The Pharisees were a prominent religious and political group in Judea during the Second Temple period, known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the traditions of the elders. They emerged as a distinct group during the intertestamental period, gaining influence and authority among the Jewish people. The Pharisees are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, often in opposition to Jesus Christ and His teachings.

Origins and Beliefs

The Pharisees likely originated from the Hasideans, a pious group that resisted Hellenization during the Maccabean Revolt. They emphasized the importance of oral tradition alongside the written Torah, believing that both were necessary for proper interpretation and application of the Law. The Pharisees were known for their rigorous observance of purity laws, tithing, and Sabbath regulations. They believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and divine providence, which set them apart from the Sadducees, another influential Jewish sect.

Priests, Levites, and the Pharisees

While the Pharisees were primarily a lay movement, many priests and Levites were associated with them. The priesthood, responsible for temple worship and sacrifices, was traditionally composed of descendants of Aaron, while the Levites assisted in various temple duties. During the Second Temple period, the priesthood became increasingly politicized, with some priests aligning themselves with the Pharisaic movement due to shared religious convictions and interpretations of the Law.

The Pharisees' emphasis on purity and ritual observance resonated with many priests and Levites, who were deeply involved in the religious life of the Jewish people. This connection is evident in the New Testament, where Pharisees are often depicted as authorities on religious matters, sometimes in collaboration with the chief priests and scribes.

New Testament References

The New Testament provides numerous accounts of interactions between Jesus and the Pharisees. The Pharisees are often portrayed as opponents of Jesus, challenging His teachings and actions. In Matthew 23, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and legalism, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter" (Matthew 23:13).

Despite their opposition to Jesus, some Pharisees were sympathetic to His message. Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, sought out Jesus to learn more about His teachings (John 3:1-21). Additionally, after the resurrection, some Pharisees became followers of Christ, as seen in Acts 15:5, where certain believers from the Pharisees argued for the necessity of circumcision for Gentile converts.

Influence and Legacy

The Pharisees played a crucial role in shaping Jewish religious life during the Second Temple period. Their emphasis on the oral law and interpretation of the Torah laid the groundwork for Rabbinic Judaism, which emerged after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. The Pharisees' focus on personal piety, study of the Scriptures, and community life influenced the development of Jewish religious practices that continue to this day.

In summary, the Pharisees were a significant religious group in ancient Judea, with many priests and Levites among their ranks. Their interactions with Jesus and their influence on Jewish tradition have left a lasting impact on both Christianity and Judaism.John 1:19,24
And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

In the Last, the Great Day of the Feast'
... effect to their views, the High-Priest Alexander Jann??us had ... sneer, rather than argument,
of the Pharisees is the ... reason of the disbelief of so many: Which of ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in the last.htm

At the Feast of Tabernacles
... Here were two silver basins, with a priest standing at ... At the beginning of the feast
many inquiries were made ... The Pharisees and rulers looked for Him to come ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 49 at the feast.htm

John's First Testimony to Jesus.
... They looked upon John as a priest and Jud??an, but upon ... There are many echoes in the
world; but few voices ... 24 And they had been sent were from The Pharisees. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xx johns first testimony to.htm

Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
... lots for these duties] of the priest's office, his ... [See verse 41.] 16 And many of
the ... or patriots; and into religious factions, as Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/v annunciation to zacharias of.htm

The Witness of John.
... not answer the question of the Pharisees directly, but ... Josephus, a Jewish priest
and general, a contemporary of ... Now when (many) others came into crowds about ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the witness of john.htm

The Greek Kings of Egypt.
... kept themselves apart, and were called Pharisees, from a ... Holy of Holies, though the
High Priest and all ... Out of many thousands, only three hundred submitted to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xvi the greek kings.htm

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ...
... the colleagues of John the Priest - would be ... The Pharisees represented only the
prevailing system of, not ... Sadducees also numbered among them many learned men. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the deputation from.htm

Book 20 Footnotes
... impostors and false prophets, with many other circumstances ... and inexorable judges,
while the Pharisees were much milder ... a sort of perpetual high priest, and was ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 20 footnotes.htm

Were Christ and the Apostles Mistaken?
... of the critics will concede that many things were ... thy way, show thyself to the priest,
and offer ... 2. The Pharisees, always captious and controversial, sought to ...
/.../concerning the assumptions of destructive criticism/iv were christ and the.htm

The Foundation of the Church among the Jews
... received from the Great High Priest before His ... priests and people, Sadducees and
Pharisees, were alike vehement ... with their abuse of their many privileges and ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter i the foundation of.htm

If Jesus condemned the Pharisees for praying out loud, should we pray aloud? | GotQuestions.org

What was Jesus writing in the dirt/sand when the Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Herodians? | GotQuestions.org

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