THE SADDUCEES

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) The Pharisees and Sadducees were the two major religious groups in Israel at the time of Christ. The Pharisees were more religious minded, while the Sadducees were more politically minded. Although the groups disliked each other, they became allies in their common hatred for Jesus.

b) Let's look at the positive and negative characteristics of the Sadducees.

1. The Sadducees

a) Positive characteristics

i) Believed strongly in the Mosaic law and in Levitical purity.

ii) Were more practically minded than the Pharisees.

b) Negative characteristics

i) Relied on logic while placing little importance on faith.

ii) Did not believe all the Old Testament was God's Word.

iii) Did not believe in a bodily resurrection or eternal life.

iv) Did not believe in angels or demons.

v) Were often willing to compromise their values with the Romans and others in order to maintain their status and influential positions.

The End ...