Pharisees Sadducees
Greek for “separated (“followers of Zadok,”
ones”)
Brotherhoods devoted to
the Torah and its strict
adherence from c150 BCE.
Became the people’s
party,
favored passive resistance
to Greco-Roman rule
B Believed in Messianic
E redemption, resurrection,
L free will, angels and
I demons, and oral
E interpretations of the
F Torah
Practices
P Fasted twice a week and
R washed ritually.
A Observed seven hours of
C prayer and gave 10
T percent
I of all possessions to the
C Temple
E acceptable
Zealots
(from Greek “zealous
Solomon’s High Priest)
Conservative, wealthy,
and
aristocratic party of the
status quo from c150 BCE.
Usually held the high
priesthood and were the
majority of the 71-
member
Sanhedrin Supreme
Council. Prepared to work
with Rome and Herods
Did not believe in
resurrection, free will,
angels, and demons, or
oral interpretations of the
Torah
High Priests had a
monopoly on animals for
sacrifice and levied 10
percent tithe for upkeep
of
the Temple. Marriage and
luxurious living were
Herodians Scribes
(followers of King Herod) (sopherim in ancient
one”)
Extremist fighters who sensuality and corrupt
regarded political living, the Herodians
freedom were supporters of the
as a religious imperative. policies and government
Underground resistance of the Herodian (Herod)
movement, especially family. They were a
strong in Galilee. The political rather than
most fanatical became religious party; sincerely
sicarii, dagger-wielding friendly to Herod the
assassins Great and to his dynasty
“No rule but the Law – Herodians were a
No King but God”. They political party that
expected a Messiah to wanted to restore a
save their cause Herod to the throne in
Judea as well as other
areas ruled by Herod the
Great. They were
political foes of the
Pharisees who wished to
restore the kingdom of
David.
Led revolts against Rome
in 6, 42 and 66–73 CE
but
were often divided
among
themselves
Essenes
(probably Greek from the
Hebrew Syriac “holy ones”)
Copiers and Breakaway desert monastic
interpreters group, especially at
of the Torah since Qumran on the Dead Sea
before from c130 BCE
the Exile of 586 BCE. Lived communally, without
Linked to the private property, as farmers
Pharisees, or craftsmen under a
but some were also Teacher of Righteousness
Sadducees and on and Council
the
Sanhedrin Supreme
Council
Defined work, etc, so Priesthood, Temple
as sacrifices, and calendar
to keep the Sabbath. were all invalid. They
Obedience to their expected the world’s early
written end and did not believe in
code would win resurrection. Year’s
salvation probation for membership
Compiled the Worshipped three times a
Mishnah day in strict order. Copied
record of oral law Hebrew scriptures. Ritual
c200 CE baths plus meal of wine and
bread on Sabbath. Few
married, and women lived
outside walls