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These are some of the Jewish Religious parties or sects exited before Christianity blossomed.
Pharisees
A Jewish religious group known for strict adherence to the Law (Pentateuch) and traditions.
They separated themselves from all they believe to be unclean. That gave them the name "The separated ones"
Characteristics:
1. Believed in the resurrection of the dead.
2. believe in the parousia (second coming)
3. Emphasized ritual purity and religious traditions.
4. They believe in the existence of angels.
5. Often opposed Jesus, accusing Him of breaking the law. And Jesus called them "the hypocrite"
6. They were mostly traders and merchants with no formal education.
7. They refer to the Oral law as "tradition of the elders"
8. They believe both on the written and non written laws.
Sadducees
The name Sadducee means "to be righteous"
A Jewish sect mainly composed of wealthy priests and aristocrats. The were those that often tested Jesus. Example, they asked Jesus to proof whom among the seven brothers that had married the same woman before they die, who will be the true husband of the women on resurrection day. (This was because they never believe in resurrection)
Characteristics:
1. Rejected belief in resurrection and angels.
2. Accepted only the Written Law (Torah).
3. They do not believe in the parousia (second coming)
4. Cooperated with Roman authorities.
5. Wealthy, conservative, and elite.
6. They don't believe in fate (predestination) rather freewill
3. Scribes
Experts in the Jewish Law ( mosaic) they were call rabbi meaning " my master" their occupation was studying and interpretation of the law as lawyers.
Characteristics:
i. Interpreted and taught the Law.
ii. Copied and preserved Scriptures.
iii. Held positions of authority in religious matters.
iv. Respected as legal scholars (lawyers)
v. Sometimes opposed Jesus’ teachings.
Zealots
A violent Jewish group that opposed Roman rule, they were militants who love violence and assignation.
They were known as freedom fighters. The used short dagger call sica. This also marked them as sicarior assassin.
Characteristics:
1. Assassin and militant.
2. Believed in using violence to achieve freedom.
3. Rejected Roman authority and taxation.
4. Viewed as revolutionaries or rebels.
5. The fought with sica (dagger)
Sanhedrin
The highest Jewish council or court during Jesus’ time.
Characteristics:
1. Made up of Pharisees and Sadducees.
2. Had religious and civil authority.
3. Headed by the High Priest.
4. Tried Jesus and sentenced Him to death.
Publicans
Jewish tax collectors for the Roman government.
Characteristics:
1. Viewed as sinners and traitors.
2. Often overcharged and extorted money.
3. Despised by the Jewish people.
4. Wealthy but socially rejected.
5. Some, like Zacchaeus, repented and followed Jesus.
Samaritans
A mixed-race group with both Jewish and Gentile ancestry.
Characteristics:
1. Worshiped at Mount Gerizim, not Jerusalem.
2. Rejected by Jews as impure.
3. Accepted only the Pentateuch (first five books of Moses).
4. Had a separate priesthood and temple.
5. Jesus used a Samaritan in a parable to teach about love and mercy.
Essenes
A separatist Jewish sect that lived in monastic communities.
Characteristics:
1. Lived in the desert in strict discipline.
2. Rejected temple worship as corrupt.
3. Practiced celibacy and communal living.
4. Believed in the coming of two Messiahs.
5. Possibly authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls.