Anthony Saldarini's "Pharisees, Scribes and Sadducees in Palestinian Society" (2nd ed. 2001) is not what I expected. From the various reviews I encountered prior to its reading I thought this text would be more informative about the backgrounds, doctrines, geographical settings, and popular (or unpopular) support for these three religio-political groups. Rather his work herein provides an interesting sociological study (attempted with only 1st century information) for the three groups.

Saldarini approaches this subject from sociological view. His point it to suggest that Palestinian Pharisees, Scribes and Sadducees of the 1st century should be considered away from modern sensibilities and habits. In short, moderns (and presumably post moderns) will learn more about the world of late antiquity by not projecting modern interpretation upon it.

Saldarini accurately shows that there are only two 1st-century witnesses to the three groups: Josephus and the New Testament. He believes the Pharisees and Scribes to be "retainers" (upper class workers who perform necessary governmental/religious functions) while the Sadducees are member of the elite aristocracy (providing, in part, the highest level of Jewish society). He understands Jesus of Nazareth, a carpenter, to be an "artisan" (p. 150-151) and finds foundational basis for Jesus conflict with the superior classed three groups (Jesus' humble origins and his move to change their power base inflames the groups against him).

Saldarini's interpretation is interesting and imaginative. His 308 pages (paperback) are thorough and well documented (with footnotes). An interesting, but brief, 2-page chronology opens the book and helpful 5-page "Glossary of Sociological Terms" appears just before the index.

Curiously, Saldarini speaks only briefly about the Essenes and the "fourth philosophy group" (presumably Josephus' "Zealots"). These two groups also had significant influence in 1st century Palestine and warrant additional study.

Perhaps Saldarini's most intriguing point is (on page 139-140) that Paul of Tarsus is best identified with the Pharisaic way of life and not necessarily as a Pharisee per se. This bold suggestion takes root for him in that fact that Paul does not appear in the New Testament with the characteristics of a Pharisee or a "retainer" (he is not a member of the governing class, he is a Jerusalem out-sider from distant Tarsus, and Paul's difficult life as a missionary is not rhetorical and unlike the Pharisees, Scribes, and Sadducees he worked hard- as an artisan leather worker).

Saldarini assumes a certain level of reader familiarity with his subject (his writing style is somewhat technical and aimed for the serious student or reader). "Pharisees, Scribes and Sadducees" is an important study. It is recommendable to all students of late antiquity, New Testament scholars, rabbinic students, and serious socio-historians.