Matthew 22:23 — Community Reflections

MATTHEW 22:23 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

“The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,”

Saying: teacher, Moses said, if a man dies having no children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. The levirate marriage principle from Deuteronomy 25:5–6 is the setup for the resurrection absurdity the Sadducees will construct. They use the Torah (which they accept as authoritative) to argue against the resurrection (which they reject).

Church Fathers on Matthew 22:23

The disciples of the Pharisees with the Herodians being thus confuted, the Sadducees next offer themselves, whereas the overthrow of those before them ought to have kept them back. But presumption is shameless, stubborn, and ready to attempt things impossible. So the Evangelist, wondering at their folly, expresses this saying, 'The same day came to him the Sadducees.'
Chrysostom · 4th century

As soon as the Pharisees were gone, came the Sadducees; perhaps with like intent, for there was a strife among them who should be the first to seize Him. Or if by argument they should not be able to overcome Him, they might at least by perseverance wear out His understanding.
Pseudo-Chrysostom · 5th century

There were two sects among the Jews, the Pharisees and the Sadducees; the Pharisees pretended to the righteousness of traditions and observances, whence they were called by the people 'separate.' The Sadducees (the word is interpreted 'righteous') also passed themselves for what they were not; and whereas the first believed the resurrection of body and soul, and confessed both Angel and spirit, these, according to the Acts of the Apostles [marg. note: Acts 23:8], denied them…
Jerome · 4th century

Read all 35 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a reflection on this verse

No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!