The concept of Pharisees holds a significant place in the New Testament, as this group of Jewish individuals often disagreed with Jesus Christ over his interpretation of the Law. Known for being more focused on outward appearances rather than genuine faith, Pharisees believed that the path to God was through strict adherence to the Law, rather than by placing faith in Jesus Christ 1.
As an influential religious sect within Judaism during Christ’s time and the early church, Pharisees separated themselves from impurity, common people, Gentiles, and political groups 2. Along with strictly following the written Law of the Old Testament, they also gave equal weight to oral traditions that were passed down through generations. Their dedication to observing over 600 laws mentioned in the Torah showcases their commitment to living a holy life 3.
Historical Context of the Pharisees
Origins and Development
The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious group that emerged during the Second Temple period (515 BCE-70 CE). Originating around 150 BCE, they evolved from a group of scribes and sages whose roots can be traced back to the days of the prophet Ezra and the Great Assembly. Known for their rigorous adherence to Jewish law and traditions, the Pharisees interpreted and taught these laws with great precision and detail. The name “Pharisee” itself comes from the Hebrew word “Perushim,” meaning “Separated.”
The development of the Pharisees was influenced by various historical events and religious movements of the time. The conquest of Palestine by the Romans and the rise of the Herodians shaped the political and religious landscape of the region. Additionally, the diverse beliefs and practices within Judaism resulted in the formation of several sects, including the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Herodians.
Pharisees, Sadducees, and Other Sects
- Pharisees: As noted earlier, the Pharisees were dedicated to the strict observance and interpretation of Jewish laws, including oral traditions. They were considered the “gatekeepers” of Judaism and had a significant influence on the masses.
- Sadducees: The Sadducees were another influential Jewish sect during the same time. They maintained a more literal interpretation of the written Torah and did not accept the oral traditions followed by the Pharisees. Primarily consisting of wealthy aristocrats and Temple priests, the Sadducees often held political power.
- Essenes: The Essenes were a highly spiritual and secluded sect, who practiced a monastic lifestyle, emphasizing on ritual purity and communal living. They were responsible for the creation and preservation of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
- Herodians: The Herodians were a political faction that supported the Roman-appointed Herodian dynasty in Judea. They sought to maintain the status quo under Roman rule and were generally opposed by other Jewish sects.
In summary, the Pharisees were one of the many diverse and influential sects within Judaism during the Second Temple period. Their strict adherence to Jewish laws and traditions helped shape the religious landscape of the time. Other sects like the Sadducees, Essenes, and Herodians also played significant roles in the development of Judaism and its interactions with the politics of the region.
Beliefs and Practices of Pharisees
Adherence to Law and Oral Tradition
Pharisees were known for their strong adherence to both written and oral traditions. The written law, also known as the Torah, consisted of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, attributed to Moses. In addition to the written law, Pharisees also valued and observed oral traditions, which encompassed interpretations and teachings passed down through generations. This body of oral law was later compiled and recorded in the Talmud, a central text of Rabbinic Judaism. We recognize their dedication to preserving traditions as a crucial aspect of their identity.
The Pharisees believed that the oral tradition was vital in understanding and practicing God’s commandments. Their emphasis on tradition sometimes led to disputes with other Jewish sects, especially when they were accused of taking a legalistic approach. Nevertheless, their commitment to the law and tradition greatly influenced the Jewish faith and practices.
Concepts of Purity and Piety
Pharisees upheld strict standards of purity and piety in their daily lives. This focus on purity extended to their dietary practices, rituals, and observance of the Sabbath. They believed that by separating themselves from impurities and upholding these practices, they were more closely aligning themselves with God and the law.
Piety was another important aspect of the Pharisees’ belief system. They sought to develop and maintain a deep personal relationship with God through prayer, study, and observance of the commandments. Central to their pious lifestyle was a commitment to the principles of righteousness, justice, and compassion – all of which defined the Pharisaic way of life.
Views on Resurrection and the Afterlife
The Pharisees held distinct views on the ideas of resurrection and the afterlife, which separated them from other Jewish factions of their time. They believed in bodily resurrection of the dead and that the righteous would be rewarded in the afterlife. This belief implied that one’s actions in the present life had significant implications on the fate of their soul in the hereafter.
The Pharisees in the Gospels
Interactions with Jesus
As we delve into the Gospels, we find numerous instances of the Pharisees engaging with Jesus. Often, these encounters involve the Pharisees questioning, challenging, or even accusing Jesus of violating religious laws. For example, in Mark 7:10-12, the Pharisees confront Jesus regarding His disciples not washing their hands before eating, a practice considered necessary for maintaining ritual purity.
However, not all Pharisees were opposed to Jesus. Take, for instance, Nicodemus, a Pharisee who sought a genuine understanding of Jesus’ teachings, as depicted in John 3.
Depiction in the Parables
The Pharisees also make appearances in Jesus’ parables. These stories often highlight the Pharisees’ hypocrisy and judgmental attitudes. A notable example is the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9-14. In this parable, Jesus contrasts the self-righteous prayer of a Pharisee with the humble and penitent prayer of a tax collector, showing that true repentance is more highly valued by God than outward displays of piety.
Teachings Rebuked in Matthew 23
In Matthew 23, Jesus offers a powerful condemnation of the Pharisees’ teachings and practices. He criticizes their obsession with rituals and trivial aspects of the Law while neglecting the fundamental principles of justice, mercy, and faith.
