Topical Bible: Leaven: Doctrines of Pharisees

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In biblical literature, "leaven" is often used metaphorically to represent influence, particularly of a corrupting nature. This metaphor is prominently employed by Jesus Christ in His teachings concerning the doctrines of the Pharisees. The Pharisees were a religious group in Judaism during the Second Temple period, known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. However, Jesus frequently criticized them for their hypocrisy and legalism, which He warned could corrupt the true faith.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 16:6, 11-12 : Jesus explicitly warns His disciples about the "leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Initially, the disciples misunderstand, thinking He refers to physical bread. Jesus clarifies that He is speaking about their teachings: "How is it you do not understand that I was not telling you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." This passage highlights the insidious nature of their doctrines, which could permeate and corrupt the purity of the Gospel.

2. Mark 8:15 : Here, Jesus again cautions, "Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod." This warning extends beyond the Pharisees to include Herod, indicating that the corrupting influence of false teachings and political power can be pervasive and dangerous.

3. Luke 12:1 : Jesus describes the leaven of the Pharisees as hypocrisy: "Be on your guard against the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." This underscores the disconnect between their outward religious observance and their inner spiritual state, which Jesus condemns as a form of spiritual corruption.

The Nature of Pharisaic Doctrine:

The Pharisees were known for their meticulous observance of the Law, but Jesus criticized them for elevating human traditions above God's commandments (Mark 7:8-9). Their teachings often focused on external compliance rather than internal transformation, leading to a form of religion that was more about appearance than genuine faith. This legalistic approach could lead believers away from the heart of God's law, which is love and mercy (Matthew 23:23).

Impact on Early Christianity:

The early Christian community faced challenges from those who sought to impose Pharisaic legalism on Gentile converts. The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 addressed this issue, affirming that salvation is through grace and not adherence to the Law. The warning against the leaven of the Pharisees served as a reminder to maintain the purity of the Gospel message, free from the corrupting influence of legalism and hypocrisy.

Symbolism of Leaven:

In Jewish tradition, leaven is often associated with sin and impurity, particularly during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when leaven is removed from homes to symbolize the removal of sin. Jesus' use of leaven as a metaphor for the Pharisees' teachings aligns with this symbolism, emphasizing the need for vigilance against corrupting influences within the faith community.

In summary, the "leaven of the Pharisees" serves as a powerful metaphor for the corrupting influence of false teachings and hypocrisy. Jesus' warnings to His disciples highlight the importance of discernment and the need to uphold the integrity of the Gospel against any form of doctrinal corruption.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 16:6,12
Then Jesus said to them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ Warns his Disciples against the Pharisees. --The Power of ...
... this inconsistent with opposition, on Christ's part, to the doctrines of the Pharisees
in other ... its appearance, and that the figure of the leaven may have ...
/.../section 167 christ warns his.htm

The Leaven.
... leaven in this place to predict the prevalence of false doctrines and practices ... place
warns his followers to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/iv the leaven.htm

The True Sign
... The scribes and Pharisees were insinuating deceptive principles ... the real tendency
of their doctrines, and improved ... when once accepted, worked like leaven in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 44 the true sign.htm

The Historical Situation
... influence, nevertheless, was working as leaven throughout the ... Towards both of these
doctrines the Sadducees ... Politically the Pharisees were theocratic in theory ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/i the historical situation.htm

The Draw-Net.
... Observing that the Lord in another place represents the doctrines of the Pharisees
and the Sadducees as a leaven, some have concluded that the leaven in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/vii the draw-net.htm

The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah
... SADDUCEES, AND ESSENES - EXAMINATION OF THEIR DISTINCTIVE DOCTRINES. ... THE CAVILS OF
THE PHARISEES CONCERNING PURIFICATION ... PHILIPPI - WHAT IS THE LEAVEN OF THE ...
//christianbookshelf.org/edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/

Hypocrisy
... his voice like a trumpet against this sin, "the leaven of the Pharisees, which is ...
concerning all matters of religion, whether they be theological doctrines. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/hypocrisy.htm

Examples from the Old Testament, Balaam, Moses, and Hezekiah, to ...
... Beware," He says to the disciples, "of the leaven of the ... It was in respect of Him
against whom the Pharisees were sinning that ... 4637] The novel doctrines of the ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxviii examples from the old.htm

On the Wisdom of this World
... as appears by His treatment of the Pharisees and Sadducees, who followed the doctrines
of Plato ... gentle and kind, without any morose leaven of pride or ...
/.../swift/three sermons three prayers/on the wisdom of this.htm

Opposition to Jesus.
... outcasts of all kinds, and the Pharisees saw in ... had taught much more elevated, and
almost Gospel doctrines. ... under Herod, has preserved the leaven from which ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xx opposition to jesus.htm