The Pharisees were a prominent religious and political group in Judea during the Second Temple period, particularly from the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD. They are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, where they often appear in opposition to Jesus Christ and His teachings. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions that they believed were equally authoritative.

Origins and Beliefs

The Pharisees emerged as a distinct group during the Hasmonean period, likely as a response to the Hellenization of Jewish society and the perceived corruption of the priesthood. They emphasized the importance of purity laws, tithing, and Sabbath observance. Unlike the Sadducees, another Jewish sect of the time, the Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and the coming of the Messiah.

The Pharisees held that the oral law, later codified in the Mishnah, was given to Moses alongside the written Torah. This belief in the oral tradition allowed them to adapt the Law to new circumstances, which contributed to their influence among the common people.

Role in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the Pharisees are often depicted as opponents of Jesus. They are criticized for their hypocrisy and legalism, focusing on outward observance rather than the inward condition of the heart. Jesus rebukes them for their emphasis on minor ritual details while neglecting the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. In Matthew 23:23 , Jesus says, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, 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."

The Pharisees are also noted for their role in the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. They conspired with the chief priests and other Jewish leaders to arrest Jesus and bring Him to trial. In John 11:47-48 , the chief priests and Pharisees convene a council and say, "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 the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation."

Influence and Legacy

Despite their opposition to Jesus, the Pharisees played a significant role in the development of Rabbinic Judaism after the destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70. Their emphasis on the oral law and adaptability to changing circumstances allowed Judaism to survive and thrive in the diaspora. The Pharisaic tradition laid the groundwork for the Talmud and the rabbinic teachings that continue to influence Jewish life and thought today.

Jewish Leaders in the New Testament

The term "Jewish leaders" in the New Testament often refers to the religious authorities in Jerusalem, including the chief priests, scribes, and elders. These leaders held significant power and influence over the Jewish people, particularly in religious and legal matters. They were responsible for maintaining the Temple and overseeing its rituals and sacrifices.

The chief priests, primarily from the Sadducean party, were often at odds with the Pharisees but united in their opposition to Jesus. They viewed Him as a threat to their authority and the stability of the nation. In Mark 14:1 , it is recorded, "Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were two days away, and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him."

The Jewish leaders' rejection of Jesus as the Messiah is a central theme in the New Testament, highlighting the tension between the emerging Christian faith and traditional Jewish beliefs. Despite this, many individual Jews, including some Pharisees, came to believe in Jesus and played crucial roles in the early Christian church.