![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dr-Marko-Marina-Staff-Writer.png\" "\\"Dr")
<\/span><\/p>\nWritten by Marko Marina, Ph.D.<\/a><\/p>\n Author | Historian | BE Contributor<\/p>\n Verified! See our guidelines<\/a><\/p>\n Verified! See our editorial guidelines<\/a><\/p>\n \nDate written: July 27th, 2024<\/p>\n\nDate written: July 27th, 2024\n Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily match my own. – Dr. Bart D. Ehrman<\/p>\n The late Second Temple period (circa 165 B.C.E. to 70 C.E.) was marked by significant upheaval and transformation in Jewish history. <\/p>\n This period witnessed a series of dramatic events: the temporary rededication of the Jerusalem temple to Olympian Zeus that triggered the Maccabean Revolt; the establishment of an independent Jewish kingdom under the Hasmoneans; and the reign of Herod the Great, who ruled Judea as a client king for Rome from 40 to 4 B.C.<\/p>\n Amidst this turmoil, various Jewish sects and movements emerged, each interpreting Mosaic Law in distinct ways. Among these groups were the Sadducees, a sect known for their unique beliefs and significant influence<\/strong> during the Second Temple period.<\/p>\n While all these groups adhered to Jewish law, their disagreements over interpretation and practice often set them apart, leading to considerable theological and political debates.<\/p>\n In this article, we\u2019ll explore the Sadducees’ origins, beliefs, and role in the religious and political landscape of their time. We\u2019ll also delve into the primary sources that provide insights into their lives, examine their interactions with Jesus, and highlight notable figures within this sect. <\/p>\n By understanding the Sadducees, we can gain a clearer picture of the complexities of Jewish society during one of its most pivotal periods.<\/p>\n For a deeper dive into the historical and mythical layers of the Gospels, consider enrolling in the online course<\/strong> \u201cThe Unknown Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John<\/a>\u201d by Dr. Bart D. Ehrman<\/strong>.<\/p>\n In this course, Dr. Ehrman offers a scholarly look at these fundamental texts, revealing the traces of history among the layers of myth. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your understanding of early Christian writings and their historical context.<\/p>\n Our understanding of the Sadducees is limited because they didn\u2019t leave behind their writings. Instead, our knowledge comes from sources that were often hostile toward them. They include:<\/p>\n This inherent bias<\/strong> in the sources complicates our ability to construct an accurate historical picture of the Sadducees. Among the mentioned sources, Josephus provides some of the most detailed accounts, though his Pharisaic background often colors the descriptions.<\/p>\n In his works, such as The Jewish War and Antiquities of the Jews<\/a>, Josephus portrays the Sadducees as aristocratic and conservative, holding significant power in the Temple priesthood but being less popular among the common people. Despite the value of Josephus’ accounts, his negative portrayal necessitates a cautious approach to his descriptions.<\/p>\n The Sadducees in the Bible are primarily mentioned in the New Testament Gospels. Unfortunately, they are also depicted as opponents of Jesus, challenging his teachings and authority. For instance, Sadducees have debates with Jesus, particularly regarding the resurrection. We\u2019ll see why in a later part of this article. <\/p>\n Various passages, such as Matthew 22:23-33 and Mark 12:18-27, record these interactions. However, the New Testament’s perspective is influenced by the early Christian community’s conflicts with the Sadducees, affecting the objectivity<\/strong> of these accounts.<\/p>\n Rabbinic literature, including the Mishnah and Talmud, mentions the Sadducees sporadically and usually in a confrontational context. The Sadducees are often depicted in debates with the Pharisees<\/a> (Perushim) and occasionally with a group called the Boethusians (Baitosim), who are sometimes associated with or considered a subset of the Sadducees.<\/p>\n Lester L. Grabbe, in An Introduction to Second Temple Judaism<\/a>, encapsulates the challenge historians face: <\/p>\n (Affiliate Disclaimer: We may earn commissions on products you purchase through this page at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our site!<\/em>)<\/p>\n \u201cThe Sadducees have been everyone’s whipping boy. No Jewish group today claims to be heirs of the Sadducees… There are a few passing statements in the NT (generally hostile), as well as a few brief references in Josephus (also not usually complimentary), and in a few rabbinic passages a group called the Saddugim are found in debate with the Perusim. The Perushim are also found in debate with the Boethusians (Baitosim), who have also often been identified or associated with the Sadducees. At best, the information is very meager, and most of the sources are hostile. This means that any historical reconstruction must be considered very uncertain.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Given the paucity and partiality of the sources, reconstructing a reliable history of the Sadducees is fraught with challenges. Any historical analysis must be approached with caution.<\/p>\n However, before we delve deeper into their beliefs and practices, here is a table depicting New Testament verses where Sadducees are mentioned: <\/p>\n![\"Sadducees\"](\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sadducees.png\" "\\"Sadducees\\"")
<\/span><\/p>\nThe Sadducees: What Sources Do We Have?<\/h2>\n
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![\"Pharisees](\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pharisees-and-Sadducees-1.png\" "\\"Pharisees")
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