Which group emphasized the written Law alone?

The Sadducees are identified as the group that emphasized the written Law alone, specifically the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, known as the Torah. The Sadducees were known for their strict adherence to the text of the Law and rejected additional beliefs or practices that were not explicitly outlined in those scriptures. Their focus was primarily on the priestly and sacrificial system established in the Torah, as they were closely associated with the Temple in Jerusalem and its rituals.

In contrast, the Pharisees held that both the written Law and the oral traditions (interpretations and expansions of the Law) were important. The Essenes, another Jewish sect, had their own interpretations and practices that included writings like the Dead Sea Scrolls, which contained additional teachings. The Zadokites were associated with the priestly lineage but were essentially part of the larger Sadducean group, emphasizing similar beliefs regarding the written Law.

Recognizing the Sadducees' commitment to the written Law helps to understand the dynamics of first-century Judaism and the various sects that interacted with each other around these foundational texts and their interpretations.