Who Were the Pharisees in the Bible? What Did They Teach?

Who Were the Pharisees?

The Pharisees were a religious and political group of great influence during the period of the Second Temple in Israel, especially in the times of Jesus Christ. They emerged as a Jewish sect committed to the strict observance of the Law of Moses and the oral traditions.

Although initially focused on preserving the Jewish faith, the Pharisees often clashed with Jesus, particularly over their religious hypocrisy and legalism. This article explores who the Pharisees were, their beliefs, and what we can learn from their legacy.

Origin and Historical Context of the Pharisees

The emergence of the Pharisees is associated with the post-Babylonian exile period and the reconstruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (around 500 B.C.). They became one of the main religious groups during the intertestamental period (between the Old and New Testaments).

Historical Context:

• Emergence: Probably during the time of the Maccabees (2nd century B.C.).
• Name: The term Pharisee comes from the Hebrew perushim, meaning separated.
• Initial Motivation: To preserve the purity of the Jewish faith against Hellenistic (Greek) influence.

Over time, the Pharisees gained great influence in the Sanhedrin (Jewish Council) and among the people, being regarded as interpreters of the Mosaic Law.

What Did the Pharisees Teach?

The Pharisees based their teachings primarily on the Law of Moses and the oral tradition. Their beliefs and practices were centered on a deep zeal for obedience to the law.

1. Belief in Written and Traditional Law:

• They upheld both the Torah (Pentateuch) and the oral tradition (interpretations and commentaries on the Law).
• They believed that the oral tradition was essential for correctly interpreting the Law.

2. Personal and Ritualistic Holiness:

• Extreme emphasis on ceremonial purity, such as washing hands before meals (Mark 7:3-4).
• Meticulous obedience to purification rituals and kosher dietary practices.

3. Doctrines on Life After Death and Resurrection:

• They believed in the resurrection of the dead and the final judgment.
• They accepted the existence of angels and spirits (Acts 23:8).

4. The Role of Free Will:

• They taught that man possessed free will, but that everything was under God's sovereignty.

These teachings, in theory, were noble and spiritually rich, but often the Pharisees applied the Law in a legalistic and superficial manner.

Pharisees in the New Testament and the Conflict with Jesus

The Pharisees are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, especially in the Gospels, where they come into direct conflict with Jesus Christ.

Why Did Jesus Rebuke the Pharisees?

1. Religious Hypocrisy:
   • They preached the Law but did not live according to it.
   • They performed good deeds only to be seen (Matthew 23:5).
2. Extreme Legalism:
   • They emphasized external rules but neglected justice, mercy, and faith (Matthew 23:23).
3. Spiritual Pride:
   • They considered themselves spiritually superior, despising sinners.
4. False Judgments:
   • They judged others based on appearances and not on the heart.

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence." (Matthew 23:25)

Examples of Pharisees in the Bible

Not all Pharisees were hostile to Jesus. Some biblical examples show positive Pharisees and others negative.

Hostile Pharisees:

• The Religious Leaders: Conspired against Jesus and sought his death (John 11:47-53).

Positive Pharisees:

• Nicodemus: Came to Jesus secretly and partially defended him in the Sanhedrin (John 3:1-21; John 7:50).
• Joseph of Arimathea: Another member of the Sanhedrin who helped in the burial of Jesus (Luke 23:50-53).
• Saul of Tarsus (Paul): Initially a Pharisee persecuting Christians, but later converted and became the Apostle Paul (Philippians 3:5).

These examples show that not all Pharisees rejected Jesus, but most opposed his teaching due to spiritual pride.

Spiritual Lessons from the Pharisees

Although often remembered negatively, the Pharisees leave important spiritual lessons:

1. The Subtlety of Hypocrisy:

• It is possible to have biblical knowledge but lack genuine spiritual life.

2. The Danger of Legalism:

• Legalism focuses on external rules but ignores the transformed heart.

3. The Importance of Spiritual Sincerity:

• God desires heartfelt obedience, not just rituals.

4. The Call to Grace:

• Jesus teaches that grace surpasses legalism, offering forgiveness and reconciliation.

Who Were the Pharisees?

The Pharisees were an influential group in the history of Israel, focused on the Law of Moses and rigorous purity practices. However, extreme legalism and hypocrisy led many of them to reject Jesus' ministry, resulting in severe rebukes.

The history of the Pharisees serves as a warning for Christians today: true faith is not just about knowledge and rituals, but about a sincere and transformative relationship with God.

Final Summary:

• Origin: Emerged in the intertestamental period.
• Teachings: Emphasis on the Law of Moses, oral tradition, and ritual purity.
• Conflict with Jesus: Criticized for hypocrisy and legalism.
• Lessons: Avoid hypocrisy and seek spiritual sincerity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who were the Pharisees in the Bible?
The Pharisees were a Jewish religious group focused on the strict observance of the Law of Moses and the oral traditions.

2. What did the Pharisees teach?
They taught obedience to the Torah and traditions, including purity rituals and the belief in the resurrection of the dead.

3. Why did Jesus criticize the Pharisees?
Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, as they followed external rules but ignored justice, mercy, and faith.

4. Were all Pharisees bad?
No. Pharisees like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea showed openness to Jesus' teaching.

5. What is the main lesson about the Pharisees?
The importance of having a sincere heart before God, not just external religious practices.

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