Devine Scripture

Acts 23:8

What does Acts 23:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 23:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 23:8 means

Luke explains the root of the dispute: Sadducees deny the resurrection, angels, and spirits, while Pharisees affirm these realities. This brief aside clarifies why Paul’s words had such explosive effect. The question is not only about future bodily life but about the entire spiritual framework of God’s dealings. Paul’s message presupposes a living God who raises the dead and sends angels and spirits—a worldview aligned with Pharisaic belief but fulfilled in Christ. By stating the parties’ positions, Luke helps readers see that Paul’s trial is fundamentally about the truthfulness of God’s promises and actions in the unseen realm, not about civil unrest or ritual violations.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For the Sadducees say that there is no coming back from the dead, and no angels or spirits: but the Pharisees have belief in all these.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for Sadducees, indeed, say there is no rising again, nor messenger, nor spirit, but Pharisees confess both.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For Sadducees say there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but Pharisees confess both of them.

Context

The narrator pauses to provide essential background for Gentile and Jewish readers alike. Understanding the contrasting beliefs of Sadducees and Pharisees explains why the council could not render a unified judgment. This context prepares for the surprising moment that follows: some Pharisaic scribes rise to defend Paul, at least in principle. The narrative shifts from accusation to partial vindication, not because the council embraces the gospel, but because some find Paul’s claims plausible within their doctrinal framework. The council’s division will soon veer into chaos, again forcing the Roman commander to intervene for Paul’s safety.

v.7And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees; and the assembly was divided.

v.8This passage

v.9And there arose a great clamor: and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ part stood up, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: and what if a spirit hath spoken to him, or an angel?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 22:23

    On that day there came to him Sadducees, they that say that there is no resurrection: and they asked him,

  • Luke 20:27

    And there came to him certain of the Sadducees, they that say that there is no resurrection;

  • Acts 4:1

    And as they spake unto the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them,

  • Mark 12:18

    And there come unto him Sadducees, who say that there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,

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