For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that the Sadducees' denial of angels and spirits wasn't just a theological quibble; it stemmed from a materialistic worldview where nothing existed beyond the physical. This starkly contrasts with the Pharisees, who affirmed not only a future resurrection but also the existence of separate spiritual beings, showing a fundamental difference in how they understood reality itself.
For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Paul stands trial, he strategically reveals his allegiance to the Pharisees, knowing their long-standing theological conflict with the Sadducees. This declaration immediately divides the council because the Sadducees reject any belief in a resurrection, angels, or spirits, while the Pharisees affirm all of these. This sharpens the focus of the opposition and creates a fierce debate, momentarily protecting Paul.
Paul found himself in a political and religious firestorm. His defense strategy? To highlight a fundamental disagreement between his accusers.
The tension here isn't just about Paul; it's about two deeply different ways of understanding reality.
The Sadducees: The Materialists
The Pharisees: The Believers in the Unseen
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Paul, a Pharisee himself, expertly used this divide. By declaring he was on trial for the 'hope and resurrection of the dead,' he sided with the Pharisees against the Sadducees, creating a crucial distraction and even a measure of protection.
Paul's declaration wasn't just a theological statement; it was a strategic masterstroke. Why was the resurrection such a big deal?
The resurrection of the dead was the central plank of Jewish hope and the absolute stumbling block for the Sadducees.
More Than Just a Future Event
For the Pharisees, the resurrection wasn't just about a future event; it was tied to the very nature of God's justice and the ultimate meaning of life. It implied:
Paul's Strategic Leverage
Paul, knowing the deep animosity between the Sadducees and Pharisees, understood that aligning himself with the 'hope of the resurrection' would immediately gain him favor with the Pharisees. He wasn't necessarily endorsing all Pharisaic traditions, but he was standing on common ground regarding this core belief. It was a brilliant move that fractured the opposition and brought the Pharisees to his defense, at least temporarily.
Understand the original words
angelos · Greek Noun
A celestial being created by God to serve as a messenger, protector, and agent of His will; they are spiritual beings that interact with the physical world.
pneuma · Greek Noun
An immaterial, non-corporeal entity; in a biblical context, it refers to the created spiritual beings (such as angels or demons) or the human spirit.
The deep theological chasm between the Sadducees and Pharisees on core beliefs like the resurrection and the existence of spirits was a critical factor in ancient Jewish society. Paul masterfully exploited this division to save his life.
c. 2nd century BC - 1st century AD
Hellenistic Influence on Jewish Thought
Greek philosophical ideas, particularly Epicurean materialism and Stoic dualism, circulated in Judea, influencing Jewish religious sects. The Sadducees adopted materialistic views, while Pharisees leaned towards dualistic ideas.
c. 1st century AD
Rise of the Sadducees
The Sadducees, primarily composed of aristocratic and priestly families, gained influence by collaborating with Roman authorities. They emphasized adherence to the written Law alone and rejected oral traditions.
c. 1st century AD
Prominence of the Pharisees
The Pharisees, a larger and more popular sect, emphasized adherence to both the written Law and extensive oral traditions. They held popular appeal due to their focus on daily piety and belief in resurrection and divine providence.
c. AD 50s
Paul's Ministry and Accusations
Paul's missionary journeys spread Christianity, leading to accusations from Jewish leaders that he undermined Jewish law and tradition. This created significant tension and opposition.
c. AD 59— this verse
Paul's Arrest and Trial in Jerusalem
Paul was arrested in Jerusalem after being accused of bringing Gentiles into the Temple. He was subsequently put on trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court.
c. AD 59
Paul's Stratagem Before the Sanhedrin
Paul cleverly divided the Sanhedrin by declaring himself a Pharisee, aligning himself with their belief in the resurrection, which the Sadducees rejected. This caused a major dissension among the council members.
This passage directly introduces the Sadducees' denial of the resurrection and provides Jesus' response, establishing the core theological conflict seen in Acts 23.
Luke 20:27Similar to Matthew, this verse highlights the Sadducees' questioning of Jesus about the resurrection, showing their consistent opposition to this doctrine and their focus on challenging foundational beliefs.
Acts 4:2This verse shows the Sadducees' opposition to the apostles teaching about the resurrection, demonstrating that their disbelief in this doctrine extended to actively suppressing those who proclaimed it.
1 Corinthians 15:12Paul's defense in Acts 23 revolves around the resurrection, and this passage in 1 Corinthians powerfully affirms the centrality of the resurrection to Christian faith, showing why it was such a contentious issue.
Jude 1:6This verse speaks of angels who 'did not keep their own position,' hinting at a spiritual realm and angelic beings, concepts that the Sadducees rejected but the Pharisees accepted, framing the broader spiritual worldview in opposition.
henryActs 23:6-11: "But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question."
23:6-11 The Pharisees were correct in the faith of the Jewish church. The Sadducees were no friends to the Scripture or Divine revelation; they denied a future state; they had neither hope of eternal happiness, nor dread of eternal misery. When ca…
cambridgeActs 23:8: "For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both."
8 . the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection ] It is said that their teaching had its rise in the thought that “God’s servants should not do service with the hope of reward.” As the life to come would be a reward we are told that their doctrine developed into the denial of the Resurrection. As we meet with them in the New Testament, they are mainly members of the p…
The verse highlights that the Sadducees' denial of angels and spirits wasn't just a theological quibble; it stemmed from a materialistic worldview where nothing existed beyond the physical. This starkly contrasts with the Pharisees, who affirmed not only a future resurrection but also the existence of separate spiritual beings, showing a fundamental difference in how they understood reality itself.
As Paul stands trial, he strategically reveals his allegiance to the Pharisees, knowing their long-standing theological conflict with the Sadducees. This declaration immediately divides the council because the Sadducees reject any belief in a resurrection, angels, or spirits, while the Pharisees affirm all of these. This sharpens the focus of the opposition and creates a fierce debate, momentarily protecting Paul.
As Paul stands trial, he strategically reveals his allegiance to the Pharisees, knowing their long-standing theological conflict with the Sadducees. This declaration immediately divides the council because the Sadducees reject any belief in a resurrection, angels, or spirits, while the Pharisees affirm all of these. This sharpens the focus of the opposition and creates a fierce debate, momentarily protecting Paul.
"For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all." — The verse highlights that the Sadducees' denial of angels and spirits wasn't just a theological quibble; it stemmed from a materialistic worldview where nothing existed beyond the physical. This star…
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Last reviewed October 2026