What Are the Differences Between the Pharisees and the Sadducees?

Distinction among the Jews came to be as a result of the introduction of different ideologies. There were the Scribes who were regarded as custodians of the law (both written and oral), as they were the ones who studied and explained the law. Based on philosophy, Jewish historian, Josephus, identifies four influencial Jewish sects that existed during the time of Jesus: Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and the Fourth Philosophy (the Zealots and the Sicarii).

Two outstanding groups that were frequently made reference to in Jesus’ day were the Pharisees and the Sadducees.

The Pharisees were the legalistic sect. The word Pharisees means “separated ones” and this group most likely came to be around the 3rd Century B.C. under the domination of the Greek empire, as Hellenism (the acceptance of Greek culture, ideas and civilization) was getting rife among the Jews. The Pharisees sought to “separate” themselves from what they regarded as an anomaly. They were very zealous for the law of Moses and always made reference to it, emphasizing strict adherence to written and oral Jewish traditions.

The Sadducees were the more politically influencial class. This aristocratic group most likely came to be around the time of the Greek domination as well, before the Romans took over the Palestine and other provinces in the eastern Mediterranean. Unlike the Pharisees, this sect sought aggrandizement, so they made peace with the political rulers reigning over them and in turn attained influencial positions. Hence, they accepted Hellenism. So the average Sadducee was wealthy. Those who became chief priests and high priests were usually of this sect. The Sadducees did not believe in resurrection, in angels, or in spirits (an unseen world beyond this physical realm). They did not reject the writings of the prophets but they regarded only the law as authoritative.

The Sadducees were found more in and around the magnificent temple in Jerusalem while the Pharisees were more prominent in the synagogues. The supreme court of ancient Israel, called the Sanhedrin (made of up 70 influential members plus the high priest), had members from both groups, but the Sadducees occupied the majority of the seats.

So these two groups had different ideologies. Examining the four gospels carefully, we realize that it was always the Pharisees interrogating Jesus, and it wasn't until the much later that the Sadducees joined in. Being more concerned with politics, the Sadducees didn't care so much about the “Jesus movement” until it became so prominent and made them fear that it could draw Roman attention (John 11:47–53), and also, of course, ultimately ruin their aggrandizement. It was at this point that they began to team up with the Pharisees.

So the major thing these two groups had in common was their antagonism of Jesus.

Matthew 22:23,34(NKJV)

23 - The same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him and asked Him.

34 - But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together.

Little wonder it was the Sadducees that were frequently attempting to arrest the apostles who were preaching the resurrection of Jesus everywhere.

Acts 4:1–2(NKJV)

1 - Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them,

2 - being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

Acts 5:17–18(NKJV)

17 - Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation,

18 - and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison.

Paul, being raised as a Pharisee in his early days, realized that the council that was interrogating him after his arrest in Jerusalem was a blend of both Pharisees and Sadducees.

Acts 23:6–9(NKJV)

6 - But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!"

7 - And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided.

8 - For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.

9 - Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees' party arose and protested, saying, "We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God."

Neither the Pharisees nor the Sadducees exist as organized groups anymore. At the destruction of the second temple in 70 A.D. by Roman forces led by General Titus, the Sadducean sect came to an immediate end, and so did the Pharisees. But the doctrines of the Pharisees still exist in modern Judaism.

Victor Ibosiola © 2025