The Pharisees were a prominent religious group in Judea during the Second Temple period, known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and the traditions of the elders. Their name, derived from the Hebrew "Perushim," means "separated ones," indicating their commitment to living a life set apart in holiness and obedience to the Torah.

Historical Background

The Pharisees emerged during the intertestamental period, a time of significant religious and political upheaval. They were one of several Jewish sects, including the Sadducees and Essenes, that sought to interpret and apply the Law of Moses in daily life. Unlike the Sadducees, who were closely associated with the Temple priesthood and aristocracy, the Pharisees were more aligned with the common people and were influential in the synagogues.

Beliefs and Practices

The Pharisees were distinguished by their rigorous observance of the Law and their emphasis on purity. They believed in the authority of both the written Law (the Torah) and the oral traditions, which they considered essential for interpreting and applying the Law. This oral tradition was later codified in the Mishnah and Talmud.

Key beliefs of the Pharisees included:

1. Resurrection of the Dead: The Pharisees believed in the resurrection, a doctrine that set them apart from the Sadducees, who denied it. This belief is evident in Acts 23:8, "The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angels, nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all."

2. Angels and Spirits: They affirmed the existence of angels and spirits, as noted in the same passage from Acts.

3. Divine Providence and Free Will: The Pharisees held a balanced view of divine providence and human free will, believing that God’s sovereignty and human responsibility coexist.

4. Purity Laws: They were meticulous in observing purity laws, including dietary restrictions and ritual washings, to maintain holiness.

Interactions with Jesus

The New Testament frequently depicts the Pharisees in their interactions with Jesus, often highlighting their legalism and hypocrisy. Jesus criticized them for their focus on external observance rather than internal righteousness. In Matthew 23:23, He rebukes them, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the Law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness."

Despite these criticisms, some Pharisees were sympathetic to Jesus. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, sought Jesus out to learn from Him (John 3:1-21), and later defended Him before the Sanhedrin (John 7:50-51).

Influence and Legacy

The Pharisees' emphasis on the Law and tradition significantly influenced Rabbinic Judaism after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. Their teachings laid the groundwork for the development of the Talmud and continue to impact Jewish thought and practice today.

In the Christian tradition, the Pharisees serve as a cautionary example of the dangers of legalism and self-righteousness, reminding believers of the importance of a heart transformed by grace and truth.Acts 26:5
Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most strait sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

What is the leaven of the Pharisees? | GotQuestions.org

Why did John the Baptist refer to the Pharisees as a brood of vipers? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jesus refer to the Pharisees as a “child of hell” in Matthew 23:15? | GotQuestions.org

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