Jesus’ Rebukes in Matthew 23 | Description |
Naming them as hypocrites | The Pharisees impose strict rules on the people without following them themselves |
Focusing on tithes | They prioritize tithing over matters of justice, mercy, and faith |
Concern with outward appearance | Pharisees are keen on maintaining an image of piety while their hearts are corrupt |
Sociopolitical Influence and Leadership
Role in the Sanhedrin
The Pharisees played a significant role within the Sanhedrin, the Jewish supreme court, which was composed of 71 members including scribes, priests, and elders. As members of the Sanhedrin, the Pharisees were responsible for interpreting and enforcing Jewish law. They had a strong influence on the religious practices of the common people, as they were seen as experts in the law and were highly regarded for their rigorous observance of rituals and traditions. Their interpretations and teachings were held in high esteem and followed by many.
Additionally, the Pharisees often found themselves in disputes with other religious groups, most notably the Sadducees, who were the more aristocratic and priestly class. The two groups frequently disagreed on religious matters, particularly on matters of tradition and interpretation of the Scriptures.
Relationship with Roman Authorities
As the Roman Empire governed Judea in the time of the Pharisees, the relationship between the Pharisees and the Roman authorities was complex. Although the Pharisees were not part of the ruling elite class, they still held considerable influence over local Jewish communities and often cooperated with the Roman government to maintain stability.
The Pharisees formed alliances with other groups, such as the Herodians, to achieve their political goals. According to Mark 3:6, this alliance was formed to oppose Jesus, who they viewed as a potential threat to their religious and political authority. While navigating the political landscape, the Pharisees sought to preserve their religious beliefs and practices, which were at times at odds with Roman rule.
Pharisees’ Legacy and Impact on Early Christianity
Contributions to Rabbinic Judaism
The Pharisees, a prominent Jewish religious group during the Second Temple period, left a lasting impact on Rabbinic Judaism. They were known for their rigorous adherence to Jewish law and traditions, which they interpreted and taught with great precision and detail. Legendary rabbis, such as Hillel and Shammai, were noted Pharisees and their teachings still hold significance in Jewish learning today.
In the development of Talmudic literature, Pharisaic influence helped shape rabbinical teachings and interpretations. Pharisees differed from other Jewish sects by placing emphasis on the Oral Torah. They believed that understanding God’s will required not only the written Torah but also the Oral Torah, passed down through generations of rabbis and scholars.
Influence on Early Church Teachings
Pharisees played a significant role in the lives of early Christians, often depicted as antagonists or opponents of Jesus Christ. Their beliefs and practices also had a profound impact on the development of early Christian teachings.
- Snippets of agreement: Despite their differences, Jesus and the Pharisees shared common ground in certain aspects of Jewish law and ethics. For instance, both advocated for the importance of loving God and neighbor as the greatest commandments (Mark 12:28-34).
- Apostle Paul: As a former Pharisee, Paul had a deep understanding of Pharisaic teachings and a foundation in Jewish law. He used this knowledge to shape his theological understanding of Jesus as the Messiah and effectively communicate with Jewish and Gentile audiences (Philippians 3:5).
- Gamaliel: A distinguished Pharisaic teacher, Gamaliel had a profound impact on Paul, serving as one of his mentors (Acts 22:3). Additionally, Gamaliel advocated for a measured approach when dealing with early Christian leaders, such as in the case of Peter and other apostles (Acts 5:34-40).
To summarize, the Pharisees’ legacy is far-reaching, impacting both Rabbinic Judaism and early Christianity. Their contributions have played a significant role in shaping the interpretation of Jewish law and ethics, as well as influencing key figures in Christian history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the Pharisees and what was their significance?
The Pharisees were a religious and political group in the New Testament times, holding a significant influence within Judaism. They were mostly middle-class businessmen, synagogue leaders, and some members of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Their popularity among the people made them powerful decision-makers within the Jewish community source.
What are the defining characteristics of the Pharisees?
The word “Pharisee” means “separated one.” They separated themselves from society to study and teach the Law. They prioritized adherence to oral tradition, which at times led them to be portrayed as overly legalistic and even circumventing the Law itself source. They were also divided into two different schools of thought, with differing views on religious interpretation source.
In what ways did Pharisees and Sadducees differ?
Pharisees and Sadducees were two separate religious-political groups in the New Testament era. The Pharisees held a more conservative stance on tradition and oral law, whereas the Sadducees were more liberal, mainly consisting of the wealthy, priestly class, and focusing on the written Torah. The two groups also held different beliefs concerning the afterlife and the resurrection of the dead.
Which notable figures were identified as Pharisees in the Bible?
Some notable Pharisees mentioned in the New Testament include Saul of Tarsus (who became the Apostle Paul), Nicodemus, and Gamaliel. These individuals played essential roles in various events within the early Christian movement and the spreading of the Gospel.
What was the relationship between the Pharisees and the scribes?
Scribes were professional scholars specializing in the study, writing, and copying of the religious texts. They worked closely with the Pharisees, as both groups shared a common interest in studying and teaching the Law source. The Pharisees heavily relied on the expertise and knowledge of the scribes to maintain their religious authority and influence.
How did the beliefs of the Pharisees influence their actions?
The Pharisees’ strong adherence to tradition and oral law shaped their regular religious practices and interactions with others, including Jesus Christ and the early Christians. They often clashed with Jesus over his interpretation of the Law or his perceived disregard for certain traditions source. Additionally, their beliefs led them to take legalistic stances, sometimes going beyond the true intentions of the Law.