Topical Encyclopedia The Pharisees and Sadducees were two prominent Jewish sects during the Second Temple period, known for their theological and political influence in Judea. Their interactions with each other and with Jesus Christ are well-documented in the New Testament, highlighting their strife and differing beliefs.Pharisees The Pharisees were a religious group known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions that they believed were equally authoritative. They emphasized purity, tithing, and the observance of the Sabbath. The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and the coming of the Messiah. They were influential among the common people and often found themselves in opposition to the Sadducees, who held differing theological views. In the New Testament, the Pharisees frequently clashed with Jesus over interpretations of the Law and traditions. Jesus criticized them for their hypocrisy and legalism, as seen in Matthew 23:27-28 : "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." Sadducees The Sadducees were a sect that held significant power, particularly in the Temple priesthood and the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. They were known for their aristocratic status and their collaboration with Roman authorities. Theologically, the Sadducees rejected the oral traditions upheld by the Pharisees and adhered strictly to the written Torah. They denied the resurrection of the dead, the existence of spirits, and the afterlife, which put them at odds with the Pharisees. The Sadducees' interactions with Jesus are less frequent in the Gospels, but they are noted for questioning Him about the resurrection, a doctrine they denied. In Matthew 22:23-33 , they posed a question to Jesus about marriage at the resurrection, attempting to trap Him. Jesus responded by affirming the resurrection and correcting their misunderstanding of the Scriptures: "You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God" (Matthew 22:29). Strife Between Pharisees and Sadducees The strife between the Pharisees and Sadducees was rooted in their theological differences and their competition for influence over the Jewish people. Acts 23:6-8 illustrates this division during Paul's trial before the Sanhedrin: "Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, 'Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead.' As soon as he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, nor angels, nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all." This passage highlights the deep-seated theological rift between the two groups, which often led to public disputes and debates. Despite their differences, both groups played significant roles in the events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus, as they perceived Him as a threat to their authority and influence. Conclusion The strife between the Pharisees and Sadducees is a testament to the diverse religious landscape of first-century Judea. Their interactions with Jesus and the early Christian movement underscore the challenges faced by those who sought to bring the message of the Gospel to a divided and contentious religious environment. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 23:7And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The True Sign The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ... The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ... The Course of the World. Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ... Baptism unto Repentance Paul a Prisoner Before the Sanhedrin The Contemptuous Rejection. Resources What does the Bible say about strife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jacob in the Bible? | 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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