The Pharisees and Teachers of the Law were influential religious groups in Judea during the Second Temple period, particularly from the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD. They played a significant role in the religious, social, and political life of the Jewish people during the time of Jesus Christ and the early Christian church.

Pharisees

The Pharisees were a sect known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions that they believed were handed down alongside the written Torah. They emphasized purity, tithing, and the observance of the Sabbath. The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and the coming of the Messiah.

In the New Testament, the Pharisees are often depicted as opponents of Jesus, challenging His teachings and actions. They are frequently criticized by Jesus for their hypocrisy and legalism. 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."

Despite their opposition to Jesus, some Pharisees were sympathetic to His message. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, came to Jesus by night to seek understanding (John 3:1-21), and later defended Him before the Sanhedrin (John 7:50-51). After the resurrection, some Pharisees, like Paul the Apostle, became followers of Christ.

Teachers of the Law (Scribes)

The Teachers of the Law, often referred to as scribes, were experts in the Mosaic Law and played a crucial role in interpreting and teaching the Scriptures. They were responsible for copying and preserving the sacred texts and were often consulted on legal and religious matters.

In the Gospels, the scribes are frequently associated with the Pharisees and are similarly criticized by Jesus for their legalistic approach and lack of genuine righteousness. In Mark 12:38-40 , Jesus warns, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and receive greetings in the marketplaces, and have the chief seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation."

The scribes' authority was challenged by Jesus, who taught with a new authority that astonished the crowds (Matthew 7:28-29). Despite their opposition, some scribes were open to Jesus' teachings, as seen in Mark 12:28-34, where a scribe acknowledges the truth of Jesus' teaching about the greatest commandment.

Role and Influence

The Pharisees and Teachers of the Law were instrumental in shaping Jewish religious life and thought. Their emphasis on the Law and tradition influenced the development of Rabbinic Judaism after the destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70. Their interactions with Jesus highlight the tension between legalism and the transformative message of grace and truth that Jesus brought.

The New Testament portrayal of the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law serves as a caution against religious hypocrisy and underscores the importance of a heart aligned with God's will, rather than mere outward conformity to religious practices.