The Sects of Judaism in the first century

When one is studying first century Judaism, he or she must realize that Judaism embraced three foundational beliefs. The first was that there is only one God. The second was that God was creator of all things. The final belief was that God had made a covenant with Israel.

There are four sects of Judaism: the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Essenes, and the Zealots.

I will begin by discussing the Pharisees. Today’s Jews are descendents of this group. The Pharisees believed that their enslavement to Rome was a direct result of Israel’s disobedience of God’s Law. They focused on teaching and obeying the TORAH. The Pharisees went to great lengths to interpret the Law of Moses. In doing so, they created vast number of additional laws that were to be observed. One law was “you shall not throw the dirty dish water out the window or it may water a seed, then you would be working on the Sabbath.” (Dr. MR Spring 2001). They thought that perfect obedience would bring Israel back into right standing with God and the Messiah would come. They also believed that the Jews that died who lived righteously would be resurrected after God restored the covenant.

The Sadducees are the second group that I will discuss. Most of their religious activity was centered within the confines of the temple. Unlike the Pharisees, they gave no creditability to oral traditions that were passed down from generation to generation. Most Sadducees were members of the priesthood. They were professional and wealthy. Their beliefs were based on the five books of Moses. They believed God blessed those who live righteously in their lifetime. They did not believe that there would be a resurrection.

The Essenes had an apocalyptic outlook. They were separatists. They chose to withdraw themselves from urban settings and lived primarily in rural areas. Unlike the Pharisees the Essenes were passive. They thought that they were the only ones that would be redeemed; they believed that God would exact judgment upon the evil people. They focused on obeying the Torah.

The Zealots were people who thought that God needed help in redeeming Israel. They followed individuals who claimed to be the Christ. They were willing to wage war against Rome. Many zealots were apprehended and crucified for their rebellion against Rome. They believed that when the Messiah came they would have victory. They also believed in the Resurrection. When the people helped God overcome the government, he would resurrect the faithful who fought bravely.

These groups had many problems with Jesus. The Pharisees believed that keeping the letter of the Law was the ultimate answer. Jesus taught otherwise. In Luke 11:52 he says, “Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.”

The Sadducees focused on the temple. Jesus told his disciples. In Matthew 24:2 “Do you see all these things? He asked. I tell the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

The Essenes were separatists and purposed not associate with most of the “sinful” society. Jesus lived among sinners, although He did not condone the sin in people’s lives. Jesus taught that we must shine our light before all men. Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before all men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Zealots hoped that the Messiah would be a great warrior. Jesus taught otherwise. Isaiah 9:6 says, “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Jesus taught them to love their neighbors as themselves.

All these sects were convinced that their way of thinking was essential in bringing about the appearance of the Messiah. The best plans of man often fail because man forgets who is ultimately in control. All of these sects fell short in their attempts to interpret God’s Law.

This file for reference use only.