JUDAISM AT THE TIME OF

JESUS:Groups within

Judaism

HISTORIANS BELIEVE THAT THERE WERE 6 GROUPS OF JEWS THAT LIVED IN ISRAEL AROUND THE TIME OF JESUS. EACH GROUP HAD DISTINCT CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS AS WELL AS VARYING (OFTEN CONFLICTING) POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS IDEOLOGIES.

THE PHARISEES The most influential religious sect during the

life of Jesus Often mentioned in the New Testament Well-educated religious leaders who focussed

on keeping the Jews faithful to the Law Strict observance of the Sabbath and

obeying the purity laws, dietary rules, and ritual cleansings Also recognized the oral traditions of the

elders Portrayed in the NT as models of obedience

to the Law

Jesus sometimes criticized them for focussing on superficial matters rather than the spirit of the Law Ex. they excluded the unclean

(physically/emotionally ill or tax collectors) from their tables

Some Pharisees were hostile towards Jesus, but others apparently liked him and were curious about his teachings Ex. the Apostle Matthew and St. Paul were

Pharisees Jesus shared some of their beliefs

resurrection of the righteous, the existence of angels and spirits, and a final judgement

SADDUCEES Didn’t believe in anything that wasn’t written in the

Torah Ex. didn’t believe in life after death

Part of the wealthy, conservation, aristocratic ruling class Actively worked with the Romans which helped

maintain their economic power Powerful in the religious community because they were

the chief priests and elders (by heredity) Rarely mentioned in the New Testament, yet still a

significant (though small) group Responsible for preserving the sanctity of the Temple

and managing it Composed the majority of the 71 member Sanhedrin

(the highest court of Israel)

Emphasized Temple sacrifice, which is one reason for their decline after the destruction of the Temple in AD 70

THE SCRIBES

Interpreted and taught the Law Most closely affiliated with the Pharisees, but also associated with the Sadducees Not a religious party; they werescholars who assisted in writing and teaching about their religioustraditions

Also responsible for writing andkeeping records for the people May have served at synagogueservices by reading and explaining the Scripture

THE ESSENES

Generally avoided contact with foreign cultures and followed the Law of Moses to the last details

(Unlike the Sadducees) believed to have withdrawn completely from the world/political activity to prepare for coming of God Believed Temple worship was impure and

that Jews had become lazy in following the Law

Deserted communities to live pure, monastic lives

Likely followed John the Baptist Not mentioned in the Bible believed to be

Qumran movement

THE ZEALOTS

A rebellious movement of militant Jews Desired and fought for the recovery of Jewish

independence Considered the acceptance of foreign government and

taxes to Rome as blasphemy against God Other groups within Judaism greatly disliked this

group Zealots were mostly responsible for outbreak of

violence against Rome from 66-70AD, which resulted in the destruction of the Tempe and Jewish community in Jerusalem only the Pharisees survived

After the fall of Jerusalem the Zealots, Sadducees, and Essenes either disappeared or were significantly reduced

THE GREAT MAJORITY

(THE POOR) Most clearly linked to Jesus’ mission Luke 4:18-19 Jesus’ mission was to...

Preach the good news to the poorHelp people be free to really live Perform acts ofmercy Work towards social justice Celebrate and proclaim the arrival of deliverance