Acts 23:8

KJV

For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063}{G3303} the Sadducees {G4523} say {G3004} that there is {G1511} no {G3361} resurrection {G386}, neither {G3366} angel {G32}, nor {G3383} spirit {G4151}: but {G1161} the Pharisees {G5330} confess {G3670} both {G297}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the Tz’dukim deny the resurrection and the existence of angels and spirits; whereas the P’rushim acknowledge both.

Berean Standard Bible

For the Sadducees say that there is neither a resurrection, nor angels, nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.

American Standard Version

For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 23:8 succinctly encapsulates the profound theological chasm separating the Sadducees and the Pharisees, two influential Jewish factions during the first century. This verse appears within the narrative of Paul's appearance before the Sanhedrin, where his astute awareness of these doctrinal differences allows him to strategically divide the council, turning their internal disagreements into an opportunity for his defense. It highlights their fundamental disagreements concerning eschatology and the nature of the spiritual realm, specifically regarding the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels, and the continuation of the human spirit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the account of Paul's trial before the Sanhedrin, following his arrest in Jerusalem. Having been brought before the Jewish high council, Paul, a former Pharisee, shrewdly recognizes the composition of his judges. In [Acts 23:6](/acts/23-6 "Acts 23:6 - Paul's Declaration to the Sanhedrin"), he declares himself to be on trial concerning the "hope and resurrection of the dead." This declaration, as [Acts 23:7](/acts/23-7 "Acts 23:7 - Division in the Sanhedrin") immediately reveals, directly exploits the deep-seated theological division described in [Acts 23:8](/acts/23-8 "Acts 23:8 - Sadducees and Pharisees Disagree"). The verse thus serves as a crucial explanatory note, clarifying *why* Paul's statement was so effective in fracturing the Sanhedrin into a heated dispute between its Sadducean and Pharisaic members, thereby diverting attention from Paul himself.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism was not monolithic but comprised various sects with distinct beliefs and practices. The Sadducees were primarily an aristocratic, priestly class, often wealthy landowners, who held significant power within the Temple establishment and the Sanhedrin. Their theology was highly conservative, accepting only the written Torah (the Pentateuch) as divinely authoritative. Consequently, they rejected doctrines not explicitly stated therein, such as the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels, and the immortality of the soul. They generally sought to maintain the status quo and often collaborated with the Roman authorities to preserve their influence. In contrast, the Pharisees were a more popular movement, widely respected by the common people. They accepted the entire Old Testament (Torah, Prophets, and Writings) as scripture and, crucially, also upheld a vast body of oral tradition, which they believed to be divinely revealed alongside the written law. This broader theological framework led them to affirm the resurrection, the existence of angels, and the continuation of the spirit after death. Their commitment to the Law and traditions often put them at odds with both the Sadducees and the Roman occupation.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme highlighted in [Acts 23:8](/acts/23-8 "Acts 23:8 - Theological Differences") is the profound **theological division** within first-century Judaism, particularly concerning eschatology and the spiritual realm. The **resurrection of the dead** stands out as the most contentious point. For the Pharisees, belief in a future bodily resurrection was a cornerstone of their hope and a key aspect of divine justice, as seen in passages like [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection to Everlasting Life or Contempt"). This belief would later become the foundational truth of Christianity, centered on the [resurrection of Jesus Christ](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Christ's Death, Burial, and Resurrection"). Another significant theme is the **existence of spiritual beings**, namely angels and spirits. While the Sadducees denied their reality, the Pharisees affirmed the active presence of angels in divine providence, as ministering spirits ([Hebrews 1:14](/hebrews/1-14 "Hebrews 1:14 - Angels as Ministering Spirits")), and believed in the continuation of the human spirit beyond physical death. This verse underscores how deeply these distinct theological commitments shaped the worldview and political alignments of these two powerful groups.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **resurrection (Greek, _anástasis'_):** From G386, meaning "a standing up again," specifically referring to a resurrection from death. Its denial by the Sadducees highlights their materialistic and temporal worldview, contrasting sharply with the spiritual hope of the Pharisees and, supremely, the Christian message.
* **angel (Greek, _ángelos'_):** From G32, meaning "a messenger," especially a divine messenger or celestial being. The Sadducees' rejection of angels signifies their limited understanding of the unseen spiritual realm, insisting on a reality confined to the tangible and empirically verifiable.
* **spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** From G4151, meaning "a current of air, breath," but by analogy or figuratively, "a spirit," including the rational soul, vital principle, or superhuman beings (angels, demons), or the divine Spirit. The Sadducees' denial of "spirit" encompassed both the concept of disembodied human spirits after death and the broader reality of non-physical spiritual entities, reflecting their rejection of an afterlife and an active spiritual dimension beyond the physical.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection":** This clause directly states the Sadducees' fundamental theological tenet regarding the afterlife. Their rejection of the resurrection was rooted in their adherence solely to the Pentateuch, where explicit references to a bodily resurrection are less prominent than in other Old Testament books (e.g., Daniel, Isaiah). They interpreted passages like [Exodus 3:6](/exodus/3-6 "Exodus 3:6 - God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob") in a way that denied a future bodily resurrection, leading to their famous challenge to Jesus in [Matthew 22:23-33](/matthew/22-23-33 "Matthew 22:23-33 - The Sadducees and the Resurrection").
* **"neither angel, nor spirit":** This expands on the Sadducees' materialistic worldview. Their denial extended beyond the resurrection to include all spiritual entities—both celestial beings (angels) and the concept of an immaterial human spirit that survives death. This reflects a rationalistic approach that dismissed anything not directly observable or explicitly detailed in their narrow interpretation of the Torah.
* **"but the Pharisees confess both":** In stark contrast, this clause highlights the Pharisees' affirmation of all the doctrines denied by the Sadducees. Their belief system, which embraced the entire Old Testament and oral traditions, included a robust understanding of the resurrection of the dead, the active role of angels in God's plan, and the enduring nature of the human spirit. This comprehensive theological framework provided a richer and more expansive view of God's interaction with humanity and the spiritual dimension of existence.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Acts 23:8 is **Contrast**, which is powerfully employed through **Juxtaposition**. The verse directly places the beliefs of the Sadducees against those of the Pharisees, using the conjunction "but" (Greek: `dé`, G1161) to emphasize their opposing views. This stark contrast highlights the irreconcilable nature of their theological positions on crucial doctrines such as the resurrection, the existence of angels, and the concept of spirit. The **Conciseness** of the verse also serves to make this theological divide clear and impactful, presenting a summary statement that explains the immediate narrative tension in the Sanhedrin. By presenting these opposing viewpoints side-by-side, Luke effectively clarifies the deep-seated ideological schism that Paul so skillfully exploited.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 23:8 underscores the critical importance of core theological doctrines, particularly regarding eschatology and the nature of reality. The Sadducees' rejection of the resurrection, angels, and spirit reveals a limited, earth-bound understanding of God's power and His interaction with the world. Their focus on the temporal and the material stands in stark opposition to the biblical narrative's consistent affirmation of a spiritual realm, divine intervention through angels, and the ultimate hope of resurrection. The Pharisees, in contrast, held a more complete and biblically aligned view, recognizing the breadth of God's revelation and the future hope it entails. This ancient division foreshadows ongoing debates within religious thought about the nature of the afterlife, the spiritual dimension, and the extent of divine revelation, reminding us that what we believe about these matters profoundly shapes our worldview and hope.

