1. Pharisees: Separatists, practiced asceticism. Movement started well but later became spiritually barren for the most part.

2. Herodians: Supported the dynasty of Herod, therefore the rule of Rome. A political rather than a religious group.

3. Sadducees: Denied supernatural. Held the priesthood during the time of Jesus' earthly ministry.

4. Publicans: Under collector of Roman revenue from the Jews. Publicans were despised by the Jews and considered traitors.

5. Scribes: Expositors of the law. Called lawyers, sat as judges in Jewish courts.

6. Priests: Following Ezra, became degenerative - religious in office, but often carnal.

7. Synagogs: Place in which the Jews gathered for worship and instruction. No sacrifices were made in synagogs.

8. Sanhedrin: 70 to 72 members composed of chief priests, scribes, lawyers and elders. Ruling group among the Jews.

9. Temple: Place of sacrifice and worship. Being rebuilt by Herod during Jesus' incarnation.