Power Of The Pharisees And Sadducees During The Second Temple Period

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Thesis
The purpose of this study is to research and discuss the chronological order of the Second Temple Period, which was 400 years. We will then discuss the authority and power of the Pharisees and Sadducees during the Second Temple period, and how their leadership brought about the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in 70 A.D.
Introduction
We will begin our discussion on the historical context of the Second Temple Period. To understand this time in history, we need to view the leaders of this time period. The Second Temple Period begins with Alexander the Great, and continues through to Herod and his sons. In studying scripture we see history written out, as God’s plan unfolds before our very eyes, and redemption is brought into …show more content…

till 63 B.C. During this time period the Pharisees and Sadducees began to grow in power and authority. (5) Salome Alexandra became the first queen of the Hasmonean Empire and ruled after her husband died. She ruled from 76B.C. till 67 B.C. (5). The Jewish people had religious freedom under her rule, as the Pharisees had a great relationship with her as Queen. She believed in separation of religion from state, and therefore allowed the Pharisees to practice the Jewish rituals in freedom. She also enjoyed great legitimacy to her ruling with the approval of the Pharisees during her reign. Her reign there was a time of peace, as she was very engaged in foreign affairs. After her death Arisobulus II took over the throne. …show more content…

This began in 39 BC after the death of Cesar Augustus. Herod and his sons ruled the end of the Second Temple Period. After Herod died his sons divided the kingdom. The Second Temple Period ended with the destruction of the second Temple by the Romans in 70 A.D.
Pharisees & Sadducees
The rise of power and authority of the Pharisees and Sadducees came after a time in the Second Temple Period where the Jewish nation was a territory-less people. (12) They were controlled and conquered by many different people for an extended period of time, before they became to rise in power and authority in the culture. Finally, after the revolt, and the cleansing of the Temple, the Pharisees and Sadducees grew in power and authority over the people.
There were many arguments and differences of opinion among the Pharisees and Sadducees. The Pharisees were closer to the everyday Jewish people, where the Sadducees were the aristocrats in society during this time. The great high priests belonged to the Sadducees, and exerted great influence on the Temple and its cult for many generations.

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