Sadducees
The origin of this Jewish sect cannot definitely be traced. It was probably the outcome of the influence of Grecian customs and philosophy during the period of Greek domination. The first time they are met with is in connection with John the Baptist’s ministry. They came out to him when on the banks of the Jordan, and he said to them, “O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” (Matt 3:7.) The next time they are spoken of they are represented as coming to our Lord tempting him. He calls them “hypocrites” and “a wicked and adulterous generation” (Matt 16:1–4; Matt 22:23). The only reference to them in the Gospels of Mark (Mark 12:18–27) and Luke (Luke 20:27–38) is their attempting to ridicule the doctrine of the resurrection, which they denied, as they also denied the existence of angels. They are never mentioned in John’s Gospel.
There were many Sadducees among the “elders” of the Sanhedrin. They seem, indeed, to have been as numerous as the Pharisees (Acts 23:6). They showed their hatred of Jesus in taking part in his condemnation (Matt 16:21; Matt 26:1–3, Matt 26:59; Mark 8:31; Mark 15:1; Luke 9:22; Luke 22:66). They endeavoured to prohibit the apostles from preaching the resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:24, Acts 2:31, Acts 2:32; Acts 4:1, Acts 4:2; Acts 5:17, Acts 5:24–28). They were the deists or sceptics of that age. They do not appear as a separate sect after the destruction of Jerusalem.
Named in the Bible
14 verses
- Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
- Matthew 16:1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
- Matthew 16:6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
- Matthew 16:11 How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?
- Matthew 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
- Matthew 22:23 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,
- Matthew 22:34 But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.
- Mark 12:18 Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,
- Luke 20:27 Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,
- Acts 4:1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
- Acts 5:17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
- Acts 23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
- Acts 23:7 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
- Acts 23:8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
From Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897), by Matthew George Easton.
