Paul Mission

APOSTLE PAUL: THE ARCHITECT AND BUILDER OF THE CHURCH
M. M. NINAN
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“But the doctrine of the Sadducees is this:
That souls do not die with the bodies; nor do they regard the observation of any thing besides
what the law enjoins them; for they think it an instance of virtue to dispute with those
teachers of philosophy whom they frequent.” ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS 18
Saduceans started the movement probably at Hasomean Kingdom or even with David and
ended by the destruction of the temple in 70 AD
The Sadducees solidified as a group soon after the Maccabean revolt (167-160 B.C.). Because
they supported the Hasmonean policy of military and economic expansion, they gradually
came to exercise tremendous influence in John Hyrcanus's court (134-104 B.C.).
Their influence predominated until the end of Alexander Jannaeus's reign (76 B.C.).
Under Queen Alexandra (76-67 B.C.) the Sadducees lost their power, and their numbers were
greatly reduced.
They fared little better under Herod the Great (37-4 B.C.), who deeply mistrusted the native
Jewish aristocracy.
With the imposition of direct Roman rule (A.D. 6), Sadducean fortunes revived. Between A.D.
6 and 66 the Sadducees not only became a major power within the Sanhedrin, but, for many
years, they were able to control the high priesthood as well.
The revolt of 66-70 spelled the end for the Sadducees.