1. Introduction
Within the religious landscape of Second Temple Judaism, the Pharisees and Sadducees were two prominent groups whose theological and political differences often brought them into conflict. Though both groups were influential contemporaneously, their disputes reveal tensions within the Jewish religious leadership during the time of Jesus and the early church.
2. Historical and Biblical Context
The Pharisees emphasised strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and the oral traditions, belief in resurrection, angels, and spirits. The Sadducees, mainly from the priestly and aristocratic class, rejected oral tradition, denied resurrection, and maintained a more literalist approach to the Torah.
New Testament passages such as Matthew 22:23–33 and Acts 23:6–8 record disputes between Pharisees and Sadducees, notably on the doctrine of resurrection.
3. Nature of the Conflict
- Theological Disputes: Resurrection of the dead, angels, and spirits (Acts 23:8).
- Interpretative Differences: Oral tradition (Pharisees) versus written law only (Sadducees).
- Political and Social Tensions: Different socio-economic backgrounds and relations with Roman authorities.
4. Theological and Social Implications
- Diversity in Judaism: Reflects pluralism within Jewish religious thought.
- Impact on Early Christianity: Early Christians often clashed with Pharisees; Sadducees opposed Jesus and the early church (Acts 4:1–2).
- Religious Authority: Both groups held significant influence in the Sanhedrin.
5. Scholarly Perspectives
E.P. Sanders (1992) highlights that the Pharisees and Sadducees’ debates reflect differing understandings of covenant fidelity and eschatology within Judaism.
6. Conclusion
The Pharisees and Sadducees’ disputes exemplify intra-religious conflict within the same generation, shaping the context in which Jesus and the early church ministered.
References
Matthew 22:23–33; Acts 23:6–8; Acts 4:1–2
Sanders, E.P. (1992). Judaism: Practice and Belief, 63 BCE–66 CE. Trinity Press International.