal of the Spirit of truth enables man to be guided morally into all truth.

· John 16:13-14…Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Are you led by the Spirit of God?

Someone might ask,"What does it mean to be led by the Spirit of God?" You mean to tell me that the Spirit of God can direct the way I act? Direct the way I behave and direct the way I conduct myself in this life? Yes. Children of God act godly and holy because the moral make-up is changed by the Grace of God. The Spirit leads a man so God can fulfill His purpose in your life.

Rom 8:14...For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

So, why doesn't the Spirit of God lead everybody? Reason? Everyone is not "born of the Spirit". You mean to tell me that I must be born of the Spirit to be led by the Spirit? Yes. That's what Jesus meant when He said that men must be born of the Spirit or simply born again.

John 3:6-7...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.

To be born again does not imply a natural or physical birth. To be born again does not imply a natural moral change made by man himself. To be born again means to be birthed by the Spirit of God into a new creation by the Spirit of Holiness. The moral character is changed by the Grace of God. The Spirit of God leads a morally changed man "in the life of holiness" not "into the life of holiness". The new birth consists of a place where the heart and soul is cleansed from sin and forgiveness from all past sins is found in the human conscience. The new birth is a regenerating work of the Spirit of God that morally shows man that the past is gone. The slate is wiped clean from a past life of unholiness and filthy living. The sins are blotted out and this new creation desires to live and act like a child of God...not a child of the Devil like you used to be. Holiness is enacted in the human soul when Saving Grace is experienced.

To be led by the Spirit of God is a great privilege that world cannot share. To be led by the Spirit of God will allow you to glorify Christ in your body and and Spirit. The leading of the Spirit makes men witnesses for Christ in both word and deed. The Spirit "leads" and "guides" the child of God into all truth. Jesus told the disciples about the great blessing of the Spirit of God that would flow from the cross at Calvary.

John 16:13...Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth

Being led of the Spirit allows God to fulfill His purpose in your life. Glory! God wants to fulfill His purpose in the life of every child of God. Being led of the Spirit allows God to do this very work. The Holy Spirit is a believers comfort that the unbelieveing world cannot experience, cannot see, or cannot know. When you know, when you believe, and when you obey God...The Spirit of Truth will abide with you forever as Jesus said He would.

John 14:16-17...And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

The Spirit of God establishes, touches, and directs the hearts of those who are "led" by the Spirit of God. Those led by the Spirit of God look and wait patiently for the coming of Christ.

2 Thess 3:3-5...But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you, And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ

Honored to share the love of Jesus around the globe...

Stats still indicate this Blog for Jesus is reaching around the Globe. I, Rick Roehm would like to make known to all of you... how honored I am to share such Bible Truth and fellowship in the Spirit with US, Russia, Colombia, Brazil, India, Singapore, Australia, UK, and other parts of Europe, Asia, and South America. Blessed be the name of Jesus who makes it all possible!

Our mission is to share the wealth of Jesus Christ and the Truth of God's Word within this ministry and around the globe. God knows what is needed and our desire is to work in sync with Him. May this vast wealth of knowledge, the library of theology, all of the writings, teachings, audios, and videos be a blessing to you all. Brother Lindsey would be honored likewise.

I love all of you and would encourage everyone and anyone who comes to this site...to take liberty to comment and testify for Christ as God allows. I am honored that you take time out of your life to fellowship with us, recognize Jesus Christ in Spirit, and study the Truth of God's Word in your personal walk with God.

God bless you all,
In Jesus' name.

Updated - Holy Hubert Lindsey MP3's

When Brother Lindsey was alive during the late 80's God used him to record a series of teaching audios (included in a list below). Since Brother Lindsey passed away I have endeavored for 13 years to keep this ministry alive to the publicize Brother Lindsey's Spirit filled teachings.

In 1997-1999 I transposed these teachings from audio cassette and put them onto CD format. This gesture preserved the priceless teachings of Brother Hubert Lindsey which since has continued this ministry to continue up to date. In the last few years of technological leaps and bounds God has opened doors for this ministry to continue going out to people via Internet around the globe. In this process of ministering God's Word to the human family we have been able to upload most of these teachings via audio/video onto Google, Wordpress, Facebook, Youtube, and other social networks. God is behind this ministry as we are going places now!

