Sadducees

The Sadducees were a prominent religious and political group in ancient Israel, particularly during the Second Temple period (circa 516 BCE – 70 CE). Although more of a political and aristocratic clique than a religious sect, they held distinctive religious beliefs, including a denial of the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and the concept of predestination. They were involved in various events and conflicts throughout the Second Temple period, often in opposition to another Jewish sect, the Pharisees. Notable members of the Sadducees included high priests Annas and Caiaphas, who played significant roles in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.

Background of Sadducees

The origins of the Sadducees are believed to date back to around 200 BCE, prior to the Maccabean Revolt. The name “Sadducees” likely originated from “Zadok,” a high priest during King David’s reign. They are first recorded by name by John Hyrcanus (135-106 BCE). The Sadducees were primarily composed of aristocratic families, especially those connected to the high priesthood, and they were known for their close relationships with the ruling powers, including the Hasmonean and Herodian dynasties and the Roman Empire. They held considerable influence in the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court, and controlled the temple administration in Jerusalem. After the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE, the Sadducees disbanded due to the loss of their influence.

Religious Beliefs

The Sadducees only accepted the law of Moses in their canon and interpreted it in a literal, secularistic spirit, rejecting all Pharisaic oral traditions (Acts 23:8). They also denied the existence of the resurrection, angels, demons, and a spiritual afterlife. The Sadducees rejected the idea of a personal relationship with God, instead teaching that He was a distant and disinterested deity. Because of this, they emphasized the free will of humanity and came to the conclusion that one should live solely to enjoy money and things. They did, however, have a high regard for the sacrificial system.

Notable Members

• Annas: A high priest who served from 6 to 15 CE. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas and played a significant role in the trial of Jesus (John 18:12-14, 19-24).
• Caiaphas: The son-in-law of Annas, Caiaphas was the high priest from 18 to 36 CE. He presided over the trial of Jesus and was instrumental in his crucifixion (Matthew 26:57-68, John 11:49-53).

Biblical Timeline

• Conflicts with Pharisees: The Sadducees often clashed with the Pharisees, another influential Jewish sect, over matters of religious interpretation and practice (Acts 23:6-10).
• Opposition to Jesus: Despite their hatred of the Pharisees, the Sadducees worked together with them to arrest and kill Jesus (Matthew 26:3-5, Matthew 26:57, Mark 12:18-27, Matthew 16:1-12).
• Involvement in the Trial of Jesus: Annas and Caiaphas played central roles in the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus (John 18:12-14, 19-24, Matthew 26:57-68).
• Persecution of Early Christians: The Sadducees were involved in the persecution of early Christians, including the arrest and trial of the apostles Peter and John (Acts 4:1-22).

Additional Notes

Extrabiblical References to Sadducees

The Sadducees are mentioned in several extrabiblical sources, including the works of the Jewish historian Josephus (37-100 CE) and the Dead Sea Scrolls, which were written by the Essenes, another Jewish sect. These sources provide further information about the beliefs, practices, and historical context of the Sadducees, as well as their interactions with other Jewish groups and the wider society.