Topical Encyclopedia The Pharisees were a prominent religious group in Judaism during the Second Temple period, known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions. They are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, often in opposition to Jesus Christ. However, the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles also provide accounts of Pharisees who became followers of Jesus, illustrating the transformative power of His ministry.Nicodemus: A Pharisee Seeks Jesus One of the most notable Pharisees who showed interest in Jesus was Nicodemus. He is introduced in the Gospel of John as a "ruler of the Jews" (John 3:1), indicating his significant position within the Pharisaic and broader Jewish community. Nicodemus approached Jesus at night, seeking to understand His teachings. Jesus explained to him the necessity of being "born again" to see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). Nicodemus's journey of faith is further evidenced when he later defends Jesus before the Sanhedrin (John 7:50-51) and assists in His burial (John 19:39), suggesting a growing belief in Jesus as the Messiah. Paul: From Persecutor to Apostle Perhaps the most dramatic example of a Pharisee becoming a disciple of Jesus is Saul of Tarsus, later known as the Apostle Paul. Saul was a zealous Pharisee, described as "a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee" (Philippians 3:5). He initially persecuted the early Christians, believing he was upholding the Jewish faith. However, on the road to Damascus, Saul encountered the risen Christ in a life-altering vision (Acts 9:3-6). This encounter led to his conversion and subsequent mission as an apostle to the Gentiles, spreading the Gospel and establishing churches throughout the Roman Empire. Paul's writings form a significant portion of the New Testament, and his teachings continue to influence Christian doctrine. Gamaliel: A Voice of Reason Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, is another figure who, while not explicitly becoming a disciple of Jesus, demonstrated a more open attitude towards the nascent Christian movement. In Acts 5, when the Sanhedrin sought to suppress the apostles, Gamaliel advised caution, suggesting that if their movement was of human origin, it would fail, but if it was from God, it could not be stopped (Acts 5:38-39). His counsel reflects a recognition of the possibility of divine involvement in the work of Jesus and His followers. Theological Implications The accounts of Pharisees who became disciples of Jesus highlight the inclusivity of the Gospel message. Despite their initial opposition, these individuals demonstrate that faith in Christ transcends cultural and religious boundaries. Their accounts underscore the transformative power of encountering Jesus, leading to a reorientation of life and purpose. The Pharisees' transition from skepticism to discipleship serves as a testament to the compelling truth of Jesus' identity and mission, as well as the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing individuals to faith. Nave's Topical Index John 3:1There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: Nave's Topical Index Acts 15:5 Acts 22:3 Library Concerning the Pharisees and Scribes who came and Inquired, Why do ... Contention Over the Man Born Blind. Concerning the Pharisees and Scribes Tempting Jesus (By Asking) ... Jesus Cures a Blind Man Discourse of Jesus against the Scribes and Pharisees. Christ Warns his Disciples against the Pharisees. --The Power of ... Jesus the Christ. Matthew's Feast. Discourse on Fasting. Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and ... Verily, Verily, I Say unto You, Whosoever Keepeth My Word Shall ... Resources What is the leaven of the Pharisees? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did John the Baptist refer to the Pharisees as a brood of vipers? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus refer to the Pharisees as a “child of hell” in Matthew 23:15? | 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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