The chief priests are a specific group of temple priests, administrators of the temple’s liturgy, buildings, and finances. From these passages it is clear that the chief priests were prominent and influential members of the Sanhedrin. According to some scholars, the chief priests comprised the ruling high priest, former acting but deposed high priests, and leading members of the families from which the high priests were selected. But according to others, it appears more probable that this group was composed of administrators of the Temple, its buildings, and its treasures.

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