Topical Encyclopedia 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 Judea. 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) and continued to exert influence until the destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70. Their name is believed to be derived from Zadok, a high priest during the time of King Solomon, suggesting a priestly lineage. The Sadducees were primarily composed of the priestly and aristocratic classes, holding significant sway in the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Beliefs and Doctrines The Sadducees adhered strictly to the written Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament) and rejected the oral traditions and interpretations upheld by the Pharisees. This literal interpretation of the Torah led to several distinctive theological positions: 1. Denial of the Resurrection: The Sadducees famously denied the resurrection of the dead, a belief that set them apart from the Pharisees and other Jewish groups. In Matthew 22:23, the Sadducees question Jesus about the resurrection, attempting to challenge His teachings: "That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him" . 2. Rejection of Angels and Spirits: The Sadducees did not believe in angels or spirits, as noted in Acts 23:8: "For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, nor angels, nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all" . 3. Focus on Temple Worship: As a priestly sect, the Sadducees placed great emphasis on the Temple and its sacrificial system. They were heavily involved in the administration of Temple rituals and maintained a vested interest in its operations. Political Influence The Sadducees wielded considerable political power, often collaborating with the Roman authorities to maintain their status and influence. Their cooperation with the Romans was pragmatic, aimed at preserving their control over the Temple and its revenues. This alliance, however, made them unpopular with the common people, who often viewed them as collaborators with the occupying forces. Interactions with Jesus and the Early Church The Sadducees frequently clashed with Jesus, particularly over issues of authority and doctrine. In the Gospels, they are depicted as testing Jesus with questions intended to trap Him, as seen in their inquiry about the resurrection (Matthew 22:23-33). Jesus rebuked them for their lack of understanding of the Scriptures and the power of God. In the early church, the Sadducees were among the first to oppose the apostles. Acts 4:1-2 describes their reaction to the apostles' teaching: "While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees came up to them, greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead" . Decline and Legacy The destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70 marked the decline of the Sadducees. With the loss of the Temple, their primary base of power and influence was eradicated, leading to their eventual disappearance from the historical record. Despite their decline, the Sadducees remain a significant part of Jewish history, representing a unique perspective within the diverse religious landscape of ancient Judaism. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 5:17Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, Torrey's Topical Textbook Greek 4523. Saddoukaios -- a Sadducee, a member of a Jewish religious ... ... 4523 (of unknown origin) -- , ie a member of the Jewish sect known as the Sadducees. A was a "member of the aristocratic party among the Jews, from whom the ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4523.htm - 7k Library Relations of the Pharisees and Sadducees to the Baptist. Matt. xxii. 15 Footnotes How Cyrenius was Sent by Caesar to Make a Taxation Of The Antiquities of the Jews The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras ... How Upon the Quarrel Between Antiochus Grypus and Antiochus ... Book 20 Footnotes The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ... Archelaus's Ethnarchy is Reduced into a [Roman] Province. The ... Resources What are the differences between the Sadducees and Pharisees? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Sadducees? | GotQuestions.org What are the different sects of Judaism? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sadducees: Jesus Warns his Disciples Against Sadducees: Persecute the Apostles Sadducees: Rebuked by John the Baptist Sadducees: Reject the Doctrine of the Resurrection The Sadducees were Refused Baptism by John The Sadducees: A Sect of the Jews The Sadducees: Christ: Cautioned his Disciples Against Their Principles The Sadducees: Christ: Silenced The Sadducees: Christ: Tempted By The Sadducees: Christ: Vindicated the Resurrection Against The Sadducees: Denied the Resurrection and a Future Stated The Sadducees: Persecuted the Christians The Sadducees: The Resurrection a Cause of Dispute Between Them and The Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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