a visit with jesus

 Bible Art

The Sanhedrin
Artist: James Tissot
 1889    Painting

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In this waterolor, Tissot depicts the Sanhedrin. In the New Testament, the Sanhedrin trial of Jesus refers to the trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin (a Jewish judicial body) following his arrest in Jerusalem and prior to the trial before Pontius Pilate. It is an incident reported by all three Synoptic Gospels of the New Testament, while the Gospel of John refers to a preliminary inquiry before Annas.

A Synhedrion is mentioned 22 times in the Greek New Testament, including in the Gospels in relation to the trial of Jesus, and in the Acts of the Apostles, which mentions a "Great Synhedrion" in chapter 5 where rabbi Gamaliel appeared, and also in chapter 7 in relation to the stoning death of Saint Stephen. This body is described as a court led by the High Priest or leading priests, as well as the "elders" and/or Pharisees.

The Scribe Shaphan Reading The Book Of Law To King Josiah
Artist: Leonaert Bramer
 c. 1662    Painting

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This painting measures 7 ½ x 11 5⁄8 in. (19 x 29.5 cm.).  It is housed in a private collection after an Anonymous sale; Couturier & de Nicolay, Paris, and a second Anonymous sale; [Property of a Private Collection], at Sotheby's, New York, 22 January 2004, lot 28, where acquired by the present owner.

Shaphan, son of Azaliah, is the name of a scribe or court secretary mentioned several times in the Hebrew Bible (2 Kings 22:3–14 and 25:22; and parallels in 2 Chronicles 34:8–20.  Shaphan is one of three leaders sent by King Josiah of Judah to repair the temple in Jerusalem,using the temple funds to commission the necessary work. When the chief Temple priest Hilkiah discovers an ancient Torah scroll, he gives it to Shaphan, who in turn brings it to King Josiah. Josiah reads it aloud to a crowd in Jerusalem, resulting in a great religious revival. Many scholars believe this was either a copy of the Book of Deuteronomy or a text that became a part of Deuteronomy as we have it; as a result the event is known as the Deuteronomic reform.