Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionReproof, in the biblical context, refers to correction or admonishment intended to bring about repentance and alignment with God's will. The New Testament provides numerous instances where Jesus reproves the Pharisees, a religious group known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses. These reproofs highlight the tension between outward religious observance and the inward faithfulness that Jesus emphasized. Pharisees and Their Practices The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect during the Second Temple period, known for their rigorous observance of the Torah and oral traditions. They were respected for their knowledge of the law and their commitment to maintaining Jewish identity under Roman rule. However, their practices often led to legalism, focusing on external compliance rather than the heart's condition. Jesus' Reproofs of the Pharisees 1. Hypocrisy and Legalism: Jesus frequently reproved the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, emphasizing that their outward displays of piety masked an inner spiritual void. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus declares, "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." 2. Neglecting Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness: Jesus criticized the Pharisees for prioritizing minor ritualistic details over the weightier matters of the law. In Matthew 23:23 , He states, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." 3. Blind Guides: Jesus reproved the Pharisees for their spiritual blindness, which led others astray. In Matthew 15:14 , He warns, "Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit." 4. Self-Righteousness: The Pharisees' self-righteousness was a frequent target of Jesus' reproofs. In Luke 18:9-14 , Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, illustrating the danger of self-righteousness and the value of humility before God. Faithfulness in Jesus' Teachings Jesus' reproofs of the Pharisees underscore His call for genuine faithfulness, which transcends mere ritual observance. He emphasized the importance of a heart aligned with God's will, characterized by love, mercy, and humility. In Matthew 5:20 , Jesus asserts, "For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Conclusion Through His reproofs, Jesus sought to redirect the Pharisees—and all who would follow Him—toward a deeper, more authentic relationship with God. His teachings call believers to examine their hearts, ensuring that their faithfulness is not merely external but rooted in a sincere love for God and others. Nave's Topical Index Luke 16:1And he said also to his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused to him that he had wasted his goods. Nave's Topical Index Library Charity and Rebuke. The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ... Thou Shalt in any Wise Rebuke Thy Neighbor, and not Suffer Sin ... The Likeness of God Paul's Last Letter C. The Last Stages. Chs. 17:11 to 19:28 Imprisonment and Death of John Messiah Despised, and Rejected of Men The Gospel Supper The Note of Accusation. Resources What are the differences between Catholics and Protestants? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said to not cast your pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6)? | GotQuestions.org What is doctrine? | GotQuestions.org Reproof: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Reproof of Those Who offend, a Warning to Others Reproof: A Proof of Faithful Friendship Reproof: Attention to a Proof of Prudence Reproof: Christ Gives, in Love Reproof: Contempt of, Leads to Remorse Reproof: Declared to Be: An Excellent Oil Reproof: Declared to Be: Better than Secret Love Reproof: Declared to Be: Better than the Praise of Fools Reproof: Declared to Be: More Profitable to Saints, than Stripes to a Fool Reproof: Despised by the Israelites Reproof: Despised by the Jewish Leaders Reproof: Despised by the People of Nazareth Reproof: Eventually Brings More Respect than Flattery Reproof: Faithfulness in a Prophet of Judah, of Jeroboam Reproof: Faithfulness in Amos, of the Israelites Reproof: Faithfulness in Azariah, of Asa Reproof: Faithfulness in Azariah, of Uzziah Reproof: Faithfulness in Daniel, of Belshazzar Reproof: Faithfulness in Daniel, of Nebuchadnezzar Reproof: Faithfulness in Elijah, of Ahab Reproof: Faithfulness in Elijah, of Ahaziah Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Gehazi Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Hazael Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Jehoram Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Jeroboam Reproof: Faithfulness in Ezra, of the Men of Judah and Benjamin Reproof: Faithfulness in Hanani, of Asa Reproof: Faithfulness in Isaiah, of Hezekiah Reproof: Faithfulness in Israelites, of the Tribe of Benjamin Reproof: Faithfulness in Israelites, of the Two and One-Half Tribes Reproof: Faithfulness in Jehoash, of Jehoiada Reproof: Faithfulness in Jehu, of Jehoshaphat Reproof: Faithfulness in Jeremiah, of the Cities of Judah Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus, of the Pharisees Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus, of the Scribes and Pharisees Reproof: Faithfulness in Joab, of David Reproof: Faithfulness in John the Baptist, of Herod Antipas Reproof: Faithfulness in John the Baptist, of the Jews Reproof: Faithfulness in Jonathan, of Saul Reproof: Faithfulness in Micaiah, of Ahab Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Eleazar Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Korah Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Pharaoh Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of the Israelites Reproof: Faithfulness in Nathan, of David Reproof: Faithfulness in Nehemiah, of the Jews Reproof: Faithfulness in Oded, of the People of Samaria Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Barren Fig Tree Reproof: Faithfulness In of the King's Feast Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Two Sons Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Vineyard Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul and Silas, of the Magistrates of Philippi Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul, of Ananias, the High Priest Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul, of Elymas (Bar-Jesus), the Sorcerer Reproof: Faithfulness in Peter, of Simon, the Sorcerer Reproof: Faithfulness in Samuel, of Saul Reproof: Faithfulness in Shemaiah, of Rehoboam Reproof: Faithfulness in Stephen, of the High Priest Reproof: Faithfulness in The Prophet Gad, of David Reproof: Faithfulness in The Withering of the Fig Tree Reproof: Faithfulness in Zechariah, of the Princes of Judah Reproof: General Scriptures Concerning Reproof: God Gives Reproof to his own Children Reproof: God Gives, to the Wicked Reproof: Hatred of, a Proof of Brutishness Reproof: Hatred of, Leads to Destruction Reproof: Hypocrites not Qualified to Give Reproof: Leads to Understanding Reproof: Ministers are Empowered to Give Reproof: Ministers are Sent to Give Reproof: Ministers should Give with all Authority Reproof: Ministers should Give with Christian Love Reproof: Ministers should Give with Longsuffering Reproof: Ministers should Give: Fearlessly Reproof: Ministers should Give: Openly Reproof: Ministers should Give: Sharply, If Necessary Reproof: Ministers should Give: Unreservedly Reproof: On Account of Fearfulness Reproof: On Account of Hardness of Heart Reproof: On Account of Hypocrisy Reproof: On Account of Impenitence Reproof: On Account of not Understanding Reproof: On Account of Oppressing out Brethren Reproof: On Account of Reviling Christ Reproof: On Account of Sinful Practices Reproof: On Account of Unbelief Reproof: On Account of Unruly Conduct Reproof: On Account of Vain Boasting Reproof: Rejection of, Leads to Error Reproof: Saints should Delight in Those Who Give Reproof: Saints should Give No Occasion For Reproof: Saints should Love Those Who Give Reproof: Saints should Receive Kindly Reproof: The Holy Spirit Gives Reproof: The Scriptures are Profitable For Reproof: They Who Give, are Hated by Scorners Reproof: when from God is Despised by the Wicked Reproof: when from God is for Correction Reproof: when from God: Pray That It be not be in Anger Reproof: when from God: should be Accompanied by Exhortation to Repentance Reproof: when from God: should not Discourage Saints Related Terms |
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