Pharisees and Sadducees

The Pharisees and Sadducees were the two dominant religious parties of Judaism in the time of Jesus — differing sharply from each other on theology and practice, and both frequently in conflict with Jesus, though in different ways (CCC 575).

The Pharisees

The Pharisees were a movement of lay scholars dedicated to the careful observance of the Torah and oral tradition. They believed in the resurrection of the dead, angels, and divine providence — positions Jesus largely shared. Their conflict with Jesus centered on the interpretation of the Law: he repeatedly challenged their casuistry, their reduction of religion to external observance, and their failure to see the Law's deeper spirit. Jesus's harshest words (Matthew 23) are directed at Pharisaic hypocrisy — not at their beliefs, which were closer to his than those of any other group (CCC 575).

The Sadducees

The Sadducees were an aristocratic priestly party that controlled the Temple and the Sanhedrin (the high council). They rejected the oral tradition and accepted only the written Torah. They did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, angels, or divine providence — Jesus explicitly contradicted them on the resurrection (Matthew 22:23–33). The Sadducees were the primary instigators of Jesus's arrest and trial (CCC 575).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are modern Jews "Pharisees"? No — and the term should never be used as a pejorative. Modern Rabbinic Judaism developed from the Pharisaic tradition after the destruction of the Temple. The Catechism explicitly warns against any anti-Semitic use of Gospel texts, noting that Jesus's criticisms were directed at specific leaders, not the Jewish people as a whole (CCC 597).