This episode provides background on the Sadducees, an elite group of priests and aristocrats who wielded power in Judea during Jesus' time. It covers their role in society, theological beliefs, political cooperation with Rome, and involvement in Jesus' trial.Episode Overview The Sadducees were a small but influential faction that controlled the Jerusalem Temple rituals and the Jewish high court. They rejected the Oral Torah and the afterlife, sparking conflict with the Pharisees. As wealthy elites, they partnered with Roman rulers to retain local power. They condemned Jesus to crucifixion to eliminate a threat to their authority.Discussion Questions Why is it important to understand the historical context Jesus lived in? What insights does it provide? What modern parallels do you see to the Sadducees' use of religion to secure power and status? How should followers of Jesus respond? How can prestige blind us from recognizing truth today? What practices help keep us focused on Christ above all else?For other questions and comments, feel free to reach out to Jared at [email protected]. For more content, visit the podcast ⁠⁠website ⁠⁠or wherever you find your podcasts.To join The Church History Project Facebook group to engage in more discussion about released episodes and other fascinating nuggets of church history, you can visit the page ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

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