What are the…
chief priests

Chief priests (often translated from the Greek archiereis, meaning “arch-priests” or leading priests) refer primarily to high-ranking members of the Jewish priesthood in the Second Temple period, especially as described in the New Testament.

They held significant religious, administrative, and political influence in Jerusalem.

In the Gospels and Acts, “chief priests” (plural) refers to a distinct group of elite priests, separate from (but often acting with) the single high priest. They were not ordinary priests but top officials, including:

• Heads of the 24 priestly divisions

• Members of influential high-priestly families

• Former high priests (deposed ones, like Annas, who retained influence)

• Senior temple administrators, such as the captain of the temple, overseers, and treasurers

They formed part of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council (about 70-71 members) that handled religious law, temple affairs, finances, maintenancem security, and some civil matters under Roman oversight. The Sanhedrin included chief priests (often Sadducees), elders (lay leaders), and scribes (legal experts).

This structure reflected Roman-era realities, where the priesthood was more politicized than in the pure Mosaic ideal established by God.

In Acts, they opposed the early church, arresting apostles (Acts 4-5) and persecuting key people such as Paul. Many were likely Sadducees, who denied resurrection of the dead and emphasized temple rituals, clashing with Jesus’ teachings.

The chief priests were the administrative and elite core of the Jerusalem priesthood—powerful figures who guarded tradition and temple order but so often conflicted with Jesus’ message of the Kingdom of God.

Theologically, Jesus Christ is the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4-10), who offers perfect atonement without needing successors or animal sacrifices.

Old Testament

Figures like Jehoiada (2 Chronicles 24), Azariah (2 Chronicles 31:10), or Seraiah (2 Kings 25:18) are called chief or high priests.

In the Old Testament, the singular term “chief priest” (or “high priest”) often refers to the single leading priest who oversaw the entire priesthood and temple worship. This role traces back to Aaron (Moses’ brother) and his descendants from the Tribe of Levi, as established in the Torah (e.g., Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers). The high priest had unique duties, such as entering the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to make atonement for Israel’s sins.

During the time of King David, the priesthood was divided into 24 courses or divisions under (1 Chronicles 24), each with heads or leaders who could be considered “chief” within their group.