The Sadducees were a prominent Jewish sect during the Second Temple period, known for their distinct beliefs and influential role in the religious and political life of ancient Israel. They are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, often in opposition to Jesus and the early Christian movement.

Origins and Historical Context

The Sadducees emerged as a significant group during the Hasmonean period (circa 2nd century BC). They were primarily composed of the priestly and aristocratic classes, holding considerable sway in the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Their influence was largely centered in Jerusalem, where they maintained control over the Temple and its rituals.

Beliefs and Practices

The Sadducees are best known for their strict adherence to the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, which they regarded as the sole authoritative scripture. Unlike the Pharisees, they rejected oral traditions and additional interpretations of the law. This literal approach to the Torah shaped their theological and doctrinal positions.

One of the most notable beliefs of the Sadducees was their denial of the resurrection of the dead, a point of contention with the Pharisees and early Christians. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus addresses this belief: "But about the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what God said to you: ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living" (Matthew 22:31-32).

The Sadducees also rejected the existence of angels and spirits, as well as the concept of an afterlife, focusing instead on the present life and the importance of maintaining the Temple's sacrificial system.

Interactions with Jesus and the Early Church

The Sadducees frequently clashed with Jesus, particularly over issues of authority and interpretation of the law. In the Gospels, they are depicted as testing Jesus with questions intended to trap Him, such as the scenario of the woman with seven husbands, which was meant to challenge the concept of resurrection (Matthew 22:23-28).

Their opposition to the early Christian movement is further highlighted in the Acts of the Apostles. The Sadducees were instrumental in the arrest and persecution of the apostles, as seen in Acts 4:1-3 : "The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead."

Decline and Legacy

The Sadducees' influence waned following the destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70. With the loss of the Temple, their power base and primary religious functions were effectively dismantled. Unlike the Pharisees, who adapted and evolved into Rabbinic Judaism, the Sadducees did not survive as a distinct group.

Despite their disappearance, the Sadducees remain a significant part of biblical history, representing a critical perspective within the diverse religious landscape of ancient Judaism. Their interactions with Jesus and the early church provide valuable insights into the theological debates and social dynamics of the time.Sad'ducees (13 Occurrences)

Matthew 3:7
And having seen many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming about his baptism, he said to them, 'Brood of vipers! who did shew you to flee from the coming wrath?
(See RSV)

Matthew 16:1
And the Pharisees and Sadducees having come, tempting, did question him, to shew to them a sign from the heaven,
(See RSV)

Matthew 16:6
and Jesus said to them, 'Beware, and take heed of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees;'
(See RSV)

Matthew 16:11
how do ye not understand that I did not speak to you of bread -- to take heed of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees?'
(See RSV)

Matthew 16:12
Then they understood that he did not say to take heed of the leaven of the bread, but of the teaching, of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
(See RSV)

Matthew 22:23
In that day there came near to him Sadducees, who are saying there is not a rising again, and they questioned him, saying,
(See RSV)

Matthew 22:34
and the Pharisees, having heard that he did silence the Sadducees, were gathered together unto him;
(See RSV)

Mark 12:18
And the Sadducees come unto him, who say there is not a rising again, and they questioned him, saying,
(See RSV)

Acts 4:1
And as they are speaking unto the people, there came to them the priests, and the magistrate of the temple, and the Sadducees --
(See RSV)

Acts 5:17
And having risen, the chief priest, and all those with him -- being the sect of the Sadducees -- were filled with zeal,
(See RSV)

Acts 23:6
and Paul having known that the one part are Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, cried out in the sanhedrim, 'Men, brethren, I am a Pharisee -- son of a Pharisee -- concerning hope and rising again of dead men I am judged.'
(See RSV)

Acts 23:7
And he having spoken this, there came a dissension of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees, and the crowd was divided,
(See RSV)

Acts 23:8
for Sadducees, indeed, say there is no rising again, nor messenger, nor spirit, but Pharisees confess both.
(See RSV)

Sad'ducees (13 Occurrences)
Sad'ducees. Sadducees, Sad'ducees. Sadduk . Multi-Version Concordance
Sad'ducees (13 Occurrences). Matthew 3:7 And having seen many ...
/s/sad'ducees.htm - 9k

Sadduk

/s/sadduk.htm - 6k

Sadducees (14 Occurrences)

/s/sadducees.htm - 31k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus