The term "straitest" is often used to describe the most rigorous or strict adherence to religious laws and practices. In the context of the Bible, it is associated with the Pharisees, a Jewish sect known for their strict observance of the Law of Moses and the traditions of the elders. The Pharisees are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, where their practices and beliefs are both critiqued and acknowledged for their dedication to the law.

Biblical References:

1. Acts 26:5 : "They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion." In this verse, the Apostle Paul is speaking before King Agrippa, explaining his background and former life as a Pharisee. The term "strictest" here is synonymous with "straitest," indicating the rigorous adherence to the Jewish law that characterized the Pharisees.

2. Matthew 23:23 : "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." This passage highlights the Pharisees' focus on meticulous law-keeping, even in minor matters, while sometimes neglecting the more significant aspects of the law. Their strictness is evident in their attention to detail, yet Jesus criticizes them for missing the broader, more important principles.

3. Philippians 3:5-6 : "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." Paul again refers to his past as a Pharisee, emphasizing his strict observance of the law. His description of being "faultless" under the law underscores the Pharisees' commitment to living according to the strictest interpretation of the Jewish legal code.

Historical Context:

The Pharisees emerged during the Second Temple period and became one of the most influential Jewish sects. They were known for their emphasis on oral tradition and their belief in the resurrection of the dead, which set them apart from other groups like the Sadducees. The Pharisees' strict interpretation of the law was intended to maintain purity and holiness among the Jewish people, especially in the face of Hellenistic influences.

Theological Implications:

The concept of being the "straitest" in religious observance raises important theological questions about the balance between law and grace. While the Pharisees' dedication to the law is commendable, the New Testament often critiques their approach for lacking the spirit of the law, which includes justice, mercy, and faithfulness. This tension is central to the teachings of Jesus, who calls for a deeper understanding and application of God's commandments that goes beyond mere external compliance.

Application for Believers:

For contemporary believers, the example of the Pharisees serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of legalism and the importance of aligning one's heart with God's will. While adherence to God's commandments is essential, it must be accompanied by a genuine love for God and others. The "straitest" path, therefore, is not merely about strict rule-following but about embodying the principles of justice, mercy, and faithfulness in one's life.196. akribestatos -- exact, precise.
... Word Origin superl. of akribes, qv. exact, precise. Superlative of akribes (a
derivative of the same as akron); most exact -- most straitest. see GREEK akron. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/196.htm - 6k

Acts xxv. 23
... the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews: which knew me from
the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily lii acts xxv 23.htm

The Pharisee and the Publican
... were the sects of the Herodians, of the Alexandrians, and of the Sadducees, with
many others; but to be a Pharisee, was to be of the straitest sect: "After the ...
/.../bunyan/the pharisee and publican/the pharisee and the publican.htm

The Chaff Driven Away
... There are many who are religious; as touching the law outwardly they are blameless;
Hebrews of the Hebrews, Pharisees of the straitest sect. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the chaff driven away.htm

The Young Saul and the Aged Paul [Footnote: to the Young. ]
... Pharisee, Gamaliel's promising pupil, advanced above many who were his equals in
his own religion, as he says himself; living after its straitest sect, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the young saul and the.htm

Awake, Thou that Sleepest
... rational, inoffensive, good-natured professor of the religion of his fathers; or
whether he be zealous and orthodox, and, "after the most straitest sect of our ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 3 awake thou that.htm

Wesley Refused the Sacrament at Epworth
... under heaven where this should befall me first as my father's house, the place of
my nativity, and the very place where, "according to the straitest sect of ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley refused the sacrament at.htm

The French Reformation.
... to accept with implicit faith the teachings of the church, he might, with the apostle
Paul, have declared concerning himself, "After the most straitest sect of ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /12 the french reformation.htm

The French Reformation
... to accept with implicit faith the teachings of the church, he might, with the apostle
Paul, have declared concerning himself: "After the most straitest sect of ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 12 the french reformation.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... There was the sect of the Herodians, and of the Alexandrians, of the Sadducees,
with many others; but to be a Pharisee, was to be of the straitest sect: After ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

Reform
... Paul once worshipped this mighty one, and worshipped him so well, that, after the
"most straitest sect of his religion, he lived a Pharisee." Never, in his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/reform.htm

Straitest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Straitest (1 Occurrence). Acts 26:5 Which knew
me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after ...
/s/straitest.htm - 6k

Straitly (12 Occurrences)
... It occurs in its superlative form in Acts 26:5, "After the straitest (akribestatos,
"most exact," "scrupulous") sect of our religion," ie "the most precise and ...
/s/straitly.htm - 11k

Straiten (4 Occurrences)
... It occurs in its superlative form in Acts 26:5, "After the straitest (akribestatos,
"most exact," "scrupulous") sect of our religion," ie "the most precise and ...
/s/straiten.htm - 10k

Strait (14 Occurrences)
... It occurs in its superlative form in Acts 26:5, "After the straitest (akribestatos,
"most exact," "scrupulous") sect of our religion," ie "the most precise and ...
/s/strait.htm - 13k

Straiteneth (1 Occurrence)

/s/straiteneth.htm - 6k

Heresy (2 Occurrences)
... have "sect," "sect of the Sadducees" (Acts 5:17), "sect of the Nazarenes" (Acts
24:5). In Acts 26:5 the Pharisees are called "the straitest hairesis (sect ...
/h/heresy.htm - 12k

Beginning (187 Occurrences)
... Acts 26:5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the
most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. (KJV WBS). ...
/b/beginning.htm - 38k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus