The Pharisees have been a subject of significant discourse in both religious and historical studies. Often mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the context of their interactions with Jesus, they are frequently misunderstood figures. While upholding the Jewish law from the Old Testament, they often questioned Jesus and his ministry.
Who Were the Pharisees?
The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious group that emerged in the Second Temple period (515 BCE–70 CE). They were known for their rigorous adherence to Jewish law and traditions, which they interpreted and taught with great precision and detail. The name “Pharisee,” derived from the Hebrew word “Perushim,” meaning “Separated Ones,” reflects their dedication to religious purity and their separation from practices they considered impure or non-conformist.
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Throughout the New Testament, Jesus upsets the ministry of the Pharisees by emphasizing the importance of a growing relationship with God—over a strict and heartless adherence to the Old Testament law.
Beliefs and Practices
The Pharisees were distinguished by their belief in the resurrection of the dead, a concept not universally accepted in Jewish thought at the time. They also believed in the importance of oral law alongside written scripture, arguing that traditions passed down through generations were integral to understanding and practicing God’s commandments. This belief in oral tradition significantly shaped their legalistic approach to religion, focusing on the minutiae of the law and its application to daily life.
Pharisees and Sadducees: A Comparison
The Pharisees are often mentioned alongside the Sadducees, another significant Jewish group of the time. While the Pharisees (Luke 7:36-50) emphasized oral law and believed in the resurrection and angels, the Sadducees (Matthew 16:1-5) rejected these notions, adhering strictly to the written Torah and denying the afterlife. These fundamental differences in theology and practice led to frequent conflicts, especially concerning the interpretation of Jewish law and the nature of religious authority.
Pharisees in the New Testament
The New Testament portrays the Pharisees in a complex light, often as adversaries of Jesus. They are depicted as legalistic, hypocritical, and overly concerned with external piety, neglecting the law’s spirit. Jesus criticized them for their hypocrisy and self-righteousness, calling them out for imposing heavy burdens on others while failing to address their moral failings.
Several of these religious leaders are mentioned by name in the New Testament, including Nicodemus, who visited Jesus at night to discuss his teachings, and Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee teacher and mentor to the apostle Paul, who was himself a Pharisee before converting to Christianity.
The Religious Leaders and Jesus
The relationship between Jesus and the Pharisees is pivotal in the Gospels. While they are often seen as his critics, it’s essential to understand that their opposition was not universal. Some, like Nicodemus, showed interest in Jesus’ teachings, and Jesus’ critiques of them can be seen within the broader context of intra-Jewish debate and reform. Jesus’ disagreements with the leaders centered primarily on issues of interpretation and the true essence of God’s law.
