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In the previous article, we tackled the tenure of Archelaus and his brother, Herod Antipas. They were succeeded by Agrippa the son of Aristobulus, then his son in whose reign Jerusalem was ruined. Also, we spoke of the Zealots from whom emanated the Sicarii (dagger men). They used to contrive assassinations which caused tumult in Judea. We started dealing with Jewish sects like the Pharisees (the separatists) who were haughty. Now, we shall resume talking about the Jewish sects until Christ’s birth.
The Pharisees were among the teachers of the law. They included priests and laity. Their goal was protecting laws and legislations derived from Moses’ Law, thus, clinging to their letter, as well as the habits and traditions handed over to them by their predecessors. In one of their discussions with Christ, we read, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?”
The Pharisees were mainly interested in studying and interpreting the law. They set sharp dividing lines between the pure and the defiled. So much so that set degrees for purity. They were the Jewish elites. They believed that the Jewish entity and freedom can never be fulfilled unless the Moses Law is literally preserved. Likewise, they believed in resurrection and immortality, and that man will be rewarded according to his deeds. Thus, the Pharisees were the religious authority that guided the people spiritually. Yet, they deviated from the correct spiritual teaching: for they were full or arrogance and self-righteousness. They took pride in their religious erudition and despised the rest of the people, which is why Christ used to rebuke them, saying, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to… Watch out for the teachers of the law…They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” It is said that during Christ’s lifetime, the Pharisees were split into two factions, followers of Hillel and those of Shammai.
The Scribes
They were the copiers and interpreters of the law, including priests and Levis, though some laymen were specialized in these fields. Their work dates back to the Babylonian Captivity. They were experts in the law who dedicated their lives to implementing the commandments, which is why there is a close connection between Scribes and Pharisees. High-ranking Scribes were called Rabbis, that is, teachers. They were said to occupy a high position, being interpreters of the law. Likewise, they were religious advisers. Some of them were members of the Sanhedrim. They had a lot of authority. Christ rebuked them for their hypocrisy.
The Sadducees
They were a Jewish sect. Opinions differed regarding the etymology of “Sadducees”: for some assert they were descendants of Zadok, the priest and his family who were said to be have been priests during the reign of David and Solomon. Zadok was high priest whose mission was to serve the temple until the Captivity. The family preserved archpriesthood. It was alluded to during the Maccabeus era. Others ascribe them to a Zadok, who was a disciple of Antigonus of Sokho. He denied his master’s teachings, refusing the doctrine of resurrection. He established the Sadducee faction. Some think that “Sadducee” is ascribed to the Arabic verb “sadaq” (said the truth), which is of less credibility.
Sadducees belonged to the mercantile aristocracy of the Jewish community. Most of them were of the rich nobility, which is why they were close to the rulers. Thus, they were keen on preserving social order. They rejected rebellions. In effect, their welfare was close to that of the Greek and Roman authorities. So, they were treated respectfully.
Sadducees believed in the Pentateuch only. They were so strict that they rejected all sorts of interpretations. At the same time, they supported the priests and revered the temple. They did not believe in afterlife, for they asserted that the Pentateuch never mentioned resurrection or afterlife. Some of them disputed the matter with Christ, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man’s brother dies, and leaves his wife behind, and leaves no children, his brother should take his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife; and dying, he left no offspring. And the second took her, and he died; nor did he leave any offspring. And the third likewise. So the seven had her and left no offspring. Last of all the woman died also. Therefore, in the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be? For all seven had her as wife.” Jesus answered and said to them, “Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. But concerning the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the burning bush passage, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken.” Likewise, they denied the presence of angels and spirits. Some writers maintain that they were well versed in Greek tradition and civilization. Also, some of them believed in Epicureanism which spread at that time.
The Essenes
This is a Jewish religious sect. Its members were austere. They used to live in small communities, preferring virginity to marriage. They also used to share everything. Whoever wanted to join them was obliged to give up his property to the group that it might become everybody’s. They worked in agriculture and handicrafts. Yet, they rejected trade. Essenes revered the Sabbath, but rejected animal offerings.
Apart from their work, they used to copy and study holy books. Josephus asserts that they believed in immortality, but rejected the resurrection of the body. They were keen on bathing and purification, but abstained from marriage, which indicates that they considered whatever material evil was. They were on good terms with Herod, which allowed them to promote their doctrines and ideologies through small schools in cities and villages.
Hence, during Christ’s lifetime, lots of sects had spread. Each one had different creeds and ideologies. In effect, they clashed, thus victimizing the people who were actually victims of political feud, bloodshed, taxes, philosophies and creeds. It was not clear which one led to the correct path. It was a time when everybody sought a glimpse of light to guide him out of that somber life. What stories! Stories never end in Beautiful Egypt.
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
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