The Sanhedrin is said to have consisted of seventy-one members, the high priest being president. They were of three classes (1) the chief priests, or heads of the twenty-four priestly courses (1 Chr. 24), (2) the scribes, and (3) the elders. As the highest court of judicature, "in all causes and over all persons, ecclesiastical and civil, supreme," its decrees were binding, not only on the Jews in Palestine, but on all Jews wherever scattered abroad. Its jurisdiction was greatly curtailed by Herod, and afterwards by the Romans. Its usual place of meeting was within the precincts of the temple, in the hall "Gazith," but it sometimes met also in the house of the high priest (Matt. 26:3), who was assisted by two vice-presidents.

Of course we of the new covenant signed in the blood of Jesus understand that Jesus is our Great High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. This also makes Him the president of the heavenly Sanhedrin. If the earthly Sanhedrin's decrees were binding to all Jews both in Israel and abroad, then how much more binding are the decrees made by the heavenly Sanhedrin?

The Sanhedrin announces that the time for the Lord's wrath, judgements and rewards had arrived. At this time the heavenly temple of God is thrown open and the ark of His testament is seen. There are lightnings, voices, thunderings, an earthquake and mega-hail.