Topical Encyclopedia The Pharisees were a prominent religious group within Judaism during the Second Temple period, known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the traditions of the elders. Among the most notable figures associated with the Pharisees in the New Testament is the Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus. His background as a Pharisee played a significant role in his early life and later ministry.Paul's Pharisaic Background Paul was born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and was a Roman citizen by birth (Acts 22:3, 28). He was brought up in Jerusalem and educated under Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law (Acts 22:3). Paul himself attests to his Pharisaic background, stating, "I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee" (Acts 23:6). This background provided Paul with a deep understanding of Jewish law and traditions, which he later used to articulate the Christian faith. Zeal for the Law Before his conversion to Christianity, Paul was zealous for the traditions of his ancestors and actively persecuted the early Christian church. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul writes, "For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I severely persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers" (Galatians 1:13-14). His zeal for the law and his Pharisaic convictions initially led him to oppose the followers of Jesus Christ. Conversion and Transformation Paul's dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus marked a turning point in his life. As he traveled to persecute Christians, he encountered the risen Christ, who called him to be an apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:1-19). This encounter transformed Paul from a persecutor of the church to one of its most ardent advocates. Despite his new mission, Paul continued to identify with his Pharisaic roots when it served to advance the gospel. In his defense before the Sanhedrin, he declared, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead" (Acts 23:6). Paul's Use of Pharisaic Knowledge Paul's Pharisaic training equipped him with a profound understanding of the Hebrew Scriptures, which he used to explain and defend the gospel. His letters often reflect a deep engagement with Jewish law and theology, as he sought to demonstrate that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies. In Philippians, Paul reflects on his past, stating, "If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness under the law, faultless" (Philippians 3:4-6). Yet, he considered all these credentials as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:7-8). Legacy and Influence Paul's Pharisaic background and subsequent conversion had a profound impact on the early Christian church. His writings form a significant portion of the New Testament and continue to influence Christian theology and practice. His ability to bridge his Jewish heritage with his Christian faith allowed him to effectively communicate the gospel to both Jewish and Gentile audiences. Through his life and ministry, Paul exemplified the transformative power of the gospel, demonstrating that even the most zealous adherent of the law could become a devoted follower of Christ. Nave's Topical Index Acts 23:6But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. Nave's Topical Index Acts 26:5 Library The "Fraternity" of Pharisees The Pharisee and Publican St. Paul's Wish to be Accursed from Christ. Paul Before the Council. Paul's Narrow Escape from Death Dining with a Pharisee. Sabbath Healing and Three Lessons ... Among the People, and with the Pharisees Paul a Prisoner Paul Before Festus and Agrippa. Acts XXIII 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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