Topical Bible: The Pharisees

Topical Encyclopedia

The Pharisees were a prominent religious and political group in Judea during the Second Temple period, particularly from the second century BC to the first century AD. They are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, where they often appear in opposition to Jesus Christ and His teachings. The name "Pharisee" is believed to derive from a Hebrew word meaning "separated," which reflects their emphasis on ritual purity and separation from what they considered to be unclean or impure.

Historical Background

The Pharisees emerged during the Hasmonean period, a time of significant religious and political upheaval in Judea. They were one of several Jewish sects, including the Sadducees and Essenes, that developed in response to the Hellenistic influences and internal conflicts of the time. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Torah and the oral traditions that they believed were handed down from Moses. They held significant influence over the common people and were respected for their piety and dedication to the Law.

Beliefs and Practices

The Pharisees placed a strong emphasis on the observance of the Law, both written and oral. They believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and the coming of a Messiah who would restore Israel. Unlike the Sadducees, who were more aligned with the priestly and aristocratic classes, the Pharisees were more democratic in their approach, allowing for broader participation in religious life.

The Pharisees were meticulous in their observance of the Sabbath, dietary laws, and ritual purity. They developed an extensive body of oral tradition, later codified in the Mishnah, to interpret and apply the Torah to everyday life. This tradition was intended to create a "fence around the Torah" to prevent any inadvertent transgressions.

Interactions with Jesus

In the New Testament, the Pharisees are often depicted as opponents of Jesus. They frequently challenged Him on matters of the Law and sought to test Him with questions about religious practices. Jesus, in turn, criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and legalism, emphasizing the importance of inner righteousness over outward observance. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus says, "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."

Despite these confrontations, some Pharisees were sympathetic to Jesus. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, came to Jesus by night to seek His teachings (John 3:1-21). Additionally, after Jesus' resurrection, some Pharisees, like Paul the Apostle, became followers of Christ, indicating that not all Pharisees were opposed to His message.

Legacy

The Pharisees' emphasis on the oral law and their interpretative traditions laid the groundwork for Rabbinic Judaism, which emerged after the destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70. Their focus on personal piety, study of the Torah, and community life continued to influence Jewish religious practice long after their political power waned.

In Christian theology, the Pharisees often serve as a cautionary example of the dangers of legalism and self-righteousness. Their interactions with Jesus highlight the tension between the letter of the Law and the spirit of the Law, a theme that remains relevant in discussions of faith and practice.