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 oral traditions. They are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, often in opposition to Jesus Christ and His teachings. The Pharisees' rejection of Christ is a significant theme in the Gospels, highlighting their resistance to His message and authority.Background and Beliefs The Pharisees emerged as a distinct group during the intertestamental period, emphasizing purity, tithing, and Sabbath observance. They believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and the coming of the Messiah. Their influence extended beyond religious practices to social and political spheres, making them a powerful force in Jewish society. Encounters with Jesus The Gospels record numerous encounters between Jesus and the Pharisees, often marked by conflict and tension. The Pharisees frequently challenged Jesus, questioning His authority and seeking to trap Him in His words. In Matthew 12:14 , it is noted, "But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus." This verse underscores their growing hostility and ultimate rejection of Him. Criticism of Hypocrisy Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and legalism, accusing them of valuing outward appearances over inner righteousness. In Matthew 23:27-28 , He declared, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." This rebuke highlights their failure to recognize the true spirit of the Law and their rejection of the transformative message of Christ. Rejection of Jesus' Authority The Pharisees' rejection of Jesus was rooted in their refusal to accept His authority and identity as the Messiah. In John 9:16 , some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath." Their strict interpretation of the Law blinded them to the signs and miracles that testified to Jesus' divine mission. Their insistence on legalistic traditions prevented them from embracing the new covenant that Jesus offered. Role in the Crucifixion The Pharisees played a crucial role in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion. They conspired with other religious leaders to arrest and condemn Him. In John 11:47-48 , the chief priests and Pharisees convened a council, saying, "What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." Their fear of losing power and influence drove them to reject Jesus and seek His death. Legacy and Impact The Pharisees' rejection of Christ serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of legalism and spiritual blindness. Their inability to recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets highlights the importance of faith and humility in understanding God's revelation. Despite their opposition, the message of Christ continued to spread, challenging individuals to look beyond religious formalism to a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 12:38,39Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from you. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 15:12 John 7:48 Library Christ's Refutations of the Pharisees Rendering Dues to C??sar and ... Christ and Nicodemus. The Opinion of Justin with Regard to the Reign of a Thousand Years ... John ix. 29 A Letter on the Sin against the Holy Ghost to John Uytenbogard ... Christ Before Pilate. Christ Crucified The Last Journey from Galilee The Sadducees. Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry. 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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