They believed in angels, spirits, and life after death. The Pharisees were usually quite devout, but some were legalists, being more concerned with small details than with the more important parts of the Law (Matthew 23:23–24). Of the two groups, it was the Pharisees who most often challenged Christ’s teaching. They became angry with Jesus for healing on the Sabbath, eating with unwashed hands, and having mercy on sinners. The Sadducees became a primary opposition to the Apostles, especially their