History in the Bible 2.16 Meet the Neighbours: Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes
Feb 18, 2018
Explore the fascinating divisions in ancient Judaism and how the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes emerged from the Seleucid era's fragmentation. Discover the Pharisees' beliefs in oral law and resurrection, contrasted with Josephus's positive view versus the Gospels' portrayal. Delve into the Sadducees' denial of an afterlife and their political stance. Unravel the mystery of a 'Fourth Philosophy' and learn about the Essenes' strict communal life and origins from the Zadokite priests. Get a glimpse of the Qumran community and its significant manuscript legacy.
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Covenant Law As Social Identity
- Judaism centred on a single covenant with God enforced by law and ritual practices.
- The Torah functioned as a social and moral fence separating Jews from surrounding polytheists.
Factions Appear Abruptly In Sources
- Factional labels (Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes) appear fully formed in histories after the Seleucids.
- These groups are mostly known through skeptical external historians, not internal documents.
Pharisees: Oral Law And Resurrection
- Josephus portrays Pharisees as experts in legal interpretation who blend free will with divine providence.
- They believed in an oral law and bodily resurrection for the righteous.