Topical Encyclopedia The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect during the Second Temple period, known for their strict adherence to the Law and their influence in the religious and social life of Israel. One of the defining theological beliefs of the Pharisees was their conviction in the resurrection of the dead, a doctrine that set them apart from other Jewish groups, notably the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection.Biblical References The belief in the resurrection is highlighted in several New Testament passages, where the Pharisees' views are contrasted with those of the Sadducees. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is approached by the Sadducees, who question Him about the resurrection, a topic they reject. Jesus responds by affirming the resurrection, implicitly aligning with the Pharisaic belief: "But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what God said to you: 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living" (Matthew 22:31-32). In the Book of Acts, the Apostle Paul, who was a Pharisee before his conversion to Christianity, uses the belief in the resurrection to his advantage when he is on trial before the Sanhedrin. He declares, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead" (Acts 23:6). This statement causes a division between the Pharisees and Sadducees, as the Pharisees support the doctrine of resurrection. Theological Significance The Pharisees' belief in the resurrection was rooted in their interpretation of the Hebrew Scriptures and their understanding of God's justice and covenant promises. They believed that the resurrection was a future event when the righteous would be raised to eternal life, a hope that provided comfort and motivation for living a life in accordance with God's commandments. This belief in the resurrection also had eschatological implications, as it was tied to the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God's kingdom. The Pharisees anticipated a time when God would vindicate His people, reward the righteous, and restore Israel. Influence on Early Christianity The Pharisaic belief in the resurrection significantly influenced early Christian theology. The resurrection of Jesus Christ became the cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming the Pharisaic hope in a future resurrection. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, elaborates on the doctrine of resurrection, emphasizing its centrality to the Christian gospel: "But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?" (1 Corinthians 15:12). The Pharisees' belief in the resurrection, therefore, not only shaped Jewish thought but also laid a foundation for the development of Christian doctrine, highlighting the continuity and fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 23:8For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Priestly Plottings Bethesda and the Sanhedrin Christ's Refutations of the Pharisees Rendering Dues to C??sar and ... Acts IV The Candour of the Writers of the New Testament. Then Went the Pharisees and Considered How they Might Ensnare Him ... Gamaliel's Counsel Necessity of a Public Death for the Doctrine of the Resurrection. The Resurrection of the Dead The Resurrection of Lazarus Resources What are the differences between the Sadducees and Pharisees? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus rebuke the scribes and Pharisees so harshly in Matthew 23:13 36? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Pharisees? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Irony: The Pharisees and the Herodians to Jesus Pharisees: Association With Publicans and Sinners Pharisees: Become Disciples of Jesus Pharisees: Come to Jesus With Questions Pharisees: Concerning the Resurrection Pharisees: Hypocrisy of, Reproved by Jesus Pharisees: Hypocrisy of, Reproved by John Pharisees: They Minister to Jesus Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to Fasting Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to The Duties of Children to Parents Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to The Sabbath Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to The Washing of Hands The Pharisees by Descent, Especially Esteemed The Pharisees: A Sect of the Jews The Pharisees: As a Body, Rejected John's Baptism The Pharisees: Believed in the Resurrection The Pharisees: Character of Active in Proselytising The Pharisees: Character of Ambitious of Precedence The Pharisees: Character of Avaricious The Pharisees: Character of Cruel in Persecuting The Pharisees: Character of Fond of Distinguished Titles The Pharisees: Character of Fond of Public Salutations The Pharisees: Character of Oppressive The Pharisees: Character of Outwardly Moral The Pharisees: Character of Particular in Paying all Dues The Pharisees: Character of Rigid in Fasting The Pharisees: Character of Self-Righteous The Pharisees: Character of Zealous of the Law The Pharisees: Character of Zealous of Tradition The Pharisees: Christ: Asked for Signs By The Pharisees: Christ: Called Fools and Blind Guides The Pharisees: Christ: Called, and Evil and Adulterous Generation The Pharisees: Christ: Called, Serpents and Generation of Vipers The Pharisees: Christ: Compared, to Graves That Appear Not The Pharisees: Christ: Compared, to Whited Sepulchres The Pharisees: Christ: Condemned By, for Associating With Sinners The Pharisees: Christ: Declared the Doctrines of, to be Hypocrisy The Pharisees: Christ: Declared the Imaginary Righteousness of, to be Insufficient The Pharisees: Christ: Denounced Woes Against The Pharisees: Christ: Left Judea for a Time on Account of The Pharisees: Christ: Offended, by his Doctrine The Pharisees: Christ: Often Invited By The Pharisees: Christ: Tempted By, With Questions About the Law The Pharisees: Christ: Watched By, for Evil The Pharisees: Imputed Christ's Miracles to Satan's Power The Pharisees: Made Broad Their Phylacteries The Pharisees: Many Priest and Levites Were of The Pharisees: Many Rulers, Lawyers, and Scribes Were of The Pharisees: Often Sought to Destroy Christ The Pharisees: Sent officers to Apprehend Christ The Pharisees: some Came to John for Baptism The Pharisees: The Strictest Observers of the Mosaic Ritual The Pharisees: Their Opinions, a Standard for Others Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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