1. Name / Role
Sadducees
2. Category
Religious Roles
3. Time Period / Biblical Context
Prominent during the Second Temple period, especially in the first century BC and first century AD. They feature frequently in the Gospels and Acts as a leading religious and political faction in Jewish society.
4. Origin / Background
The Sadducees likely originated during the Hasmonean period (circa 2nd century BC) as an aristocratic and priestly group connected with the Temple establishment in Jerusalem. Their name may derive from Zadok, the high priest in the time of King David and Solomon, suggesting priestly lineage. They were closely aligned with the Temple elite and often collaborated with the Roman authorities.
5. Primary Role / Function
They held power in the Sanhedrin, dominated Temple worship, and represented the interests of the priestly and wealthy upper class. The Sadducees opposed the Pharisees’ oral tradition and accepted only the written Torah (Pentateuch) as authoritative. Their leadership was especially visible in judicial and political roles under Roman oversight.
6. Key Characteristics / Traits
- Priestly, aristocratic, and politically connected
- Rejected resurrection, angels, and spirits (Acts 23:8)
- Conservative in scriptural interpretation (Torah only)
- Held influential positions in the Temple and Sanhedrin
- Viewed as more secular and pragmatic than Pharisees
7. Symbolism / Spiritual Significance
The Sadducees symbolise religious formalism without spiritual depth. They represent a faith rooted in power, ritual, and control but devoid of belief in the supernatural or hope of resurrection. In Christian thought, they often serve as a warning against reducing religion to mere institutional authority or theological minimalism.
8. Notable Figures / Examples
- High Priests such as Caiaphas and Annas – Though not explicitly labelled as Sadducees in Scripture, historical context strongly associates them with the Sadducean faction (e.g., John 18:13, Acts 4:6)
- Members of the Sanhedrin – Many Sadducees served in this ruling council, especially during the trials of Jesus and the apostles
9. Related Bible References
- Matthew 22:23–33 – Sadducees question Jesus about resurrection
- Acts 4:1–2 – Sadducees disturbed by apostolic preaching on resurrection
- Acts 5:17 – Sadducean high priest persecutes the apostles
- Acts 23:6–8 – Paul exploits theological divide between Sadducees and Pharisees
- Mark 12:18–27 – Jesus corrects the Sadducees’ misunderstanding of resurrection
10. Summary / Reflection
The Sadducees were a powerful and wealthy religious faction in Second Temple Judaism. Their rejection of core doctrines such as the resurrection and their collaboration with Roman authorities positioned them as theological and political opponents of both Jesus and the early Church. Though influential in earthly terms, they faded from history after the destruction of the Temple in AD 70. Their story serves as a sobering reminder that religious power, devoid of spiritual conviction and eternal hope, cannot stand the test of time or divine truth.