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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 23:8 For the Sadducees say that there is neither a resurrection, nor angels, nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/23-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/44_Act_23_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 23:8 - Paul Before the Sanhedrin" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For the Sadducees say that there is neither a resurrection, nor angels, nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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but Pharisees confess both. <a href="/kjv/acts/23.htm">King James Bible</a> For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. <a href="/nkjv/acts/23.htm">New King James Version</a> For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. <a href="/nasb_/acts/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. <a href="/nasb/acts/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. <a href="/nasb77/acts/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. <a href="/lsb/acts/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. <a href="/amp/acts/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For the Sadducees say that there is no [such thing as a] resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees [speak out freely and] acknowledge [their belief in] them all. <a href="/csb/acts/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, and neither angel nor spirit, but the Pharisees affirm them all. <a href="/hcsb/acts/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, and no angel or spirit, but the Pharisees affirm them all. <a href="/asv/acts/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. <a href="/cev/acts/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Sadducees do not believe in angels or spirits or that the dead will rise to life. But the Pharisees believe in all of these, <a href="/erv/acts/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. <a href="/gwt/acts/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> (The Sadducees say that the dead won't come back to life and that angels and spirits don't exist. The Pharisees believe in all these things.) <a href="/gnt/acts/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> For the Sadducees say that people will not rise from death and that there are no angels or spirits; but the Pharisees believe in all three.) <a href="/isv/acts/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> because the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection and that there is no such thing as an angel or spirit, but the Pharisees believe in all those things. <a href="/msb/acts/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For the Sadducees say that there is neither a resurrection nor angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. <a href="/net/acts/23.htm">NET Bible</a> (For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, or angel, or spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.) <a href="/nheb/acts/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess all of these. <a href="/wbt/acts/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. <a href="/wey/acts/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For the Sadducees maintain that there is no resurrection, and neither angel nor spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge the existence of both. <a href="/web/acts/23.htm">World English Bible</a> For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess all of these. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for Sadducees, indeed, say there is no resurrection, nor messenger, nor spirit, but Pharisees confess both. <a href="/blb/acts/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For indeed Sadducees say there to be no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but Pharisees confess both. <a href="/ylt/acts/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for Sadducees, indeed, say there is no rising again, nor messenger, nor spirit, but Pharisees confess both. <a href="/slt/acts/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For truly the Sadducees say there is no rising up, neither messenger, nor spirit: and the Pharisees acknowledge both.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. <a href="/cpdv/acts/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For the Sadducees claim that there is no resurrection, and neither angels, nor spirits. But the Pharisees confess both of these. <a href="/nabre/acts/23.htm">New American Bible</a> For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection or angels or spirits, while the Pharisees acknowledge all three. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, or angel, or spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge all three.)<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For the Sad’du-cees say there is no resurrection, neither angels nor soul: but the Phar’i-sees believe in them. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/23.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For The Sadducees were saying there is no resurrection, neither Angel, nor spirit, but The Pharisees confess all of these.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/23.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection; neither angel nor spirit: but the Pharisees acknowledge both. And there arose a great clamor. And the scribes, on the part of the Pharisees, arose and contended, saying: <a href="/godbey/acts/23.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For the Sadducees indeed say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. <a href="/haweis/acts/23.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For the Sadducees say indeed, that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. <a href="/mace/acts/23.