* [1 Corinthians 15:12-20](/1_corinthians/15-12-20 "The Importance of Christ's Resurrection") - Paul argues passionately for the centrality of the resurrection of the dead, stating that without it, Christian faith is futile.
* [Matthew 22:23-33](/matthew/22-23-33 "Jesus Refutes the Sadducees on the Resurrection") - Jesus directly confronts the Sadducees' denial of the resurrection, demonstrating their error from the very Torah they claimed to uphold, emphasizing God's power and the living nature of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
* [Hebrews 1:14](/hebrews/1-14 "Angels as Ministering Spirits") - This verse explicitly affirms the existence and role of angels as "ministering spirits sent out to serve those who are to inherit salvation," directly countering the Sadducees' skepticism.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The theological dispute between the Sadducees and Pharisees concerning the resurrection, angels, and spirit serves as a powerful reminder that core doctrines are not mere intellectual exercises but foundational truths that shape our understanding of God, humanity, and our ultimate destiny. Our beliefs about the afterlife, the spiritual realm, and divine interaction profoundly impact our hope, our ethics, and our response to suffering. Like the Sadducees, we can sometimes be tempted to limit God's power and reality to what we can empirically observe or rationally explain, thereby diminishing the vastness of His creation and His redemptive plan. Conversely, embracing the full scope of biblical truth, as the Pharisees did regarding these specific points, opens us to a richer and more hopeful spiritual reality. This passage challenges us to examine our own theological foundations, ensuring they are rooted in the entirety of God's revealed Word, rather than selectively adhering to what feels comfortable or comprehensible. It also illustrates how deeply held convictions, even within a shared religious heritage, can lead to significant division, underscoring the importance of discerning essential from non-essential doctrines and pursuing unity in truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are some core theological beliefs that are non-negotiable for your faith, and why are they so important?**
* **How might a denial of the resurrection, angels, or the spirit impact one's daily living and hope for the future?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Sadducees, be tempted to limit God's power or the scope of His reality to our own understanding?**

