Topical Encyclopedia The term "Pharisaic" pertains to the Pharisees, a prominent religious group in Judaism during the Second Temple period, particularly in the time of Jesus Christ. The Pharisees are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, where they are depicted as influential leaders who were deeply committed to the observance of the Law of Moses and the traditions of the elders.Historical Background The Pharisees emerged during the intertestamental period, a time of significant religious and political upheaval in Jewish history. They were known for their strict adherence to the Torah and the oral traditions that they believed were handed down from Moses. The Pharisees held significant sway in Jewish society, often serving as teachers and interpreters of the Law. They believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and the coming of the Messiah. New Testament References In the New Testament, the Pharisees are often portrayed as opponents of Jesus Christ. They are depicted as being more concerned with outward appearances and ritual purity than with the inner transformation of the heart. Jesus frequently criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and legalism. For example, in Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus says, "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." The Pharisees are also noted for their attempts to trap Jesus with questions about the Law. In Matthew 22:15-18 , it is recorded, "Then the Pharisees went out and plotted to trap Jesus in His words. They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. 'Teacher,' they said, 'we know that You are honest and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance. So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?' But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, 'You hypocrites, why are you testing Me?'" Theological Significance The Pharisaic emphasis on the letter of the Law, rather than its spirit, serves as a cautionary example in Christian theology. The New Testament encourages believers to pursue a righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees, as seen in Matthew 5:20 : "For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." The Pharisees' focus on external observance rather than internal transformation is contrasted with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of love, mercy, and justice. In Matthew 23:23 , Jesus admonishes them, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you 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." Legacy and Influence Despite their negative portrayal in the New Testament, the Pharisees played a crucial role in the development of Rabbinic Judaism. Their emphasis on the oral law and interpretation of the Torah laid the groundwork for the Talmudic tradition. The Pharisaic movement's focus on personal piety and community study of the Scriptures has had a lasting impact on Jewish religious life. In Christian thought, the term "Pharisaic" has come to symbolize a form of religious hypocrisy and legalism that prioritizes external conformity over genuine faith and love. This serves as a reminder to believers to seek a heart transformed by the grace of God, rather than mere outward compliance with religious norms. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Alt. of Pharisaical.Greek 5330. Pharisaios -- a Pharisee, member of a Jewish religious sect ... parash Definition a Pharisee, member of a Jewish religious sect NASB Word Usage Pharisaic (1), Pharisee (10), Pharisee's (2), Pharisees (86). Pharisee. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5330.htm - 7k Library Christ's Authority Over the Sabbath as Its Lord He Recalled it ... The Two Sabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn ... The Influence of Tradition. The Sadducees. Article xxiv (xii): of the Mass. The Ministry of Love, the Blasphemy of Hatred, and the Mistakes of ... Jesus' Conception of Himself Cure of the Infirm Woman on the Sabbath; the Pharisees ... Purpose of Christ's Relatives to Confine Him as a Lunatic. --He ... Christ's Discourses in Per??a - Close of the Per??an Ministry Thesaurus Pharisaic (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Alt. of Pharisaical. Multi-Version Concordance Pharisaic (1 Occurrence). Acts 23:9 And there came ... /p/pharisaic.htm - 6k Apocalyptic Literature (2 Occurrences) Pharisees (86 Occurrences) Sadducees (14 Occurrences) Pharisee (14 Occurrences) Scribes (85 Occurrences) Unwashen (3 Occurrences) Pharira Salutation (6 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of the parables of fasting at the wedding feast, the old cloth, and the wineskins? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Pharisees? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Sadducees? | GotQuestions.org Pharisaic: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Pharisaic (1 Occurrence)Acts 23:9 Subtopics Related Terms Interpretation (45 Occurrences) |
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