The Pharisees were a prominent religious group within Judaism during the Second Temple period, known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the traditions of the elders. Their influence extended beyond religious practices, impacting the social and political spheres of Jewish life. The Pharisees are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, where their interactions with Jesus Christ and His disciples are highlighted.

Historical Background

The Pharisees emerged during the intertestamental period, a time of significant upheaval and transformation for the Jewish people. This era saw the rise of various sects, each with its interpretation of the Torah and its application to daily life. The Pharisees distinguished themselves by their commitment to the oral law, which they believed was given alongside the written Torah to Moses at Sinai. This oral tradition was later codified in the Mishnah and Talmud.

Beliefs and Practices

The Pharisees held several core beliefs that set them apart from other Jewish groups, such as the Sadducees and Essenes. They believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and the coming of a Messiah who would restore Israel. Their emphasis on purity laws, tithing, and Sabbath observance was rooted in a desire to live a life pleasing to God.

The Pharisees were meticulous in their observance of the law, often creating additional rules to ensure they did not inadvertently transgress God's commandments. This practice is evident in their approach to the Sabbath, where they defined what constituted "work" to avoid breaking the Sabbath rest.

Influence and Authority

The Pharisees wielded considerable influence over the Jewish populace, often serving as teachers and interpreters of the law. Their opinions and interpretations became a standard for others, shaping the religious and ethical life of the community. In Matthew 23:2-3 , Jesus acknowledges their authority, saying, "The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So practice and observe everything they tell you, but do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach."

Despite their authority, the Pharisees were often criticized for their hypocrisy and legalism. Jesus frequently rebuked them for prioritizing external observance over internal righteousness. In Matthew 23:27-28 , He declares, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."

Interactions with Jesus

The Gospels record numerous encounters between Jesus and the Pharisees, often highlighting the tension between their interpretations of the law and His teachings. The Pharisees frequently challenged Jesus, questioning His authority and seeking to trap Him in His words. In Mark 7:5-8 , they confront Jesus about His disciples not following traditional handwashing rituals. Jesus responds by quoting Isaiah, saying, "These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men."

Despite these confrontations, some Pharisees were drawn to Jesus' message. Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, sought out Jesus to learn more about His teachings (John 3:1-21). This indicates that while the Pharisees as a group often opposed Jesus, individual members were open to His message.

Legacy

The Pharisees' emphasis on the oral law and their interpretative traditions significantly influenced Rabbinic Judaism, which emerged after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. Their legacy is evident in the continued study and application of the Talmud and other rabbinic writings within Jewish communities today.John 7:48
Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Men Often Highly Esteem what God Abhors.
... of mint that we did not pay?" Those Pharisees did not ... I live, the less I think of
human opinions on the ... They have cut men off from their communion, and now ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xxi men often highly esteem.htm

Of Councils and their Authority.
... In the council which the priests and Pharisees assembled at ... of old complained in
regard to their decrees. Opinions being numbered, not weighed, the better were ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 9 of councils and.htm

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... analogous change, at least of theological opinions, distinguishes the ... as either one
or the other of their rationes vivendi ... [6343] The Pharisees never forgave ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iv an abstract of.htm

Our First Proposition Was, that There is Satisfactory Evidence ...
... up to the testimony their most fixed opinions and most ... around him, and before Scribes
and Pharisees, and rulers ... witnesses of the miracles passed their lives in ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter i our first proposition.htm

Galilee
... myths only needed restatement to confirm their opinions, while the ... Israel recognised
the Lord as their God there ... question of Jesus to the Pharisees, how David ...
/.../lake/landmarks in the history of early christianity/i galilee.htm

The Education of the World.
... refuse to measure Heaven by the standard of earth ... which we find in the teaching of
the Pharisees. ... fluctuations of their minds show that their opinions have not ...
/.../essays and reviews the education of the world/the education of the world.htm

On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... was the torch of dissension between the Pharisees and Christ ... obvious agreement of
the new doctrine with their preconceived opinions, influence the ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/oration v on reconciling religious.htm

The Scriptures a Safeguard.
... fearful denunciations of the scribes and Pharisees, and His ... help, we are to form
our opinions for ourselves ... false teachers to mislead and confuse their minds, a ...
/.../37 the scriptures a safeguard.htm

The Scriptures a Safeguard
... His fearful denunciations of the scribes and Pharisees, and His ... of God's law; because
there is in their hands a ... help we are to form our opinions for ourselves ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 37 the scriptures a.htm

Paul Before the Council.
... of party-spirit in forming our opinions, and swaying ... through a deceitful medium;
and in their eyes, the ... he declared himself in favour of the Pharisees, than he ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxvi paul before the.htm

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