Sadducees and Pharisees

?

Sadducees and Pharisees

Similarities

  • Sadducees and Pharisees were political and religious rivals to each other
  • Both groups were opponents to Jesus
  • Both small in numbers but were influential
  • Both groups were linked with the temple

Differences

  • Sadducees were a smaller ruling elite and more influential than the Pharisees
  • Sadducees followed the Hebrew bible but rejected newer traditions and the teachings of the Pharisees whereas the Pharisees followed the bible and oral law 'tradition of the elders'
  • Sadducees rejected the belief of life after death but Pharisees believed in it including resurrection, angels etc
  • Sadducees were known as the righteous ones and the Pharisees the separated ones
  • Sadducees were the wealthy ruling elite associated with the temple and ruling council and the Pharisees were mainly laymen

Overall comparison

Both groups were small in number (Pharisees 6000) but had much influence with the Sadducees always having more. Sadducees were more important as they were the chief and high priests. The two groups were each others rivals in politics and in religion with the Sadducees rejecting the teachings and beliefs of the Pharisees (life after death) especially the newer traditions such as oral law but both followed strict rules and laws. Both groups were opposed to Jesus. Their differences stemmed from their social positions with the Saddcees being the wealthy ruling elites and the Pharisees just being laymen.

Comments

No comments have yet been made