For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

ACTS 23:8KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 23:8 (KJV)

What does Acts 23:8 mean?

Acts 23:8 explains that the Sadducees, a Jewish group at the time, denied the ideas of resurrection, angels, and spirits, while the Pharisees, another Jewish group, affirmed belief in all of these. This difference in beliefs is highlighted to show the sharp division between the two groups.

In the story, Paul is on trial before the Jewish council (Sanhedrin), and Luke, the author, points out this disagreement to explain the conflict that follows. The verse helps the reader understand why Paul’s mention of resurrection causes such a strong reaction and divides his audience.

The Greek behind Acts 23:8

  • ἀνάστασις (anastasis, "resurrection"): This word refers to the idea of people rising from the dead. The Sadducees’ denial of it is a key reason for their conflict with the Pharisees, who believed in life after death.
  • ἄγγελος (angelos, "angel"): The word means "messenger" or "angel." The Sadducees’ rejection of angels shows how limited their view of the spiritual world was compared to the Pharisees.
  • πνεῦμα (pneuma, "spirit"): This term can mean spirit, breath, or wind. Here, it points to the belief in non-physical beings or the existence of a human soul, which the Sadducees also denied.

Why Acts 23:8 matters

  • Acts 23:8 clears up why there was such a heated debate between Paul’s accusers, as their core beliefs about the afterlife and spiritual beings were fundamentally different.
  • The verse highlights how Paul skillfully used this division to his advantage during his trial, which is important for understanding the events that follow.
  • Knowing these differences helps readers see why the Pharisees were sometimes more open to Paul’s message about resurrection, while the Sadducees were strongly opposed.

Where else these words appear

“Sadducees” Greek G4523 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Matthew 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
  • Luke 20:27 Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,

“both” Greek G297 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
  • Luke 1:7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
  • Luke 7:42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

“nor” Greek G3383 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
  • Luke 7:33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

“confess” Greek G3670 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
  • John 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
  • Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.