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for the Sadducees maintain, there is neither resurrection, nor angel, or spirit, whereas the Pharisees acknowledge both: the clamour was great, <a href="/wey/acts/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For the Sadducees maintain that there is no resurrection, and neither angel nor spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge the existence of both. <a href="/worrell/acts/23.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge both. <a href="/worsley/acts/23.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For the sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but the pharisees acknowledge both. <a href="/parallel/acts/23-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=7725" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/23.htm">Paul Before the Sanhedrin</a> …7As soon as he had said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3303.htm" title="3303: men (Conj) -- A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de."></a> <a href="/greek/4523.htm" title="4523: Saddoukaioi (N-NMP) -- Probably from Sadok; a Sadducaean, or follower of a certain heretical Israelite.">the Sadducees</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legousin (V-PIA-3P) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">say that</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: einai (V-PNA) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">there is</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">neither</a> <a href="/greek/386.htm" title="386: anastasin (N-AFS) -- A rising again, resurrection. From anistemi; a standing up again, i.e. a resurrection from death (its author), or a recovery.">a resurrection,</a> <a href="/greek/3383.htm" title="3383: mēte (Conj) -- Nor, neither, not even, neither?nor. From me and te; not too, i.e. neither or nor; also, not even.">nor</a> <a href="/greek/32.htm" title="32: angelon (N-AMS) -- From aggello; a messenger; especially an angel; by implication, a pastor.">angels,</a> <a href="/greek/3383.htm" title="3383: mēte (Conj) -- Nor, neither, not even, neither?nor. From me and te; not too, i.e. neither or nor; also, not even.">nor</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: pneuma (N-ANS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">spirits,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/5330.htm" title="5330: Pharisaioi (N-NMP) -- Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.">the Pharisees</a> <a href="/greek/3670.htm" title="3670: homologousin (V-PIA-3P) -- From a compound of the base of homou and logos; to assent, i.e. Covenant, acknowledge.">acknowledge</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/297.htm" title="297: amphotera (Adj-ANP) -- Both (of two). Comparative of amphi; both.">them all.</a> 9A great clamor arose, and some scribes from the party of the Pharisees got up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/22-23.htm">Matthew 22:23</a> That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him. <a href="/mark/12-18.htm">Mark 12:18</a> Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him: <a href="/luke/20-27.htm">Luke 20:27</a> Then some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to question Him. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-12.htm">1 Corinthians 15:12-13</a> But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? / If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-42.htm">1 Corinthians 15:42-44</a> So will it be with the resurrection of the dead: What is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable. / It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. / It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-52.htm">1 Corinthians 15:52</a> in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. <a href="/philippians/3-11.htm">Philippians 3:11</a> and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. <a href="/philippians/3-21.htm">Philippians 3:21</a> who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body. <a href="/2_timothy/2-18.htm">2 Timothy 2:18</a> who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some. <a href="/hebrews/11-35.htm">Hebrews 11:35</a> Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection. <a href="/exodus/3-6.htm">Exodus 3:6</a> Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. <a href="/exodus/3-15.htm">Exodus 3:15-16</a> God also told Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered in every generation. / Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—has appeared to me and said: I have surely attended to you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt. <a href="/deuteronomy/32-39.htm">Deuteronomy 32:39</a> See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand. <a href="/job/19-25.htm">Job 19:25-27</a> But I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end He will stand upon the earth. / Even after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. / I will see Him for myself; my eyes will behold Him, and not as a stranger. How my heart yearns within me! <a href="/psalms/16-10.htm">Psalm 16:10</a> For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.<a href="/acts/4-1.htm">Acts 4:1</a> And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,<a href="/matthew/22-23.htm">Matthew 22:23</a> The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,<a href="/mark/12-18.htm">Mark 12:18</a> Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/9-22.htm">Acknowledge</a> <a href="/acts/12-23.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/acts/7-53.htm">Angels</a> <a href="/acts/13-41.htm">Belief</a> <a href="/john/12-42.htm">Confess</a> <a href="/acts/23-6.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/acts/17-28.htm">Existence</a> <a href="/acts/22-9.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/acts/19-36.htm">Maintain</a> <a href="/acts/12-23.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/acts/23-7.