New Testament
Luke 20:27
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Then some Sadducees — who deny that there is any resurrection — came to him with a question.
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Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,
What Luke 20:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a group of Sadducees approaching Jesus with a question. The Sadducees were a Jewish sect that did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, which was a significant theological difference from the Pharisees, who did believe in it. By coming to Jesus, they aimed to challenge his teachings and perhaps to trap him into saying something that could be used against him. Their question likely stemmed from their disbelief in life after death, and they wanted to use this to undermine the concept of resurrection that Jesus preached. This encounter sets the stage for a deeper discussion about life after death and the nature of God's power, as Jesus responds to their challenge with wisdom and authority, revealing the truth about resurrection and eternal life.
How to apply Luke 20:27 to your life
This verse reminds us that questioning our beliefs can lead to deeper understanding. Just as the Sadducees challenged Jesus, we should seek answers to our doubts and explore our faith. Engaging with difficult questions can strengthen our beliefs and deepen our relationship with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Questions in the Temple (Luke 20:20–44)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Luke 20:27
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 20:27 mean?
Luke 20:27 describes a group of Sadducees approaching Jesus to ask a question about resurrection. The Sadducees did not believe in life after death, and their inquiry aimed to challenge Jesus' teachings on this topic.
Who were the Sadducees in Luke 20:27?
The Sadducees were a Jewish sect during Jesus' time that denied the resurrection of the dead. They held different beliefs from the Pharisees, particularly regarding the afterlife and the authority of the scriptures.
What is the significance of the resurrection in Luke 20:27?
The resurrection is a key theme in Luke 20:27 as it highlights the theological conflict between Jesus and the Sadducees. This encounter sets the stage for Jesus to clarify his teachings about eternal life and God's power.
What question did the Sadducees ask Jesus in Luke 20:27?
While Luke 20:27 does not specify the exact question, it indicates that the Sadducees sought to challenge Jesus' views on resurrection. Their intent was to trap him into a response that could be used against him.
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