Luke 20:27 - Some of the Sadducees came to him, those who deny that there is a resurrection.
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What does "Luke 20:27" mean?
This verse, Luke 20:27, is packed with meaning and gives us insight into the religious and political landscape of Jesus' time. Here's a breakdown:
"Some of the Sadducees came to him..." This introduces a specific group of people, the Sadducees, who are approaching Jesus. This is significant because the Sadducees were a particular sect within Judaism.
"...those who deny that there is a resurrection." This is the key to understanding the verse. It tells us a central belief that distinguished the Sadducees from other Jewish groups like the Pharisees. They fundamentally did not believe in a resurrection of the dead, an afterlife, or a spiritual realm beyond this life. They were more focused on the here and now, on earthly power and maintaining the status quo.
Deeper Explanation
Here's what's implied and understood from this verse and historical context:
Religious Factions: First-century Judaism was not monolithic. There were different groups with different interpretations of the Torah (the Law), different beliefs, and different social and political agendas. The Sadducees and Pharisees were two of the most prominent.
Sadducee Beliefs: The Sadducees' denial of the resurrection stemmed from their interpretation of the Torah. They only accepted the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) as authoritative. They believed that these books didn't explicitly teach about a resurrection or an afterlife. Their theology was more literal and focused on earthly matters.
Political Power: The Sadducees were often associated with the Temple in Jerusalem and held positions of power and influence. They were often from wealthy and aristocratic families. Their focus on the earthly realm likely aligned with their vested interests in maintaining the current power structures.
Challenge to Jesus: The Sadducees frequently engaged with Jesus in debates and challenges. They were trying to discredit him, expose him as a false teacher, or trap him in some way that would undermine his authority and popularity. The fact that they are questioning him here is part of this pattern. The question that follows in Luke 20:28-33, about the woman who had seven husbands, is a classic example of how they tried to use logic (and potentially ridiculous hypothetical situations) to demonstrate the supposed absurdity of the resurrection.
In Summary
Luke 20:27 identifies a specific group, the Sadducees, and highlights their distinctive and controversial belief (or lack thereof) in the resurrection. This sets the stage for the following verses, where they attempt to challenge Jesus on this very issue. The verse also reveals the complex religious and political environment in which Jesus ministered.
Luke 20:27 - Some of the Sadducees came to him, those who deny that there is a resurrection.
What does "Luke 20:27" mean?
This verse, Luke 20:27, is packed with meaning and gives us insight into the religious and political landscape of Jesus' time. Here's a breakdown:
"Some of the Sadducees came to him..." This introduces a specific group of people, the Sadducees, who are approaching Jesus. This is significant because the Sadducees were a particular sect within Judaism.
"...those who deny that there is a resurrection." This is the key to understanding the verse. It tells us a central belief that distinguished the Sadducees from other Jewish groups like the Pharisees. They fundamentally did not believe in a resurrection of the dead, an afterlife, or a spiritual realm beyond this life. They were more focused on the here and now, on earthly power and maintaining the status quo.
Deeper Explanation
Here's what's implied and understood from this verse and historical context:
Religious Factions: First-century Judaism was not monolithic. There were different groups with different interpretations of the Torah (the Law), different beliefs, and different social and political agendas. The Sadducees and Pharisees were two of the most prominent.
Sadducee Beliefs: The Sadducees' denial of the resurrection stemmed from their interpretation of the Torah. They only accepted the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) as authoritative. They believed that these books didn't explicitly teach about a resurrection or an afterlife. Their theology was more literal and focused on earthly matters.
Political Power: The Sadducees were often associated with the Temple in Jerusalem and held positions of power and influence. They were often from wealthy and aristocratic families. Their focus on the earthly realm likely aligned with their vested interests in maintaining the current power structures.
Challenge to Jesus: The Sadducees frequently engaged with Jesus in debates and challenges. They were trying to discredit him, expose him as a false teacher, or trap him in some way that would undermine his authority and popularity. The fact that they are questioning him here is part of this pattern. The question that follows in Luke 20:28-33, about the woman who had seven husbands, is a classic example of how they tried to use logic (and potentially ridiculous hypothetical situations) to demonstrate the supposed absurdity of the resurrection.
In Summary
Luke 20:27 identifies a specific group, the Sadducees, and highlights their distinctive and controversial belief (or lack thereof) in the resurrection. This sets the stage for the following verses, where they attempt to challenge Jesus on this very issue. The verse also reveals the complex religious and political environment in which Jesus ministered.