Topical Encyclopedia The Pharisees were a prominent religious and political group within Judaism during the Second Temple period, particularly from the second century BC to the first century AD. They are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, where they often appear in opposition to Jesus Christ and His teachings. The name "Pharisee" is believed to derive from the Hebrew word "perushim," meaning "separated ones," which reflects their emphasis on ritual purity and separation from what they considered to be unclean or impure.Historical Background The Pharisees emerged during a time of great social and religious upheaval in Jewish history. Following the Maccabean Revolt and the subsequent Hasmonean dynasty, various Jewish sects developed, each with its own interpretation of the Torah and vision for Jewish life. The Pharisees distinguished themselves by their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions that they believed were handed down alongside the written Torah. They were known for their emphasis on personal piety, tithing, and ritual purity. Beliefs and Practices The Pharisees held a belief in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and the coming of a Messiah who would restore Israel. They were committed to the idea that the Law should be applied to all aspects of daily life, and they developed an extensive body of oral law to interpret and expand upon the written Torah. This oral tradition was later codified in the Mishnah and Talmud. The Pharisees were also known for their emphasis on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. They believed in the importance of free will and human responsibility, while also acknowledging God's sovereignty. Their teachings often focused on ethical behavior and the inner spiritual life, as well as the outward observance of religious rituals. Interactions with Jesus In the New Testament, the Pharisees are frequently depicted as opponents of Jesus. They are often portrayed as legalistic and hypocritical, focusing on the letter of the law rather than its spirit. Jesus criticized them for their emphasis on outward appearances and neglect of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus says, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." Despite these criticisms, it is important to note that not all Pharisees were opposed to Jesus. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, came to Jesus by night to seek His teachings (John 3:1-21), and later defended Him before the Sanhedrin (John 7:50-51). Additionally, the Apostle Paul, who became a leading figure in the early Christian church, was a Pharisee before his conversion (Philippians 3:5). Influence and Legacy The Pharisees' influence extended beyond their own time, as their teachings and interpretations of the Torah laid the groundwork for Rabbinic Judaism. After the destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70, the Pharisaic tradition became the foundation for the development of Jewish religious life and practice. Their emphasis on the study of the Torah and the application of its principles to everyday life continues to be a central aspect of Judaism today. In summary, the Pharisees were a significant and influential sect within Judaism during the time of Jesus. Their interactions with Jesus, as recorded in the New Testament, highlight both their commitment to the Law and the challenges they faced in understanding the deeper spiritual truths that Jesus came to reveal. Nave's Topical Index Acts 15:5But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. Nave's Topical Index Library Alexandra Reigns Nine Years, During which Time the Pharisees were ... Another Sect of the Esseni: the Pharisees. Concerning Zamaris, the Babylonian Jew; Concerning the Plots Laid ... Relations of the Pharisees and Sadducees to the Baptist. The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras ... Matt. xxii. 15 Li. Dining with a Pharisee, Jesus Denounces that Sect. Jesus and the Blind Man. The Pharisee and Publican St. Paul's Wish to be Accursed from Christ. Resources If Jesus condemned the Pharisees for praying out loud, should we pray aloud? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Jesus writing in the dirt/sand when the Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Herodians? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Irony: The Pharisees and the Herodians to Jesus Pharisees: Association With Publicans and Sinners Pharisees: Become Disciples of Jesus Pharisees: Come to Jesus With Questions Pharisees: Concerning the Resurrection Pharisees: Hypocrisy of, Reproved by Jesus Pharisees: Hypocrisy of, Reproved by John Pharisees: They Minister to Jesus Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to Fasting Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to The Duties of Children to Parents Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to The Sabbath Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to The Washing of Hands The Pharisees by Descent, Especially Esteemed The Pharisees: A Sect of the Jews The Pharisees: As a Body, Rejected John's Baptism The Pharisees: Believed in the Resurrection The Pharisees: Character of Active in Proselytising The Pharisees: Character of Ambitious of Precedence The Pharisees: Character of Avaricious The Pharisees: Character of Cruel in Persecuting The Pharisees: Character of Fond of Distinguished Titles The Pharisees: Character of Fond of Public Salutations The Pharisees: Character of Oppressive The Pharisees: Character of Outwardly Moral The Pharisees: Character of Particular in Paying all Dues The Pharisees: Character of Rigid in Fasting The Pharisees: Character of Self-Righteous The Pharisees: Character of Zealous of the Law The Pharisees: Character of Zealous of Tradition The Pharisees: Christ: Asked for Signs By The Pharisees: Christ: Called Fools and Blind Guides The Pharisees: Christ: Called, and Evil and Adulterous Generation The Pharisees: Christ: Called, Serpents and Generation of Vipers The Pharisees: Christ: Compared, to Graves That Appear Not The Pharisees: Christ: Compared, to Whited Sepulchres The Pharisees: Christ: Condemned By, for Associating With Sinners The Pharisees: Christ: Declared the Doctrines of, to be Hypocrisy The Pharisees: Christ: Declared the Imaginary Righteousness of, to be Insufficient The Pharisees: Christ: Denounced Woes Against The Pharisees: Christ: Left Judea for a Time on Account of The Pharisees: Christ: Offended, by his Doctrine The Pharisees: Christ: Often Invited By The Pharisees: Christ: Tempted By, With Questions About the Law The Pharisees: Christ: Watched By, for Evil The Pharisees: Imputed Christ's Miracles to Satan's Power The Pharisees: Made Broad Their Phylacteries The Pharisees: Many Priest and Levites Were of The Pharisees: Many Rulers, Lawyers, and Scribes Were of The Pharisees: Often Sought to Destroy Christ The Pharisees: Sent officers to Apprehend Christ The Pharisees: some Came to John for Baptism The Pharisees: The Strictest Observers of the Mosaic Ritual The Pharisees: Their Opinions, a Standard for Others Related Terms |
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