Topical Encyclopedia The Pharisees and Sadducees were two prominent Jewish sects during the Second Temple period, known for their theological and political influence. A significant point of contention between these groups was their differing beliefs regarding the general resurrection of the dead.Pharisees' Belief in the Resurrection The Pharisees were a religious group that emphasized strict adherence to the Torah and the oral traditions. They believed in the resurrection of the dead, a doctrine that was central to their understanding of God's ultimate justice and the fulfillment of His promises. This belief is reflected in various passages of the New Testament, where the Pharisees are depicted as affirming the resurrection. For instance, in Acts 23:8, it is noted, "The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angels, nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all" . The Pharisaic belief in the resurrection was rooted in their interpretation of the Hebrew Scriptures, where they saw implicit references to life after death and the eventual resurrection. Passages such as Daniel 12:2, which states, "And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt" , were foundational to their doctrine. Sadducees' Denial of the Resurrection In contrast, the Sadducees, who were primarily composed of the priestly and aristocratic classes, rejected the notion of the resurrection. They adhered strictly to the written Torah and did not accept the oral traditions that the Pharisees held in high regard. The Sadducees' denial of the resurrection is highlighted in the Gospels, where they are depicted as challenging Jesus on this very issue. In Matthew 22:23, it is recorded, "That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him" . The Sadducees' rejection of the resurrection was likely influenced by their focus on the present life and the absence of explicit references to the resurrection in the Pentateuch, which they considered the most authoritative part of the Scriptures. Jesus' Teaching on the Resurrection The strife between the Pharisees and Sadducees over the resurrection is further illuminated by Jesus' teachings. In response to the Sadducees' challenge, Jesus affirmed the reality of the resurrection by referencing the Torah itself. In Matthew 22:31-32, He stated, "But concerning 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" . Jesus' argument was that God's covenantal relationship with the patriarchs implied their continued existence and future resurrection. Theological Implications and Strife The debate over the resurrection was not merely an academic dispute but had profound theological implications. For the Pharisees, the resurrection was a testament to God's justice and the hope of Israel's restoration. For the Sadducees, the denial of the resurrection underscored their focus on the present and the temporal nature of human existence. This theological strife between the Pharisees and Sadducees is emblematic of the broader religious and philosophical debates of the time, reflecting differing interpretations of Scripture and the nature of God's promises to His people. The New Testament narrative often highlights these disputes to underscore the transformative teachings of Jesus and the early Christian proclamation of the resurrection as a cornerstone of faith. Nave's Topical Index Acts 23:7-10And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. Nave's Topical Index Library The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ... The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion Paul a Prisoner The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment: On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xii. 32, "Whosoever Shall Speak ... Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels. Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Resources What is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.orgWhy will the nations need healing in the New Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org What is the New World Order? | GotQuestions.org Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition Strife: Excited by Curious Questions Strife: Excited by Drunkenness Strife: Excited by Frowardness Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Strife: Israel and Judah, About David Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction Strife: Ministers should Avoid Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: Ministers should Warn Against Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Saints should do all Things Without Strife: Saints should not Act From Strife: Saints should not Walk In Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |
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