The Essenes

[Andrew]

The Essenes were one of the three major sects of Judaism in Jesus' day, the other two being the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Q: Why didn't Jesus ever mention them?

 

[atpollard]

The Essenes are not directly mentioned in Scripture, although some believe they may be referred to in Matthew 19:11-12 and in Colossians 2:8, 18, and 23

 

[MoreCoffee]

The Essenes were one of the three major sects of Judaism in Jesus' day, the other two being the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Q: Why didn't Jesus ever mention them?

There were the Zealots too and they are mentioned in the gospels.

 

[MennoSota]

I have listened to a professor who teaches here in Minneapolis/St Paul and is a world renowned expert on the Dead Sea Scrolls. What the scrolls reveal is that there were a multitude of Jewish sects and cults in Jesus day. Some of them participated in the occult while creating bizarre interpretations from the Jewish scriptures. The Essenes were one of many. So many mystical /magical beliefs help explain some of the reactions of the Jewish people as well as Jesus disciples.
This professor (sorry, I can't recall his name...last name, perhaps, is Williams) gave a 5 Sunday evening presentation on the Dead Sea Scrolls. It was fascinating.