### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term γερουσία (gerousía, `{{G1087}}`) is derived from the word γέρων (gerōn), meaning "old man" or "elder." Fundamentally, it denotes a body or council composed of elders. In its classical Greek usage, it referred to the Spartan Senate, a council of elders. Within the context of the New Testament and Second Temple Judaism, gerousía specifically identifies the Jewish Sanhedrin, the supreme judicial and legislative council of the Jewish people in Jerusalem. Thus, its semantic range encompasses both the general concept of an "eldership" or "senate" and the particular institution of the Sanhedrin, emphasizing its composition of esteemed and often older leaders.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term γερουσία (gerousía, `{{G1087}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 5:21]]: "And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought."
In this singular occurrence, the gerousía is convened alongside the "council" (συνέδριον, synedrion, `{{G4892}}`). This phrase, "the council and all the senate of the children of Israel," is often interpreted as a hendiadys, referring to the full convocation of the Sanhedrin, emphasizing its comprehensive and representative nature. Alternatively, some scholars suggest gerousía here might denote a broader assembly of elders beyond the core seventy-one members of the Sanhedrin, or perhaps is a more formal, archaic term for the Sanhedrin itself, highlighting its venerable status as a body of elders. Regardless of the precise nuance, the context clearly places the gerousía as the highest Jewish authority, a powerful body before whom the apostles are brought to account for their teaching and miraculous works. This body represents the established religious and political order of Judaism, poised in opposition to the nascent Christian movement.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological root of γερουσία (gerousía, `{{G1087}}`) is γέρων (gerōn), meaning "old man" or "elder," which directly informs its core meaning. Other closely related terms in the New Testament that describe the Jewish governing body or its members include:
* συνέδριον (synedrion, `{{G4892}}`): The most common New Testament term for the Sanhedrin, meaning "a sitting together" or "council." While gerousía highlights the *composition* of elders, synedrion emphasizes the *assembly* or *council* itself.
* πρεσβύτερος (presbyteros, `{{G4245}}`): "Elder," referring to an individual member of such a council or a leader in the church. The gerousía was composed of such "elders."
* ἀρχιερεύς (archiereus, `{{G749}}`): "Chief priest," a prominent group within the Sanhedrin.
* γραμματεύς (grammateus, `{{G1122}}`): "Scribe," another influential group within the Sanhedrin.
* ἄρχων (archōn, `{{G758}}`): "Ruler" or "leader," a general term that could apply to members of the gerousía.
The concept of governance by elders, as seen in the gerousía, has deep roots in Israelite tradition, extending back to the seventy elders appointed by Moses (cf. [[Numbers 11:16-17]]). This demonstrates a long-standing pattern of respect for age, wisdom, and experience in leadership roles within the covenant community.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of γερουσία (gerousía, `{{G1087}}`) in [[Acts 5:21]] is highly significant, portraying the supreme human authority of the Jewish nation confronting the divine authority manifest in the apostles. The gerousía represents the established order and tradition, a body of venerable elders entrusted with the spiritual and legal oversight of Israel. Yet, in this pivotal moment, this esteemed body is shown to be in opposition to God's unfolding redemptive plan through the resurrected Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
The encounter in Acts highlights the tension between human institutions, even those with a long and respected history within God's people, and the dynamic, Spirit-led movement of God. The miraculous release of the apostles from prison, followed by their bold testimony before the gerousía, underscores the sovereignty of God over all human authority. The gerousía, despite its wisdom and experience, is depicted as unable to thwart the divine will. This serves as a theological caution: even well-intentioned and traditionally legitimate leadership can, through lack of discernment or resistance to God's new work, find itself in opposition to the divine agenda. The term gerousía thus becomes a symbol of the old order's resistance to the new, a profound theological lesson on the nature of authority and obedience to God.
### Summary
γερουσία (gerousía, `{{G1087}}`) denotes a council of elders, specifically the Jewish Sanhedrin, the supreme judicial body in Jerusalem. Its single New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 5:21]] places it as the authoritative assembly before which the apostles were brought to trial. This term emphasizes the body's composition of venerable elders, linking it to a long tradition of elder leadership within Israel. Theologically, the gerousía represents the established human authority that came into direct conflict with the Spirit-empowered mission of the early church. Its inability to suppress the apostles' divinely ordained ministry serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty over all human institutions and a reminder of the potential for even revered leadership to oppose the divine will.
TRV