1. An Introduction to the Pharisees and Sadducees Benjamin Linker June 26, 2011

2. The Pharisees  Name mentioned 97 times in NT.  Pharisee means “separated ones” or “separatists.”  Emphasis on keeping the laws of purity, ritualism, fasted and tithed.  They took literally being a “kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:6).  The most influential, and loved by the people, of the 3 sects.

3. Origins  Some say that there was a group resembling the Pharisees before the Captivity.  Came into existence out of the Maccabean Revolt (165 B.C.) Seleucids and Hellenziation Seleucids and Hellenziation Antiochus Epiphanes and the Temple Antiochus Epiphanes and the Temple Judas and the name “Maccabee” Judas and the name “Maccabee”

4. Beliefs  A belief in fate The Pharisees, who are considered the most accurate interpreters of the laws, and hold the position of the leading sect, attribute everything to fate and to God; they hold that to act rightly, or otherwise rests, indeed, for the most part with man (J.W. 2.162-163) The Pharisees, who are considered the most accurate interpreters of the laws, and hold the position of the leading sect, attribute everything to fate and to God; they hold that to act rightly, or otherwise rests, indeed, for the most part with man (J.W. 2.162-163) All is foreseen but freedom of choice is given (Mishnah m. Aot 3:16) All is foreseen but freedom of choice is given (Mishnah m. Aot 3:16)  The immortality of the soul  A final reward was to be given for good works and punishment to the wicked Those rewarded would rise again Those rewarded would rise again The wicked would be detained forever under the earth The wicked would be detained forever under the earth  Acceptance of the OT Scriptures and also traditions

5. Pharisees in the NT  Christ condemned their righteousness by works (Matt 5:20)  Christ condemned their covetousness (Luke 16:14)  Called out their pride (Matt. 9:12)  Pronounces seven “Woes” upon them (Matt. 23)  Nicodemus (John 3:1; 19:38-42), Gamaliel (Acts 5:34), and Paul (Phillipians 3:5)

6. Sadducees  Name mentioned 15 times in NT.  Sadducee means “to be righteous”; sometimes used as an adjective “the righteous ones.”  A wealthy, privileged priestly sect.  Did not have the popular support that the Pharisees had.  The temple worship and administration were conducted by them.  Most likely occupied the majority of the seats in the Sanhedrin.

7. Origins  Claimed to come from Zadok, a priest under David’s reign and a high priest under Solomon. Another Zadok, a disciple of Antigonus of Socho (250 B.C), taught obedience to God should be without expectation of future reward. Another Zadok, a disciple of Antigonus of Socho (250 B.C), taught obedience to God should be without expectation of future reward.  Origin is uncertain, but not before the Captivity. History shows them existing in the Maccabean Period (165-142 B.C.) Ecclesiaticus (Apocrypha – 180 B.C.) shares “give thanks unto him that chose the sons of Zadok to be the priests” (RSV 51:12). Ecclesiaticus (Apocrypha – 180 B.C.) shares “give thanks unto him that chose the sons of Zadok to be the priests” (RSV 51:12). They sympathized with the policy of Antiochus Epiphanes IV. They sympathized with the policy of Antiochus Epiphanes IV.  Ceased to exist after the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D.

8. Beliefs  They held only to the written law and rejected traditions Church fathers such as Origen and Jerome believed that they only affirmed the Pentateuch as canonical but Josephus and the Talmud don’t support this. Church fathers such as Origen and Jerome believed that they only affirmed the Pentateuch as canonical but Josephus and the Talmud don’t support this. Most likely had Pentateuch as primary and Prophets and Writings secondary,Most likely had Pentateuch as primary and Prophets and Writings secondary,  Did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, personal immortality, and reward or punishment in the future. Did not affirm the resurrection of the dead. Did not affirm the resurrection of the dead. “But the doctrine of the Sadducees is this: That souls die with the bodies” (Antiquities 18.1.4). “But the doctrine of the Sadducees is this: That souls die with the bodies” (Antiquities 18.1.4). “They also take away the belief of the immortal duration of the soul, and the punishments and rewards in Hades” (War of the Jews 2.1.14). “They also take away the belief of the immortal duration of the soul, and the punishments and rewards in Hades” (War of the Jews 2.1.14).  Do not believe in the existence of angels and spirits (Acts 23:8)  Believe that man has the free will choice of good or evil.

9. Sadducees in the NT  Resented his action with the temple cleansing (Matthew 21:12).  Attempted to get Christ in trouble with the Roman authorities (Luke 20:22).  Questioned his teaching on the resurrection (Matt. 22:23).  Most likely feared political ruin through messianic movement (John 11:49).  Sadducees very active against the infant church after Pentecost (Acts 5:17, 33)  We cannot say that no Sadducee ever believed but Scripture does not affirm one.