What is the Difference Between a Pharisee and Sadducee?
Quick Summary
The Pharisees and Sadducees were two influential Jewish groups during the Second Temple period, especially in the time of Jesus. Though both held power and were involved in religious leadership, they differed significantly in theology, scriptural interpretation, and social status. The Pharisees believed in the resurrection, oral traditions, and broader inclusion, while the Sadducees denied the resurrection and adhered strictly to the written Torah. Understanding their differences sheds light on many New Testament interactions with Jesus and the early church.
Introduction
The Gospels frequently mention the Pharisees and Sadducees, often in conflict with Jesus and sometimes with each other. Yet to modern readers, their distinctions can be hazy. Who were these groups? Why did they hold such sway in first-century Judaism? And what do their theological disputes reveal about the setting in which Jesus taught?
This guide clarifies the backgrounds, beliefs, and roles of these two sects, drawing from historical sources, Second Temple Jewish scholarship, and New Testament passages.
Pharisees: Background and Beliefs
The Pharisees emerged as a lay movement concerned with personal piety, Torah observance, and the interpretation of both written and oral law. They likely originated during or just after the Maccabean Revolt (2nd century BCE), when questions about purity and law observance became central to Jewish identity.
Key Beliefs and Practices:
Resurrection of the Dead: The Pharisees affirmed belief in a future resurrection (Acts 23:6).
Angels and Spirits: They believed in the spiritual realm, including angels (Acts 23:8).
Oral Law: They upheld oral traditions alongside the written Torah, applying it to everyday life.
Purity Beyond the Temple: Pharisees encouraged laypeople to live by priestly purity standards even outside temple settings.
Popular Support: Though not part of the priestly elite, they were respected among the people.
The Apostle Paul was a Pharisee (Philippians 3:5), and many early Christians emerged from this tradition (Acts 15:5).
Sadducees: Background and Beliefs
The Sadducees were closely linked to the Jerusalem priesthood and aristocracy. Their power was concentrated in temple rituals, Sanhedrin politics, and alignment with Roman authorities.
Key Beliefs and Practices:
No Resurrection: Sadducees denied the resurrection and belief in an afterlife (Mark 12:18).
No Angels or Spirits: They rejected belief in spiritual beings (Acts 23:8).
Written Torah Only: They accepted only the Pentateuch (Genesis–Deuteronomy) as authoritative.
Temple-Centered: Their power and theology revolved around the temple.
Elitist and Politically Entwined: Their position depended on collaboration with ruling powers.
With the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE, the Sadducees disappeared from history, unlike the Pharisees whose teachings shaped Rabbinic Judaism.
Comparison Table: Pharisees vs. Sadducees
| Category | Pharisees | Sadducees |
|---|---|---|
| Social Class | Middle class; respected teachers and rabbis | Upper class; wealthy priests and aristocrats |
| Scripture Accepted | Entire Hebrew Bible (Torah, Prophets, Writings) | Only the Torah (first five books) |
| Belief in Resurrection | Affirmed bodily resurrection and afterlife | Denied resurrection and afterlife |
| Role in the Temple | Less influence in the Temple; focused on synagogues | Controlled Temple operations and rituals |
| Views on Angels and Spirits | Believed in angels and spiritual beings | Denied the existence of angels and spirits |
| Relationship to Jesus | Often challenged Jesus on the law; some became followers | Opposed Jesus primarily during trials and political interactions |
| Political Alignment | Resisted Roman rule, but cautiously cooperative | Closely aligned with Roman authorities |
| Longevity | Continued influence after the fall of the Temple (70 AD) | Disappeared after the Temple was destroyed |
Relevance in the Gospels
Jesus often confronted the Pharisees for hypocrisy (Matthew 23) but also dined with them and engaged in theological dialogue (Luke 7:36-50). Though He criticized them, He shared some beliefs, like the resurrection.
His interactions with the Sadducees were sharper and more confrontational, especially concerning the resurrection (Matthew 22:23-33).
The dynamic between these groups sets the stage for many New Testament events and frames early Christian theology, particularly concerning resurrection, law, and religious authority.
FAQs
Why did Jesus criticize the Pharisees so often?
Jesus rebuked the Pharisees not for their doctrine per se, but for elevating tradition above mercy, justice, and humility (Matthew 23:23). He called out their hypocrisy, not their foundational beliefs.
Did any Pharisees follow Jesus?
Yes. Nicodemus (John 3:1) and Paul (Philippians 3:5) were Pharisees. Acts 15:5 also suggests some early Christians were former Pharisees.
Why did the Sadducees disappear?
After the Temple’s destruction in 70 CE, their power base collapsed. Since their theology was Temple-centered, they did not adapt like the Pharisees, whose teachings evolved into Rabbinic Judaism.
Are there Pharisees and Sadducees today?
No. These groups were specific to Second Temple Judaism. However, Rabbinic Judaism today developed from Pharisaic foundations.
