Topical Encyclopedia 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. They emerged as a distinct group around the second century BCE and played a significant role in Jewish society during the time of Jesus Christ and the early Christian church.Origins and Development The Pharisees likely originated from the Hasideans, a pious group that supported the Maccabean revolt against Hellenistic influence in the second century BCE. Over time, they developed into a distinct sect characterized by their emphasis on purity laws, tithing, and Sabbath observance. Unlike the Sadducees, who were associated with the priestly aristocracy and the Temple, the Pharisees were more closely connected with the common people and the synagogues. Beliefs and Practices The Pharisees held a comprehensive interpretation of the Torah, which included both the written Law and the oral traditions that they believed were handed down from Moses. They were particularly known for their belief in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and the importance of living a life of holiness and separation from impurity. The Apostle Paul, who identified himself as a Pharisee, provides insight into their beliefs in Acts 23:8 : "For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, nor angels, nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all." Esteemed by Descent Certain Pharisees were especially esteemed due to their lineage and adherence to the traditions of their forefathers. This esteem was often linked to their rigorous observance of the Law and their ability to teach and interpret it. The Pharisees were respected for their knowledge of the Scriptures and their role as teachers and leaders within the Jewish community. In the Gospels, the Pharisees are frequently depicted as opponents of Jesus, often challenging His teachings and actions. However, it is important to note that not all Pharisees were hostile to Jesus. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, sought out Jesus to learn from Him (John 3:1-2), and later defended Him before the Sanhedrin (John 7:50-51). Influence and Legacy The Pharisees' influence extended beyond the time of Jesus and the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. Their emphasis on the oral law and interpretation of the Torah laid the groundwork for Rabbinic Judaism, which became the dominant form of Judaism after the Temple's destruction. The Apostle Paul, a Pharisee by descent, played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity. His background as a Pharisee equipped him with a deep understanding of the Jewish Scriptures, which he used to articulate the message of Christ to both Jews and Gentiles. In summary, the Pharisees were a significant religious group in Jewish history, known for their devotion to the Law and their influence on both Judaism and early Christianity. Their legacy continues to be felt in the ongoing dialogue between Jewish and Christian traditions. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 23:6But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ... John i. 19 The Faith of Moses. Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. ) Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church. The Immaculate Conception A Treatise on Re-Baptism by an Anonymous Writer. Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels. Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ... Formula Concordi??. 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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