Topical Encyclopedia In the New Testament, the scribes are frequently depicted as religious leaders who were well-versed in the Law of Moses and held positions of authority within Jewish society. They were often associated with the Pharisees and Sadducees, forming a significant part of the religious establishment during the time of Jesus. The scribes were responsible for copying, interpreting, and teaching the Scriptures, and they played a crucial role in maintaining the religious traditions of Judaism.The Gospels frequently portray the scribes as being at odds with Jesus, often taking offense at His teachings and actions. This tension is evident in several key passages where the scribes challenge Jesus' authority and question His interpretation of the Law. One notable instance is found in the Gospel of Mark, where the scribes express their disapproval of Jesus' actions. In Mark 2:6-7 , we read, "But some of the scribes were sitting there and thinking in their hearts, 'Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?'" Here, the scribes are offended by Jesus' claim to forgive sins, a prerogative they believed belonged solely to God. The scribes also took issue with Jesus' association with those they deemed sinners. In Mark 2:16 , it is recorded, "When the scribes who were Pharisees saw Jesus eating with sinners and tax collectors, they asked His disciples, 'Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?'" This question reveals their disdain for Jesus' willingness to engage with individuals outside the bounds of their religious and social norms. Furthermore, the scribes were often scandalized by Jesus' interpretation of the Sabbath laws. In Mark 3:1-6 , Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, prompting the Pharisees and scribes to conspire against Him. The passage states, "Then Jesus asked them, 'Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?' But they remained silent." The scribes' silence and subsequent plotting highlight their inability to comprehend the spirit of the Law, which Jesus sought to illuminate. The scribes' offense at Jesus' teachings is further illustrated in their reaction to His parables. In Mark 12:12 , after Jesus tells the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, it is noted, "At this, the chief priests, scribes, and elders looked for a way to arrest Him, for they knew He had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd, so they left Him and went away." The parable, which criticized the religious leaders' failure to steward God's people faithfully, incited their anger and desire to silence Jesus. In summary, the modern depiction of scribes in the New Testament reveals a group often offended by Jesus' conduct and teaching. Their rigid adherence to tradition and authority blinded them to the transformative message of the Gospel, leading to frequent confrontations with the Lord. The scribes' interactions with Jesus serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing human traditions over divine truth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 21:15And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased, Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 2:6,7,16 Mark 3:22 Library The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic ... The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ... The Lord Coming to his Temple The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the ... The Procession of Sorrow The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff. Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200 An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. part i Resources What does it mean to bind the strong man? | GotQuestions.orgDoes John 7:53-8:11 belong in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is a Bible scholar? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Scribes: Acted as Keepers of the Muster-Rolls of the Host Scribes: Acted as Notaries in Courts of Justice Scribes: Acted as Religious Teachers Scribes: Acted as Secretaries to Kings Scribes: Acted as Secretaries to Prophets Scribes: Acted as Writers of Public Documents Scribes: Families Celebrated for Furnishing: Kenites Scribes: Families Celebrated for Furnishing: Levi Scribes: Families Celebrated for Furnishing: Zebulun Scribes: Generally Men of Great Wisdom Scribes: Illustrated of Well Instructed Ministers of the Gospel Scribes: Modern were Doctors of the Law Scribes: Modern were Frequently Pharisees Scribes: Modern: Active in Procuring Our Lord's Death Scribes: Modern: Condemned by Christ for Hypocrisy Scribes: Modern: Esteemed Wise and Learned Scribes: Modern: Often offended at out Lord's Conduct and Teaching Scribes: Modern: Persecuted the Christians Scribes: Modern: Regarded As Interpreters of Scripture Scribes: Modern: Sat in Moses' Seat Scribes: Modern: Tempted Our Lord Scribes: Modern: Their Manner of Teaching Contrasting With That of Christ Scribes: Modern: Wore Long Robes and Loved Pre-Eminence Scribes: Often Learned in the Law Scribes: Wore an Inkhorn at Their Girdles Related Terms |
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