At the following links below we have an archive of MP3 audios available for your personal use to broaden knowledge and grow your personal faith in God's Word. May the power of God's Grace keep you as you grow in the Grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ through the ministry of Brother Hubert Lindsey (also know as Holy Hubert Lindsey).

Here are link's to obtain MP3's for future study, upload, download, e-mail, and/or sharing, if need be.

Hubert Lindsey - Sermon net archive

Here is the list of 50+ audio's Brother Lindsey recorded to support his ministry and further the Gospel that he preached in his latter years. These 50 audios were recorded onto audio cassette at the Church at Birmingham where Brother Lindsey pastored from 1987-1990. I remind you Brother Lindsey recorded these teachings from memory while he was pastor at the Church At Birmingham.

I have taken the liberty to link many of these audio/videos on this list for your quick reference. There is a complete and well rounded System of Theology included in these audios of vast knowledge for every student of the Bible. I personally advocate this God sent teaching that God has allowed us to re-record, preserve, and publish in these past years. This endeavor has blessed my life and personal ministry for Christ, as I have trusted God, trusted Brother Lindsey, and studied these great teachings, indepth for the past 24 years. May this valuable and vast amount of teaching bless your life as much as it has this preacher.

Many links below and many more coming!

God's Theocracy 6 CD's
1. God's Theocracy before man
2. God's Theocracy in creation
3. God's Theocracy in Israel
4. God's Theocracy in the Kingdom
5. God's Theocracy in the Church
6. God's Theocracy in the Millennium

Healing Series (6 CD’s)
1. The Genesis of healing
2. Healing during the Law of Moses
3. Healing in the Kingdom
4. Healing in Redemption
5. Healing in the World
6. Healing in the Church

Church Government (4 CD's)
1. Apostles
2. Bishops
3. Elders
4. Women

New Testament Church
You who are called
Gifted men from the Throneroom
Miracles from the Throneroom

Commentary on James (6 CD's)
1. James (1)
2. James (2)
3. James (3)
4. James (4)
5. James (5)
6. James (6)


Commentary on Water Baptism (4 CD's)

Water Baptism (1)
Water Baptism (2)
Water Baptism (3)
Water Baptism (4)

Born of water

Original Sin and Doubt
Law and Grace
Eternal Security
Carnal Christians
Women and Angels
Tithing
Divine Wisdom, Human Wisdom
Body of death (Romans chapter 7)

Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire
Speaking in tongues (1 of 2)
Speaking in tongues (2 of 2)


(End Times teachings below in Systematic order:)
The final hour of deception
The Rapture
Joel's Prophecy
Babylonian Religion
A glimpse of Hell
Daniel's seventy week Prophecy
The second Exodus
Ashes of a Red Heifer
Matthew 24
Wrath of the Lamb
Satan's Kingdom falls

Full Gospel Businessmen Convention, 1990
Jesus, the greatest Father

Regeneration

Regeneration is the experience of a new birth in Christ. Regeneration deals with the body, soul, and spirit of man. Regeneration is deliverance from the bondage of sin. The body is controlled by the head. The mental process is what controls body functions. The soul is what controls the mental process.

In regeneration (from Salvation) the soul of man is morally converted. The soul is man’s power to choose and decide. The choices and decisions of a regenerated man are different than choices and decisions of the unregenerated man. Reason? Moral conversion. The immoral make-up of man is made moral. The unholy make-up is of man made holy. The make-up of man is changed by the power of Salvation by Grace.

Regeneration is the power of the Spirit of holiness that delivers man from the bondage of sin. The bondage of sin controls the choices and decisions of the unregenerate. The Spirit of holiness in regeneration delivers man from such bondage. Sinful choices and sinful decisions will cease. Reason? Greater is Christ in you and choices are effected. Greater is the power of the Grace of God where right decisions are made. Greater is the divine nature from God over the natural state of man. The whole man is changed.

Regeneration is an instantaneous work of the Spirit of holiness that takes place in Salvation of the human soul. The soul is morally changed. The mind is changed. The choices are changed. The decisions are changed. Why? Christ is in control of your actions, your character, your behavior, your conduct, your decisions, and your choices. Where sin used to abound Grace does much more abound in the regenerate man. The body, soul, and spirit of man are “regenerated by the Spirit of Christ”, and “morally changed by the Spirit of Christ”. Sinful man is changed by Christ!

