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 traditions of the elders. Their doctrines and practices are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, where they often come into conflict with Jesus Christ and His teachings.Adherence to the Law and Traditions The Pharisees were deeply committed to the observance of the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, which they considered the ultimate authority in religious matters. However, they also placed significant emphasis on the oral traditions, which they believed were handed down from Moses alongside the written Law. These traditions were later codified in the Mishnah and Talmud. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for elevating these traditions to the level of Scripture, saying, "You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions" (Mark 7:8). Belief in the Resurrection and the Afterlife Unlike the Sadducees, another Jewish sect of the time, the Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead and the existence of an afterlife. This belief is evident in their interactions with Jesus and the apostles. In Acts 23:8 , it is noted, "The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angels, nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all." This doctrine was a significant point of contention between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Angels and Spirits The Pharisees also held a belief in the existence of angels and spirits, which was consistent with their acceptance of the entire Hebrew Scriptures, including the writings and the prophets. This belief is reflected in their acknowledgment of spiritual beings and their roles in the divine order. Purity and Ritual Observance The Pharisees were meticulous in their observance of purity laws, which governed various aspects of daily life, including food, cleanliness, and religious rituals. They believed that maintaining ritual purity was essential for maintaining a right relationship with God. This focus on external observance often led to criticism from Jesus, who emphasized the importance of inner purity and righteousness. In Matthew 23:25-26 , Jesus rebukes them, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well." Tithing and Almsgiving The Pharisees were diligent in their practice of tithing, ensuring that they gave a tenth of their income and produce to support the temple and the poor. Jesus acknowledged their commitment to tithing but criticized them for neglecting more important matters of the law, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness. In Matthew 23:23 , He states, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." Messianic Expectations The Pharisees, like many Jews of their time, held expectations of a coming Messiah who would deliver Israel from oppression and restore the kingdom. However, their understanding of the Messiah was often more political and nationalistic, which led to their rejection of Jesus as the Christ. They were unable to reconcile their expectations with Jesus' teachings and His emphasis on a spiritual kingdom. Conclusion The doctrines of the Pharisees, while rooted in a desire to uphold the Law and maintain religious purity, often led to legalism and a focus on external observance at the expense of inner transformation. Their interactions with Jesus highlight the tension between human traditions and the heart of God's commandments. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 15:9But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Nave's Topical Index Library The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ... Christ's Reprehension of the Pharisees Seeking a Sign his Censure ... Christ Warns his Disciples against the Pharisees. --The Power of ... The Offence of the Pharisees. Concerning the Pharisees and Scribes Tempting Jesus (By Asking) ... Acts IV History and Doctrines of Heresies. Relation of the Pharisees to the Sadducees and Essenes, and to the ... Among the People, and with the Pharisees The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ... 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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