Question

Match the different Jewish groups living in Roman-controlled Judea and Galilee during Jesus's lifetime with their activities and beliefs.
(every item may not have a match, while some items may have more than one match)
Sadducees, Pharisees, and/or Essenes

1. believed in the strict interpretation of the five written books of the Torah
2. lived quasi-monastic lifestyles isolated from larger society
3. believed in the flexible interpretation of the Torah
4. temple elites who worked closely with Roman officials
5. preachers who believed Moses had received an oral Torah as well as the written books

Answer 1

1. Sadducees — they accepted only the written Torah (the five books of Moses) and are usually described as literal/strict about that text.
2. Essenes — withdrew from wider society into quasi‑monastic, communal, purity‑focused groups (e.g., Qumran).
3. Pharisees — favored a more flexible, interpretive approach to applying the Torah in everyday life.
4. Sadducees — the Temple aristocracy/priestly elite who cooperated with Roman authorities and ran Temple affairs.
5. Pharisees — lay teachers/preachers who held that Moses transmitted an oral Torah (oral law/traditions) alongside the written books.