Choices change because you are changed. Decisions change because you are changed. The Grace of God does more than just give a promise for the future. Grace gives man the present tense blessing of peace, happiness, and contentment that man (without Christ) “cannot have” or “doesn’t know”. Grace provides a regenerated state of being the natural man cannot know about. Only the power of God through the person of Christ can change the way a man chooses or decides. If sin controls you, your choices and decisions are controlled by sin…but if Christ controls your choices and decisions? You'll do the right thing. You have it made in the choice making or decision process.

Regeneration gives man a better life and a better way of thinking. Regeneration cannot be found in life without Christ. Regeneration cannot be achieved by human activity. You cannot accomplish regeneration in any manner. Only the Spirit of holiness that raised Christ from the grave can regenerate the soul, spirit, and body of man.

Christians are regenerated. Christians live, move, and have their being in Christ. The Bible says so. Read it! The whole man is regenerated….body, soul, and spirit. The unholy make-up of man of a man without Christ is made holy when Christ is found. A new birth is received into the heart. A new way of life becomes the path. The Holy Spirit is what leads the regenerated man down the path. The Spirit of holiness! The same Spirit of holiness that raised Christ from the grave. Glory! Regeneration of the Spirit! The new man! With power to make right choices and right decisions! Good bye sin! Good bye Devil! The answer is no to temptation! Hello Jesus! “Thank you Jesus for regeneration from the Spirit”.

“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7)

What is the difference between "godly sorrow" and "worldly sorrow?"

God doesn't save a man because man's sorry for his wrongdoing. God saves men because they trust in the work of Christ "alone" for the forgiveness of sins. The sorrow of a natural man's heart worketh death. The sorrow in a man's heart that's prompted by the Spirit of God will lead man to Salvation. What does death mean? Death is separation from God. Death is separation from God's power to change the moral makeup of man. A natural man repeats the same act of sin over and over and over again. Why? He's controlled by a sinful nature. Each time the natural man says he's sorry...he's not truly sorry from the heart because it's not prompted by God because of Christ?

Man's fallen nature proves that man is a rebel against God. His will is controlled by the sinful nature. In relation to Godly sorrow...Godly sorrow is the work of the Spirit of God that sways the will of man. Godly sorrow leads man to Salvation of the human soul. Why? It's the work of God that "breaks" the will of a natural man and shows this individual what he really is. The Spirit of God "convicts" the conscience of a natural man. The Spirit of God "breaks" the will of a fallen man. How? The Holy Spirit shows man what he really is in light of a Savior on the Cross...in light of a resurrected Christ...in light of the holiness and purity of the God of our Salvation.

When man is truly and godly sorrowful for the acts of sin he committed against God...he will turn to Christ and never go back. Why? His mind is changed! He realizes his helplessness. He realizes his hopelessness. He realizes he has no strength without Christ...and by the way...the Grace of God also delivers the penitent from "the guilt of sin". Only the Grace of God can remove guilt from the human conscience.

Worldly sorrow does not break the will of man...Godly sorrow does! Godly sorrow is the affect of the power of the Holy Spirit that "sways" the will of a rebel against God...just enough...to cause this person to believe! Godly sorrow causes rebels to turn away from sin and turn to Christ! Godly sorrow leads men to repentance! Godly sorrow is the affect of the work of God upon the human soul...worldly sorrow that bringeth forth death is a vicious cycle that repeats the same sinful action over, over, and over again.

2 Cor 7:9-11... Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Notice the attitude of the penitent ( a man of Godly sorrow) in the following part of the verse...

For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, (this man cared about his actions) yea, what clearing of yourselves (this man cleared himself from sinful conduct), yea, what indignation (this man hated the old life), yea, what fear (this man had great reverence toward God), yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge (this man had revenge against the old life of sin)! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

The work of the Holy Spirit can never be limited. The work of the Holy Spirit reproves the world of sin. The work of the Holy Spirit leads men to repentance and godly sorrow. The work of the Holy Spirit gives the believer in Christ...a desire to "stop" practicing sin.

Grieve not the Holy Spirit!
Quench not the Holy Spirit!

God put this on my heart last night at a Bible study at the Upper Room! I went to bed thinking about it! I woke this morning thinking about it! Thought I'd share it on the Blog.

