New International Version(The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.)
New Living Translationfor the Sadducees say there is no resurrection or angels or spirits, but the Pharisees believe in all of these.
English Standard VersionFor the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.
Berean Standard BibleFor the Sadducees say that there is neither a resurrection nor angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.
Berean Literal BibleFor indeed Sadducees say there to be no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but Pharisees confess both.
King James BibleFor the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
New King James VersionFor Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.
New American Standard BibleFor the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.
NASB 1995For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.
NASB 1977For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.
Legacy Standard BibleFor the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.
Amplified BibleFor 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.
Christian Standard BibleFor the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, and neither angel nor spirit, but the Pharisees affirm them all.
Holman Christian Standard BibleFor the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, and no angel or spirit, but the Pharisees affirm them all.
American Standard VersionFor the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.
Contemporary English VersionThe Sadducees do not believe in angels or spirits or that the dead will rise to life. But the Pharisees believe in all of these,
English Revised VersionFor the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
GOD'S WORD® Translation(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.)
Good News TranslationFor 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.)
International Standard Versionbecause 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.
NET Bible(For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, or angel, or spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.)
New Heart English BibleFor the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess all of these.
Webster's Bible TranslationFor the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
Weymouth New TestamentFor the Sadducees maintain that there is no resurrection, and neither angel nor spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge the existence of both. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor the Sadducees say that there is neither a resurrection nor angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.
World English BibleFor the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess all of these. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor Sadducees, indeed, say there is no resurrection, nor messenger, nor spirit, but Pharisees confess both.
Berean Literal BibleFor indeed Sadducees say there to be no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but Pharisees confess both.
Young's Literal Translation for Sadducees, indeed, say there is no rising again, nor messenger, nor spirit, but Pharisees confess both.
Smith's Literal TranslationFor truly the Sadducees say there is no rising up, neither messenger, nor spirit: and the Pharisees acknowledge both. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor the Sadducees claim that there is no resurrection, and neither angels, nor spirits. But the Pharisees confess both of these.
New American BibleFor the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection or angels or spirits, while the Pharisees acknowledge all three.
New Revised Standard Version(The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, or angel, or spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge all three.) Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor the Sad’du-cees say there is no resurrection, neither angels nor soul: but the Phar’i-sees believe in them.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishFor The Sadducees were saying there is no resurrection, neither Angel, nor spirit, but The Pharisees confess all of these. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor 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:
Godbey New TestamentFor the Sadducees indeed say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
Haweis New TestamentFor the Sadducees say indeed, that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
Mace New Testamentfor the Sadducees maintain, there is neither resurrection, nor angel, or spirit, whereas the Pharisees acknowledge both: the clamour was great,
Weymouth New TestamentFor the Sadducees maintain that there is no resurrection, and neither angel nor spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge the existence of both.
Worrell New TestamentFor the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge both.
Worsley New TestamentFor the sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but the pharisees acknowledge both.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Paul Before the Sanhedrin… 7As soon as he had said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8Forthe Sadduceessay thatthere isneithera resurrection,norangels,norspirits,butthe Phariseesacknowledgethem all.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?”…
Cross References Matthew 22:23That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him.
Mark 12:18Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him:
Luke 20:27Then some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to question Him.
1 Corinthians 15:12-13But 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.
1 Corinthians 15:42-44So 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.
1 Corinthians 15:52in 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.
Philippians 3:11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Philippians 3:21who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.
2 Timothy 2:18who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some.
Hebrews 11:35Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection.
Exodus 3:6Then 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.
Exodus 3:15-16God 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.
Deuteronomy 32:39See 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.
Job 19:25-27But 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!
Psalm 16:10For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.
Treasury of Scripture For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. Acts 4:1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 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, Jump to Previous AcknowledgeAngelAngelsBeliefConfessDeadExistenceIndeedMaintainMessengerPhariseesResurrectionRisingSadduceesSad'duceesSpiritSpiritsJump to Next AcknowledgeAngelAngelsBeliefConfessDeadExistenceIndeedMaintainMessengerPhariseesResurrectionRisingSadduceesSad'duceesSpiritSpiritsActs 23 1.As Paul pleads his cause,2.Ananias commands them to strike him.7.Dissension among his accusers.11.God encourages him.14.The Jews' vow to kill Paul,20.is declared unto the chief captain.27.He sends him to Felix the governor.For the Sadducees say that there is neither a resurrectionThe 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.,Genesis 19:1,Daniel 10:13). 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.,Matthew 22:23-33, 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. Persons / Places / Events 1. SadduceesA 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. PhariseesAnother 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. SanhedrinThe 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. PaulThe 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. JerusalemThe city where this event takes place, significant as the religious and political center of Jewish life. Teaching Points Understanding Doctrinal DifferencesRecognize the importance of understanding different theological perspectives within Christianity and how they can impact our faith and witness. The Centrality of the ResurrectionThe 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. The Reality of the Spiritual RealmAcknowledge 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. Wisdom in ConflictLike Paul, use wisdom and discernment when facing opposition. Understanding the beliefs of others can provide opportunities to share the gospel effectively. Unity in Essential BeliefsWhile differences exist, focus on unity in essential Christian doctrines, such as the resurrection, to maintain fellowship and witness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 23:8?
