The Sadducees were a prominent Jewish sect during the Second Temple period, known for their distinct beliefs and practices that often set them apart from other Jewish groups, such as the Pharisees. Their influence was significant, particularly in the political and religious spheres of Judea, as they were often associated with the priestly and aristocratic classes.

Scriptural References and Historical Context

The Sadducees are mentioned in several passages of the New Testament, where they frequently appear in opposition to Jesus and His teachings. In the Gospel of Matthew, they are depicted as challenging Jesus on matters of doctrine: "That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him with a question" (Matthew 22:23). This passage highlights one of their most distinctive beliefs—the denial of the resurrection of the dead.

Historically, the Sadducees are believed to have emerged during the Hasmonean period, gaining prominence as a priestly faction. They held significant power in the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, and were often aligned with the Roman authorities, which afforded them a degree of political influence.

Core Beliefs and Doctrinal Distinctions

1. Rejection of the Resurrection and Afterlife: The Sadducees are most famously known for their denial of the resurrection. This belief is explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, as seen in Acts 23:8: "The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angels, nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all" . Their rejection of an afterlife was a significant point of contention with the Pharisees, who believed in the resurrection and the existence of angels and spirits.

2. Adherence to the Written Law: The Sadducees held a strict interpretation of the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, and rejected the oral traditions that the Pharisees embraced. They believed that only the written Law of Moses was authoritative, which influenced their legal and religious practices.

3. Temple Worship and Sacrificial System: As a group closely associated with the priestly class, the Sadducees placed great emphasis on the Temple and its sacrificial system. They were responsible for maintaining the Temple rituals and were often involved in the administration of its affairs.

4. Political and Social Conservatism: The Sadducees were generally conservative in their social and political outlook, often collaborating with the Roman authorities to maintain their status and influence. This pragmatic approach sometimes put them at odds with other Jewish groups who were more resistant to Roman rule.

Interactions with Jesus and the Early Church

The Sadducees' interactions with Jesus were marked by theological disputes, particularly concerning the resurrection. In Matthew 22:29-32, Jesus addresses their skepticism by affirming the resurrection and correcting their misunderstanding of the Scriptures: "Jesus replied, 'You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God... He is not the God of the dead, but of the living'" .

In the early church, the Sadducees continued to oppose the apostles' teachings, particularly the proclamation of Jesus' resurrection. Acts 4:1-2 records their displeasure: "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" .

Legacy and Decline

The Sadducees' influence waned after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, as their power was closely tied to the Temple's existence. Without the Temple, their priestly functions and political leverage diminished, leading to their eventual disappearance from the historical record. Their legacy, however, remains a significant part of the study of Second Temple Judaism and the religious landscape during the time of Jesus.