I like what Paul says in the Corinthian letter about Christ...1 Cor 15:1-4...Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Note how he says..."Keep Christ in memory ". Why? When Christ is kept in memory...you will never grieve or quench the Spirit! Lose memory of Christ and the world will consume you!

Special thanks to Mike and Chuck who prompted this study...and most of all special thanks to Christ who compels this writer to publish this Blog while keeping the legacy of Brother Hubert Lindsey alive... in 2009! I'll close with the following Bible verse...

1 Cor 6:20...For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

History inside of Prophecy... prophetic truth from the Torah that has won several Rabbi's to Christ

The following document was written by Rick Roehm, the author and publisher of this site. This was my first Blog written several years ago.

Having been tutored and influenced by Brother Hubert Lindsey for many years this writer was compelled to study and research the truth behind all of Hubert Lindsey's teachings. Inside this prophecy (from the Torah...Genesis 49:10)...is a truth and history about the nation of Israel that has led many Jewish people to an acceptance of Christ, as the Promised Messiah. Brother Lindsey personally had the privilege to lead many Rabbis to Christ in his 70+ years in the ministry. One particular Rabbi who taught in a Hebrew Theological School was "converted' by the truth behind Brother Lindsey's preaching and the prophecy of Genesis 49:10 written about in this Blog. That Jewish Rabbi associated with Brother Lindsey in the ministry for over 15 years.

Rabbi Ziegler (who Hubert won to Christ) personally tutored Brother Lindsey on matters of the Law and commandments given to Israel which are 613; the Talmudic teachings and the reason the Talmud was written; and prophetic truth about Christ contained in both the Torah and History inside of Prophecy. History Inside of Prophecy contains an abundant amount of information and truth about Christ, the Jewish nation, and the history behind Israel. May the following document continue to bless all it's readers especially our dear Jewish Brethren who seek or have found Christ to be their personal Lord and Savior.

History inside of Prophecy

· Genesis 49:10...The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the Lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

Scepter...The Scepter points toward the authority of God relative to the Torah (the Law of Moses), which contained 613 commandments, and governed the moral and civil laws of the Jewish nation.

Judah...The son of Jacob: one of the twelve tribes of Israel: was a distinct pathway to the Messianic lineage through Joseph and Mary. The most accurate genealogies in the world were kept by the nation of Israel.

Lawgiver...During the life of Christ unlike any other time in history Israel’s authority concerning Mosaic Law was altered under the administration of the Roman government. During that period of time certain criminal and civil matters pertaining to the Jew were first politically handled by Roman Officials, and then delegated to an appointed High Priest within the Jewish council of Ancients (i.e., Caiaphas). In previous Gentile Governments such as the Babylonian, Medo -Persian, and Grecian Empires, the Jewish legal right to govern the Nation of Israel was never altered like it was under Roman Dictatorship. (John 18:13, 14) (John 18:31)

Shiloh...Hebrew term for the promised Messiah

This prophecy (Genesis 49:10) given to the Nation of Israel and partially fulfilled during the life of Christ, was confirmed by the historical records of Josephus, the Talmud, and the four Gospels. History of the Roman Empire during the life of Christ reveals the political authority of the Roman government “over” parts of Israel’s Mosaic Law. This type of authority from a Gentile government had never altered Mosaic Law during any of Israel’s past captivities under Gentile dictatorships. Criminal matters in Israel such as the death penalty were reviewed and handled at Roman discretion. Jewish High priests like Caiaphas were appointed and functioned within the Sanhedrin under Roman dictatorship. Israel’s authority of Mosaic Law “departed” under the Roman Authority and thus proved the truth of Gods prophetic sovereignty.

The Jewish nation at that time was limited in many areas of authority. Why? Israel was first subject to the Roman Government. Death by Crucifixion was even a Roman form of punishment. Crucifixion was prophesied in (Psalm 22:16), (Zechariah 12:10). According to Biblical prophecy crucifixion was the way Old Testament records indicated the Lord would die*.

*The Lord could not have been David because David said in (Psalm 110:1), “The Lord said unto my Lord sit thou at my right hand”.

Even though Christ was condemned and betrayed by the Jewish people, here are two reasons why the Council of Ancients under Roman dictatorship did not execute Christ themselves, but first delivered him unto Pontius Pilate:

1. Blasphemy according to Jewish law (because Christ made himself equal with God) was punishable by stoning according to Mosaic Law.
2. Jews had no legal right to carry out Mosaic Law but were first subject to the Roman Government or guilty of insurrection.

History confirms Israel’s authority was lost (the Scepter departed from Judah) during the life of Christ under Roman Dictatorship. Prophecy was fulfilled in Genesis 49:10 and only confirmed more Biblical truth concerning the promised Messiah. From the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms it is proven that Christ is the promised Messiah.

· Christ said in Luke 24:44….all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Christ is the one that died, rose from the grave, and sent the Holy Spirit from Heaven. Christ thus returned to Fathers right hand where God continues to gather Israel from the four corners of the Earth. The prophetic gathering of the Jewish people will continue until Christ’s blessed return to set up and restore the Kingdom of Heaven in Jerusalem.

· Genesis 49:10...The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the Lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

Here's a few Jewish Historical Records that confirm the fact that the “Scepter” or “Authority of Israel” was lost when Shiloh came…


THE SANHEDRIN....The rise of this great council of the Hebrews took place in the time of Greek supremacy, though there has been some attempt to trace its origins to the council of seventy elders named by Moses. The first mention of the Sanhedrin is in the time of Antiochus the Great (223-187 B.C.) It was evidently an aristocratic body, with the high priest acting as president. When the Roman order was introduced by Pompey, the high priest still retained the position of governor of the nation, making it likely that the Sanhedrin was carrying on.Herod the Great began his reign by ordering the whole of the Sanhedrin to be put to death, appointing his own council of elders in their place. Under the Roman pro-curators, the internal government of the country was in the hands of the Sanhedrin to a much greater extent. And in the time of Christ and the apostles, the Sanhedrin is frequently mentioned as being the supreme Jewish court of justice. The Sanhedrin was abolished after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

 

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE SANHEDRIN...The Sanhedrin was composed of 71 priests who served for life and who were selected from the following:

• The acting high priest presided over the council; all former high priests were members.
• Male members of the high priestly families
• Scribes, legal assessors, bureaucrats
• Pharisees and Sadducees
• Elders - tribal and family heads

Criminal judges were members of the Sanhedrin, and twenty-three of them sat in judgment, with two clerks to record votes for acquittal and conviction. In capital cases, argument for acquittal was heard first, then those in favor of conviction. Anyone who had spoken in favor of the accused could not then speak against him; but one who had spoken against the accused could change his testimony in his favor. Sentence for acquittal could be pronounced immediately; but sentence for conviction was reserved for the next day.In voting, each member stood, beginning with the youngest. A simple majority was sufficient for acquittal; but a majority of at least two votes was required for conviction. More members of the Sanhedrin would be brought in two at a time to vote whenever there was a majority of only one for conviction. When all 71 had voted, the person was acquitted if there was still a majority of only one.

Jesus appeared before the Sanhedrin on a charge of blasphemy (Matt. 26:65; John 19:7). Peter and John were charged with being false prophets and deceivers of the people (Acts 4 and 5), Stephen with being a blasphemer (Acts 6:13 ff), and Paul with being guilty of transgressing the Mosaic law (Acts 23). The Sanhedrin had the right of ordering arrests by its own officers; of finally disposing of such cases as did not involve capital punishment. A sentence of death had to be ratified by the Roman procurator.

In Antiquities 20:9 Josephus again points out that the Sanhedrin had no authority over capital cases:

"After the death of the procurator Festus, when Albinus was about to succeed him , the high priest Ananias considered it a favorable opportunity to assembly the Sanhedrin. He therefore caused James the Brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, and several others, to appear before this hastily assembled council, and pronounced upon them the sentence of death by stoning. All the wise men and strict observers of the law who were at Jerusalem expressed their disapprobation of this act...Some even went to Albinus himself , who had departed to Alexandria, to bring this breach of the law under his observation, and to inform him that Ananius had acted illegally in assembling the Sanhedrin without the Roman authority."

This transfer of power is even mentioned in the Talmud: "A little more than forty years before the destruction of the Temple, the power of pronouncing capital sentences was taken away from the Jews."...Jerusalem Talmud, Sanhedrin, filoi 24.