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/acts/23-6.htm">Resurrection</a> <a href="/acts/17-32.htm">Rising</a> <a href="/acts/23-7.htm">Sadducees</a> <a href="/acts/23-7.htm">Sad'ducees</a> <a href="/acts/21-11.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/acts/19-13.htm">Spirits</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/24-3.htm">Acknowledge</a> <a href="/acts/23-9.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/romans/8-38.htm">Angels</a> <a href="/acts/24-14.htm">Belief</a> <a href="/acts/24-14.htm">Confess</a> <a href="/acts/24-15.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/romans/1-20.htm">Existence</a> <a href="/acts/23-18.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Maintain</a> <a href="/acts/27-23.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/acts/23-9.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/acts/24-15.htm">Resurrection</a> <a href="/acts/24-15.htm">Rising</a> <a href="/matthew/3-7.htm">Sadducees</a> <a href="/matthew/3-7.htm">Sad'ducees</a> <a href="/acts/23-9.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/acts/27-36.htm">Spirits</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 23</div>1. <a href="/acts/23-1.htm">As Paul pleads his cause,</a> 2. <a href="/acts/23-2.htm">Ananias commands them to strike him.</a> 7. <a href="/acts/23-7.htm">Dissension among his accusers.</a> 11. <a href="/acts/23-11.htm">God encourages him.</a> 14. <a href="/acts/23-14.htm">The Jews' vow to kill Paul,</a> 20. <a href="/acts/23-20.htm">is declared unto the chief captain.</a> 27. <a href="/acts/23-27.htm">He sends him to Felix the governor.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For the Sadducees say that there is neither a resurrection The Sadducees were a Jewish sect that held significant power in the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. They were known for their aristocratic status and priestly lineage, often associated with the Temple in Jerusalem. Their denial of the resurrection is rooted in their strict adherence to the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament), where they claimed there was no explicit mention of resurrection. This belief set them apart from other Jewish groups, particularly the Pharisees, who believed in life after death. The Sadducees' rejection of the resurrection is significant in the context of Acts, as it highlights the theological divisions within Judaism at the time of the early church.nor angels nor spirits The Sadducees also denied the existence of angels and spirits, which further distinguished them from the Pharisees and other Jewish groups. This belief likely stemmed from their interpretation of the Torah, which they considered the sole authoritative scripture, and where they found no clear references to such beings. In contrast, the Pharisees and other Jewish sects accepted the existence of angels and spirits, as evidenced in various Old Testament passages (e.g., <a href="/genesis/19.htm">Genesis 19:1</a>, <a href="/daniel/10-13.htm">Daniel 10:13</a>). This denial by the Sadducees reflects their rationalistic approach to religion and their focus on the material world.but the Pharisees acknowledge them all The Pharisees were another influential Jewish sect known for their strict observance of the Law and oral traditions. Unlike the Sadducees, the Pharisees believed in the resurrection, angels, and spirits, aligning more closely with the broader Jewish tradition and the teachings found in the Prophets and Writings. This belief in the supernatural and the afterlife is evident in various New Testament passages (e.g., <a href="/matthew/22-23.htm">Matthew 22:23-33</a>, where Jesus debates the resurrection with the Sadducees). The Pharisees' acknowledgment of these doctrines underscores their more comprehensive interpretation of the Hebrew Scriptures, which included the entire Old Testament canon. This theological stance provided common ground with early Christians, who also affirmed the resurrection and the existence of spiritual beings.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/sadducees.htm">Sadducees</a> A Jewish sect during the time of Jesus and the early church, known for their denial of the resurrection, angels, and spirits. They were typically from the priestly and aristocratic classes and held significant power in the Sanhedrin. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a> Another Jewish sect, known for their strict adherence to the Law and belief in the resurrection, angels, and spirits. They were influential in the synagogues and among the common people. 3. <a href="/topical/s/sanhedrin.htm">Sanhedrin</a> The ruling council of the Jews, composed of both Sadducees and Pharisees. It was the highest religious and legal authority in Israel during the time of the New Testament. 4. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who is the central figure in this chapter. He is on trial before the Sanhedrin and uses the theological differences between the Sadducees and Pharisees to his advantage. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where this event takes place, significant as the religious and political center of Jewish life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_doctrinal_differences.htm">Understanding Doctrinal Differences</a> Recognize the importance of understanding different theological perspectives within Christianity and how they can impact our faith and witness. <a href="/topical/t/the_centrality_of_the_resurrection.htm">The Centrality of the Resurrection</a> The resurrection is a cornerstone of Christian belief. Without it, our faith is in vain. Embrace and proclaim the hope of the resurrection in daily life. <a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_the_spiritual_realm.htm">The Reality of the Spiritual Realm</a> Acknowledge the existence of angels and spirits as part of God's creation. This awareness can deepen our understanding of God's sovereignty and the unseen spiritual battles. <a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_conflict.htm">Wisdom in Conflict</a> Like Paul, use wisdom and discernment when facing opposition. Understanding the beliefs of others can provide opportunities to share the gospel effectively. