Learn more about Pharisees

Introduction to Pharisees

The Pharisees were a prominent religious and political group in Judaism during the Second Temple period, which spanned from the 6th century BC to the 1st century AD. They are most frequently mentioned in the New Testament and are portrayed as the primary opponents of Jesus Christ, especially in the Gospels. The term "Pharisee" is often associated with legalism, hypocrisy, and a focus on outward religious observance rather than inner spirituality. However, historical research suggests that the Pharisees played a significant role in preserving Judaism during a time of great political and cultural upheaval, and they contributed to the development of Rabbinic Judaism.

Pharisees Pronunciation

The word "Pharisee" is pronounced as FAIR-uh-see, with emphasis on the first syllable.

Pharisees in the Bible

The Pharisees appear prominently in the New Testament, especially in the Gospels, where they are frequently depicted in opposition to Jesus Christ. However, their history and role extend beyond the biblical narrative.

• Role in the Gospels: The Pharisees are often depicted as the religious leaders who challenge Jesus' teachings and authority. They are portrayed as legalistic and focused on external rituals, contrasting with Jesus' message of grace, mercy, and inner transformation. Some key encounters include the Pharisees questioning Jesus about the law, such as in the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), and their objections to Jesus healing on the Sabbath (Luke 6:6-11).
• Jesus' Critique: Jesus frequently critiques the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, accusing them of following the letter of the law while neglecting its spirit. In Matthew 23, Jesus delivers a scathing rebuke of the Pharisees, calling them "blind guides" and "whitewashed tombs" (Matthew 23:13-36). His criticism highlights their focus on outward righteousness while their hearts remain far from God.
• Nicodemus: A Pharisee who secretly approached Jesus to discuss His teachings. Nicodemus is a notable figure because, despite his affiliation with the Pharisees, he shows genuine curiosity and openness to Jesus' message (John 3:1-21). Later, Nicodemus defends Jesus in front of the Pharisees (John 7:50-51) and assists in preparing Jesus' body for burial (John 19:39-42).
• The Apostle Paul: The Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul, was a Pharisee before his conversion to Christianity. His early life as a Pharisee is described in Philippians 3:5-6, where Paul emphasizes his strict adherence to the law. After his conversion, Paul frequently engages with the Pharisees in debates, defending the gospel and the resurrection of Jesus, as seen in Acts 23:6.

Pharisees in Biblical History and Context

The Pharisees were part of a larger religious and social movement in Judaism during the time of Jesus. They were one of several Jewish sects that emerged in the wake of the Maccabean revolt (167-160 BC) and the subsequent political and religious struggles of the Hellenistic period. The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels, and the oral traditions that supplemented the written law. Their emphasis on purity and holiness was intended to help the Jewish people remain faithful to God's covenant, particularly in the context of Roman occupation.

Though the Pharisees often opposed Jesus, it is important to understand that they were not uniformly hostile. Some Pharisees, like Nicodemus and Gamaliel, were open to Jesus' message, and in Acts, we see that some Pharisees became Christians. This highlights the complexity of their relationship with early Christianity and their influence in the development of Rabbinic Judaism after the destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70.

Related Terms and Meanings

• Sadducees: Another prominent Jewish sect during the Second Temple period, the Sadducees were often in conflict with the Pharisees. They held a more conservative interpretation of the Scriptures, rejecting the oral law and denying the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees were more closely associated with the priestly and aristocratic classes, while the Pharisees were more representative of the common people.
• Sanhedrin: The Jewish ruling council, which included both Pharisees and Sadducees. The Sanhedrin played a key role in the trial of Jesus (Matthew 26:57-68) and later in the persecution of the apostles (Acts 4:5-22).
• Rabbinic Judaism: The Pharisees are considered the precursors to Rabbinic Judaism, the form of Judaism that developed after the destruction of the Second Temple. Rabbinic Judaism places great emphasis on the study of the Torah and the interpretation of Jewish law, much of which can be traced back to Pharisaic traditions.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Pharisees

• The term "Pharisee" is sometimes used today to describe someone who is hypocritically self-righteous, but this may not fully represent the historical context of the Pharisees, who were deeply committed to following God's law.
• Pharisees were known for their rigorous adherence to both the written law (Torah) and the oral traditions, which were seen as necessary for understanding and applying the law in everyday life.
• Despite their negative portrayal in the Gospels, the Pharisees played a crucial role in preserving Jewish religious life during the Roman occupation and contributed to the shaping of Jewish practice after the destruction of the Temple.
• The name "Pharisee" comes from the Hebrew word "perushim," meaning "separated ones." This reflects their emphasis on separating themselves from Gentile influence and maintaining purity according to Jewish law.