2.How does Acts 23:8 highlight differences between Sadducees and Pharisees' beliefs?
3.Why is belief in resurrection crucial for understanding Christian doctrine?
4.How can Acts 23:8 deepen our understanding of spiritual warfare?
5.What scriptural connections exist between Acts 23:8 and 1 Corinthians 15:12-14?
6.How should Acts 23:8 influence our conversations with those holding different beliefs?
7.How does Acts 23:8 challenge the belief in the resurrection and angels?
8.Why did the Sadducees deny the resurrection, angels, and spirits in Acts 23:8?
9.What theological implications arise from the Pharisees' beliefs in Acts 23:8?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 23?
11.What distinguishes Sadducees from Pharisees?
12.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?
13.What was the identity of the Sadducees?
14.Matthew 22:23–33: How can Jesus’s claim about resurrection make sense given the Sadducees’ detailed scenario and no clear scientific explanation?What Does Acts 23:8 Mean For the Sadducees sayLuke pauses the narrative to explain why the council split after Paul cried out about “the hope of the resurrection” (Acts 23:6–7). • The Sadducees were the priestly, politically connected party (Acts 5:17) who accepted only the written Torah. • Their denial of supernatural realities shows why they opposed the apostles’ continual preaching of Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 4:1–2). • By highlighting this division, the Spirit-inspired text reminds us that truth, not politics, must govern doctrine (Galatians 1:8–10).
That there is neither a resurrection“Resurrection” refers to a real, bodily rising from the dead, as promised inDaniel 12:2 and demonstrated in Christ’s own victory (Matthew 28:5–7;1 Corinthians 15:20). • Sadducees rejected this promise, contradictingExodus 3:6, where God calls Himself “the God of Abraham…,” proving the patriarchs still live (Jesus’ argument inMatthew 22:29–32). • Paul seized on their denial to witness: “It is for the hope of the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial” (Acts 24:15). • Our hope rests on the same literal future event (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
Nor angelsSadducees also denied the existence of angelic beings. Scripture, however, records: • Angel messengers to Abraham (Genesis 18–19). • Gabriel announcing Christ’s birth (Luke 1:26). • An angel freeing Peter from prison (Acts 12:7–10). Hebrews 1:14 affirms angels are “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.” Their ministry is both real and ongoing.
Nor spirits“Spirits” points to the wider unseen realm—both human spirits and other non-corporeal beings. The Bible plainly teaches: • The human spirit returns to God at death (Ecclesiastes 12:7;Luke 23:46). • Evil spirits oppose God’s people (Mark 1:23–26;Ephesians 6:12). • Believers are made alive in spirit through Christ (1 Peter 3:18). Dismissing the spiritual realm strips life of its eternal perspective.
But the Pharisees acknowledge them allUnlike the Sadducees, Pharisees affirmed the resurrection, angels, and spirits—positions Jesus and the apostles consistently endorsed (John 11:24–25;Acts 24:14–15). • Paul, a former Pharisee (Philippians 3:5), leveraged this shared belief to highlight the gospel’s consistency with Scripture (Acts 26:6–8). • The resulting dispute (Acts 23:9) unwittingly protected Paul, showing how God can use even theological disagreements to advance His purposes (Genesis 50:20).
summaryActs 23:8 exposes a fundamental theological fault line in first-century Judaism. The Sadducees’ rejection of resurrection, angels, and spirits collides with the clear testimony of Scripture and with Pharisaic belief. By affirming all three realities, we stand with Jesus, Paul, and the full counsel of God’s Word, anchoring our hope in a future bodily resurrection and recognizing the ongoing activity of the unseen realm. (8) The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection.--On the general teaching of the Sadducees, see Note on Matthew 22:23. 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 ( Acts 5:17); 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. Verse 8. - Neither angel, etc. Is there any connection between this expression and that in Acts 12:15, "It is his angel" (see ver. 9)? For the statement regarding the Pharisees and Sadducees, see Luke 20:27.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.[the] SadduceesΣαδδουκαῖοι(Saddoukaioi)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4523:Probably from Sadok; a Sadducaean, or follower of a certain heretical Israelite.sayλέγουσιν(legousin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.there isεἶναι(einai)Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.neitherμὴ(mē)Adverb
Strong's 3361: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
Strong's 386:A rising again, resurrection. From anistemi; a standing up again, i.e. a resurrection from death (its author), or a recovery.norμήτε(mēte)Conjunction
Strong's 3383: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
Strong's 32:From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor.norμήτε(mēte)Conjunction
Strong's 3383: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
Strong's 4151:Wind, breath, spirit.butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.[the] PhariseesΦαρισαῖοι(Pharisaioi)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5330:Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.acknowledgeὁμολογοῦσιν(homologousin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3670:From a compound of the base of homou and logos; to assent, i.e. Covenant, acknowledge.them all.ἀμφότερα(amphotera)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 297:Both (of two). Comparative of amphi; both.
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NT Apostles: Acts 23:8 For the Sadducees say that there (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
