For the Sadducees say that there is neither a resurrection nor angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.
8. The Sadducees say. Though Luke maketh mention of three points wherein these sects did dissent, yet shortly after he bringeth “Restringit, it,” restricts. them to two, because there is like respect to be had of spirits and of angels. Therefore, he saith that the Pharisees did confess both; to wit, that the dead shall rise again, and that human and angelical spirits are immortal.
Paul's wisdom here was to divide his judges, setting Pharisees against Sadducees and turning one part to his defense. Lawful arts and honest policy to escape suffering are no dishonor to a man willing to suffer for Christ; he uses every advantage he has, from his Roman citizenship to his standing as a Pharisee, yet counts them all dung compared to knowing Christ.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 23:6-11
For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection,.... Of the dead, being ignorant of the Scriptures, and the power of God; see Mat 22:23. neither angel nor spirit; the Ethiopic version reads, "nor Holy Spirit": but the sense seems to be, that they did not believe any such species of beings as angels, nor indeed any spirits whatever, which were immaterial or immortal; for...