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_essential_beliefs.htm">Unity in Essential Beliefs</a> While differences exist, focus on unity in essential Christian doctrines, such as the resurrection, to maintain fellowship and witness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 23</a> <a href="/q/how_do_sadducees_differ_from_pharisees.htm">What distinguishes Sadducees from Pharisees?</a> <a href="/q/did_paul_use_pharisee_status_to_divide.htm">Acts 23:6–7 – Did Paul use his Pharisee identity just to create division, and is there historical evidence supporting such a reaction from the council? </a> <a href="/q/what_was_the_identity_of_the_sadducees.htm">What was the identity of the Sadducees?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_jesus's_resurrection_claim_fit.htm">Matthew 22:23–33: How can Jesus’s claim about resurrection make sense given the Sadducees’ detailed scenario and no clear scientific explanation? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection.--On the general teaching of the Sadducees, see Note on <a href="/matthew/22-23.htm" title="The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,">Matthew 22:23</a>. Their denial of the existence of angels and spirits seems at first inconsistent with the known facts that they acknowledged the divine authority of the Pentateuch, which contains so many narratives of angelophanies, and were more severe than others in their administration of the Law. The great body of the higher priestly class were, we know, mere Sadducees (<a href="/acts/5-17.htm" title="Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,">Acts 5:17</a>); and what, on their principles, was the meaning of the Temple ritual? They were, in fact, carried along by one of the great waves of thought which were then passing over the ancient world, and were Epicureans and Materialists without knowing it, just as the Pharisees were, even to the eye of a writer like Josephus (Life, c. 3), the counterpart of the Stoics. For them the "angels" of the Pentateuch were not distinct beings, but evanescent manifestations of the divine glory.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - Neither angel, etc. Is there any connection between this expression and that in <a href="/acts/12-15.htm">Acts 12:15</a>, "It is his angel" (see ver. 9)? For the statement regarding the Pharisees and Sadducees, see <a href="/luke/20-27.htm">Luke 20:27</a>. <a href="/commentaries/acts/23-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. [the] Sadducees Σαδδουκαῖοι (Saddoukaioi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4523.htm">Strong's 4523: </a> Probably from Sadok; a Sadducaean, or follower of a certain heretical Israelite. say λέγουσιν (legousin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. there is εἶναι (einai) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. neither μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. a resurrection, ἀνάστασιν (anastasin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_386.htm">Strong's 386: </a> A rising again, resurrection. From anistemi; a standing up again, i.e. a resurrection from death (its author), or a recovery. nor μήτε (mēte) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3383.htm">Strong's 3383: </a> Nor, neither, not even, neither?nor. From me and te; not too, i.e. neither or nor; also, not even. angels, ἄγγελον (angelon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_32.htm">Strong's 32: </a> From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor. nor μήτε (mēte) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3383.htm">Strong's 3383: </a> Nor, neither, not even, neither?nor. From me and te; not too, i.e. neither or nor; also, not even. spirits, πνεῦμα (pneuma) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. [the] Pharisees Φαρισαῖοι (Pharisaioi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5330.htm">Strong's 5330: </a> Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary. acknowledge ὁμολογοῦσιν (homologousin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3670.htm">Strong's 3670: </a> From a compound of the base of homou and logos; to assent, i.e. Covenant, acknowledge. them all. ἀμφότερα (amphotera) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_297.htm">Strong's 297: </a> Both (of two). Comparative of amphi; both. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/23-8.htm">Acts 23:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/23-8.htm">Acts 23:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/23-8.htm">Acts 23:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/23-8.htm">Acts 23:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/23-8.htm">Acts 23:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/23-8.htm">Acts 23:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/23-8.htm">Acts 23:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/23-8.htm">Acts 23:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/23-8.htm">Acts 23:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/23-8.htm">Acts 23:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/23-8.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 23:8 For the Sadducees say that there (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/23-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 23:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 23:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/23-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 23:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 23:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>