### FAQ

**Why was the resurrection such a point of contention between the Sadducees and the Pharisees?**

Answer: The core of the disagreement lay in their differing interpretations of scripture and their acceptance of tradition. The Sadducees recognized only the Pentateuch (the first five books of Moses) as authoritative scripture. Since the Pentateuch does not explicitly detail a bodily resurrection, they rejected the doctrine. For them, life was solely in the present. The Pharisees, however, accepted the entire Old Testament (Torah, Prophets, and Writings) as divinely inspired, and in books like [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection to Everlasting Life") and [Isaiah 26:19](/isaiah/26-19 "Isaiah 26:19 - Resurrection of the Dead"), the concept of a future resurrection is clearly present. They also held to a robust body of oral tradition that affirmed the resurrection. This difference was fundamental, impacting their views on divine justice, the afterlife, and the ultimate hope for humanity.

**What was the significance of Paul exploiting this division within the Sanhedrin?**

Answer: Paul, being a former Pharisee (as he states in [Acts 23:6](/acts/23-6 "Acts 23:6 - Paul's Declaration")), fully understood the deep theological chasm between the Sadducees and Pharisees. By declaring that he was on trial "concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead," he skillfully shifted the focus from his alleged transgressions against Jewish law or the Temple to a doctrinal dispute that was already a major point of contention within the Sanhedrin itself. This declaration immediately ignited a fierce argument between the two factions ([Acts 23:7](/acts/23-7 "Acts 23:7 - Division in the Sanhedrin")), effectively neutralizing the council's ability to present a unified front against him. It highlights Paul's strategic brilliance and his willingness to use his intimate knowledge of Jewish sects to his advantage for the sake of the Gospel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 23:8, while detailing an ancient Jewish theological dispute, finds its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Sadducees' denial of the resurrection, angels, and spirit stands in stark contrast to the reality unveiled by Christ. Jesus himself directly refuted the Sadducees' flawed understanding of the resurrection, declaring in [John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life"), "I am the resurrection and the life." His own bodily resurrection from the dead, attested to by numerous witnesses and foundational to the Christian faith ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Christ's Death, Burial, and Resurrection")), definitively proves the reality of the resurrection, transcending the Pharisaic belief from a future hope to a present reality in Him. Furthermore, Jesus frequently interacted with angels ([Matthew 4:11](/matthew/4-11 "Matthew 4:11 - Angels Minister to Jesus")) and taught extensively about the spiritual realm, including the Holy Spirit ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")) and the human spirit's eternal destiny. Through His triumph over death and His revelation of the spiritual world, Christ not only validates the Pharisaic belief in these matters but elevates them, offering a living hope and a deeper understanding of God's eternal plan for humanity, where believers are promised a future resurrection and eternal life in His presence ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit of God Gives Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 20:27

¶ Then came to [him] certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,

Matthew 22:23

¶ The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,

Mark 12:18

¶ Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,

Acts 4:1

¶ And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,