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 the Hebrew word "perushim," meaning "separated ones," 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 sought to interpret and apply the Torah to daily life. Unlike the Sadducees, who were closely associated with the Temple priesthood and the aristocracy, the Pharisees were more aligned with the common people and were known for their emphasis on oral tradition alongside the written Law. Beliefs and Practices The Pharisees held a strong belief in the authority of both the written Torah and the oral traditions that they believed had been handed down from Moses. This oral tradition, later codified in the Mishnah, was seen as a necessary interpretation of the Law to address new situations and ensure its observance in everyday life. The Pharisees were meticulous in their observance of the Law, particularly in matters of ritual purity, tithing, and Sabbath observance. One of the key theological distinctions of the Pharisees was their belief in the resurrection of the dead, a doctrine not shared by the Sadducees. They also believed in the existence of angels and spirits, and in divine providence, which allowed for human free will within the framework of God's sovereign plan. Pharisees in the New Testament In the New Testament, the Pharisees are often depicted as opponents of Jesus. They are frequently criticized for their legalism and hypocrisy, as seen in passages such as Matthew 23, where Jesus pronounces a series of "woes" against them for their outward show of piety while neglecting the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus warns His disciples, "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy" (Luke 12:1). Despite this, not all Pharisees were hostile to Jesus. Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, sought out Jesus to learn from Him (John 3:1-21). Additionally, the Apostle Paul, before his conversion, identified himself as a Pharisee, "a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees" (Acts 23:6), and he used his background to connect with Jewish audiences during his ministry. Influence and Legacy The Pharisees' emphasis on the interpretation and application of the Law laid the groundwork for Rabbinic Judaism, which emerged after the destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70. Their focus on the study of the Torah and the development of a comprehensive oral tradition became central to Jewish religious life in the subsequent centuries. While the New Testament often portrays the Pharisees in a negative light, it is important to recognize their significant role in the religious and social life of Judea during the time of Jesus. Their commitment to the Law and its interpretation has had a lasting impact on both Jewish and Christian traditions. Greek 5330. Pharisaios -- a Pharisee, member of a Jewish religious sect ... a Pharisee, member of a Jewish religious sect. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Pharisaios Phonetic Spelling: (far-is-ah'-yos) Short Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5330.htm - 7k Library The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ... Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee. The Two Debtors. Protesting Our Innocence? The Two Debtors On the Words of the Gospel, Luke vii. 37, "And Behold, a Woman who ... To the Disciples - Two Events and their Moral. Forgiveness of the Repentant Woman. Jesus Makes Even Wrong-Doers his Friends Letter Xli. St. Ambrose in this Letter to his Sister Continues the ... Thesaurus Pharisee's (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Pharisee's (2 Occurrences). ... He entered into the Pharisee's house, and sat at the table. (WEB KJV ASV BBE WBS NAS RSV NIV). ... /p/pharisee's.htm - 7k Meat (387 Occurrences) Sat (222 Occurrences) Vial (12 Occurrences) Notorious (16 Occurrences) Ointment (29 Occurrences) Jar (45 Occurrences) Learnt (12 Occurrences) Learned (70 Occurrences) Guest (24 Occurrences) Resources How could Jesus say, “Your sins are forgiven,” before He died on the cross? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean that we are not to judge others? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about intimidation? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Pharisee's (2 Occurrences)Luke 7:36 Luke 7:37 Subtopics Related Terms |
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