Sadducees

The Sadducees were an important religious and political group in ancient Judaism. Here are some key points about them:

Origins and history

Origins: The name "Sadducee" probably derives from Zadok, a high priest in the time of David and Solomon. They came mainly from the priestly aristocracy.
Period: They were active from about 200 BC to AD 70, until the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem by the Romains — afficher la définition INF004.
Influence: The Sadducees had great influence over worship and liturgy at the Temple of Jerusalem. They controlled the Sanhédrin — afficher la définition INF003, the supreme Jewish council.

Beliefs and practices

Sacred texts: They focused solely on the written law, the Pentateuque — afficher la définition INF032, and rejected the oral traditions adopted by the Pharisiens — afficher la définition INF002.
Resurrection: Unlike the Pharisiens — afficher la définition INF002 and the Esséniens — afficher la définition INF065, the Sadducees denied the resurrection of the dead and the immortality of the soul.
Temple rites: They were responsible for the rites of the Temple, including the sacrifices and the pilgrimage festivals.

Oppositions

Pharisiens — afficher la définition INF002: The Sadducees were in total opposition to the Pharisiens — afficher la définition INF002, particularly on theological questions such as the resurrection.
Zealots: They were also in conflict with the Zealots and the Sicarii, who regarded them as collaborators with the Romains — afficher la définition INF004.

The Sadducees left a lasting mark on the history of Judaism and are often mentioned in the New Testament, notably in the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospels.

The Sadducees in the Bible

The Sadducees were an important branch of Judaism. We find them fifteen times in the New Testament, ten in the Gospels and five in the Acts of the Apostles.
Five times, the authors of the Synoptic Gospels name them together with the pharisiens — afficher la définition INF002. The doctrine of Judaism always comes up in their discussions with the Messiah Jesus, who never rebukes them.
We find no tension in their relations with the Messiah Jesus, as is regularly the case with the pharisiens — afficher la définition INF002. They control the administration and worship of the temple and remain distant from the people. They readily strike deals with the Roman occupier who, in return, grants them considerable influence within the Sanhédrin — afficher la définition INF003.
Its members come mainly from the aristocratic or priestly class. They recognize only the writings of the Bible hébraïque — afficher la définition INF012.
They do not believe in the resurrection of the dead. They envisage no form of life after death. According to them, angels do not exist. The Apostle Paul would denounce all these errors at his trial (Acts 23.6).
Caiaphas and Anna, the Chief Priests who condemn Jesus, belonged to this Sadducean movement.