Overview
The Sadducees were an influential Jewish party composed primarily of the priestly and aristocratic classes. They rejected oral tradition, accepted only the written Torah, and notably denied the resurrection of the dead and the existence of angels or spirits. Jesus frequently warned His disciples against their teachings, while the Sadducees actively opposed the apostolic proclamation of Christ's resurrection.
Key Scriptures
"Jesus said to them, 'Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.'" (Matthew 16:6, NASB)
"And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came up to them, being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead." (Acts 4:1-2, NASB)
"But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy." (Acts 5:17, NASB)
Application
Recognize that opposition to biblical truth about resurrection and God's supernatural power often comes from those invested in human authority and worldly reasoning rather than Scripture.