Overview
The Sadducees were a prominent Jewish religious party composed primarily of priests and wealthy aristocrats. Unlike the Pharisees, they rejected belief in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and the validity of oral tradition—accepting only the written Torah. They frequently confronted Jesus and later persecuted the apostles for their preaching about Christ's resurrection.
Key Scriptures
"Then Jesus said to them, 'Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees'" (Matthew 16:6, NASB).
"The Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question" (Matthew 22:23, ESV).
"For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees affirm all these things" (Acts 23:8, NASB).
Application
Recognize that opposition to biblical truth often comes from those who deny God's supernatural power and authority, and remain confident in the full counsel of Scripture regardless of worldly skepticism.