In numbers the Sadducees fell far below their opponents, and they had not so strong a hold upon the common people; but many of them were wealthy, and they had the influence which wealth imparts. In their ranks were included most of the priests, and from among them the high priest was usually chosen. This was, however, with the express stipulation that their skeptical opinions should not be made prominent. On account of the numbers and popularity of the Pharisees, it was necessary for the Sadducees to concede outwardly to their doctrines when holding any priestly office; but the very fact that they were eligible to such office gave influence to their errors.

Saddukæerne stod i antal langt under deres modstandere, og de havde langtfra så stærkt et greb om det jævne folk; men mange af dem var rige, og de havde den indflydelse, som rigdommen fører med sig. De fleste af præsterne hørte til inden for deres rækker, og i reglen blev ypperstepræsten valgt blandt dem. Dette skete imidlertid på den udtrykkelige betingelse, at deres skeptiske synspunkter ikke måtte virke iøjnefaldende. På grund af farisæernes antal og folkeyndest var det en nødvendighed for saddukæerne i det ydre at indvillige i deres lærdomme, hvis de beklædte et præsteembede; men selve den kendsgerning, at de kunne vælges til en sådan stilling, gav deres vildfarelser større indflydelse.