Explain three religious political partise in the new testament world

During the time of the New Testament, the Jewish world was divided into several religious-political parties, each with its own distinct beliefs, practices, and agendas. Here are three of the most significant ones:

1. Pharisees: The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect that emerged in the 2nd century BCE. They were known for their strict adherence to the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) and their emphasis on oral tradition. They believed in the importance of ritual purity, dietary laws, and the observance of Jewish customs.

The Pharisees were also known for their political activism, advocating for the restoration of Jewish independence and the overthrow of Roman rule. They were critical of the Roman occupation and saw themselves as the guardians of Jewish tradition and culture.

In the New Testament, Jesus often clashed with the Pharisees, who saw him as a threat to their authority and traditions. The Pharisees were also responsible for the death of Jesus, as they conspired with the Roman authorities to have him crucified.

2. Sadducees: The Sadducees were a Jewish priestly class that emerged in the 2nd century BCE. They were known for their wealth, power, and influence within the Temple in Jerusalem. They were also known for their skepticism towards the supernatural and their rejection of the concept of resurrection.

The Sadducees were closely tied to the Roman authorities and saw themselves as the guardians of the Temple and its traditions. They were opposed to the Pharisees and their emphasis on oral tradition and the restoration of Jewish independence.

In the New Testament, the Sadducees are often portrayed as opponents of Jesus and his teachings. They are mentioned in several passages, including the story of the Sadducee who asks Jesus about the resurrection (Matthew 22:23-33).

3. Essenes: The Essenes were a Jewish sect that emerged in the 2nd century BCE. They were known for their ascetic lifestyle, which included living in communal settings, sharing resources, and practicing strict purity laws.

The Essenes were also known for their emphasis on the importance of the written Torah and their rejection of the oral traditions of the Pharisees. They believed in the imminent arrival of the Messiah and saw themselves as a community of believers who were preparing for the end times.

In the New Testament, the Essenes are mentioned in the book of Qumran, which is believed to have been written by a group of Essenes who lived in the Qumran community near the Dead Sea. The Qumran community was known for its strict adherence to the written Torah and its emphasis on the importance of purity and separation from the outside world.

It's worth noting that these parties were not mutually exclusive, and individuals may have identified with multiple groups or shifted their allegiances over time. Additionally, the New Testament often portrays these groups in a negative light, emphasizing their flaws and shortcomings rather than their positive contributions to Jewish society.