Topical Encyclopedia The concept of persecution in the Bible often finds its roots in the attitudes and actions of the Pharisees, a religious sect during the time of Jesus Christ. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and their additional oral traditions. Their spirit of legalism and self-righteousness often led to the persecution of those who challenged their authority or deviated from their interpretations of the law.Biblical Context The Pharisees are frequently depicted in the New Testament as opponents of Jesus and His teachings. Their persecution of Jesus and His followers is emblematic of a broader spiritual resistance to the truth and grace that Christ embodied. In Matthew 23:13, Jesus directly addresses the Pharisees, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter." This verse highlights the Pharisees' role in obstructing the spiritual progress of others through their rigid and hypocritical practices. Characteristics of the Pharisaic Spirit 1. Legalism: The Pharisees were known for their meticulous observance of the law, often prioritizing ritual over the heart of the law. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus criticizes them, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness." Their focus on minor details at the expense of fundamental virtues exemplifies their legalistic spirit. 2. Hypocrisy: The Pharisees often displayed a disconnect between their outward religious practices and their inner spiritual state. Jesus rebukes them in Matthew 23:27, "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." This hypocrisy is a hallmark of the Pharisaic spirit, which can lead to persecution of those who genuinely seek God. 3. Pride and Self-Righteousness: The Pharisees often viewed themselves as superior to others due to their strict observance of the law. In Luke 18:11-12, the Pharisee in the parable prays, "God, I thank You that I am not like the other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire." This self-righteous attitude can foster a spirit of persecution against those perceived as less devout or as threats to their religious authority. Persecution of Jesus and His Followers The Pharisees' persecution of Jesus is well-documented in the Gospels. They frequently sought to trap Him with questions and accusations, as seen in Matthew 22:15, "Then the Pharisees went out and plotted to trap Jesus in His words." Their ultimate role in His crucifixion is a testament to their opposition to His message of grace and truth. The early church also faced persecution from those with a Pharisaic mindset. In Acts 9:1-2, Saul, a Pharisee, is described as "breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord." This illustrates how the spirit of the Pharisees continued to manifest in opposition to the spread of the Gospel. Relevance for Believers The spirit of the Pharisees serves as a cautionary example for believers today. It warns against the dangers of legalism, hypocrisy, and self-righteousness, which can lead to the persecution of others within the faith community. Believers are called to embrace the spirit of Christ, characterized by love, mercy, and humility, as they navigate their spiritual journey and interactions with others. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 12:14Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Christ the Only Preservative against a Reprobate Spirit Persecution Every Christian's Lot The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ... The Holy Spirit and the World. Acts XXIII Its Effects. From the Ascension to the Church at Antioch. Then Answered Certain of the Scribes and Pharisees, that they ... Jesus Sets Out from Jud??a for Galilee. Before the Sanhedrin Resources What is Donatism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was early Christianity like? | GotQuestions.org What is totalitarianism? | GotQuestions.org Persecution: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Persecution is Inconsistent With the Spirit of the Gospel Persecution is Sometimes to Death Persecution of John the Baptist Persecution of Prophets Martyred by Jezebel Persecution of Saints, is a Persecution of Christ Persecution of the Congregation at Smyrna Persecution of the Ekklesia (Body of Christ) Persecution of the Righteous: A Mode of Divine Chastisement Persecution of the Righteous: Deliverance From Persecution of the Righteous: Diffuses the Gospel Persecution of the Three Hebrew Young Men (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego) of the Captivity Persecution: All That Live Godly in Christ, Shall Suffer Persecution: Blessedness of Enduring, for Christ's Sake Persecution: Cannot Separated from Christ Persecution: Christ Voluntarily Submitted To Persecution: Christ Was Patient Under Persecution: False Teachers Shrink From Persecution: God Delivers out of Persecution: God Forsakes not his Saints Under Persecution: Hypocrites Cannot Endure Persecution: Lawful Means May be Used to Escape Persecution: Men by Nature Addicted To Persecution: Originates: Hated to God and Christ Persecution: Originates: Hatred to the Gospel Persecution: Originates: Ignorance of God and Christ Persecution: Originates: Mistaken Zeal Persecution: Originates: Pride Persecution: Pray for Those Suffering Persecution: Preacher of the Gospel Subject To Persecution: Saints May Expect Persecution: Saints Suffer, for the Sake of God Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Commit Themselves to God Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Exhibit Patience Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Glorify God Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Pray for Deliverance Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Pray for Those Who Inflict Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Rejoice Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Return Blessing For Persecution: Spirit of Chaldeans Persecution: Spirit of Gentiles Persecution: Spirit of Jezebel Persecution: Spirit of Pharaoh Persecution: Spirit of Pharisees Persecution: Spirit of Zedekiah Persecution: Suffering of Apostles Persecution: Suffering of Daniel Persecution: Suffering of David Persecution: Suffering of Hebrews Persecution: Suffering of Jeremiah Persecution: Suffering of Micaiah Persecution: Suffering of Paul and Barnabas Persecution: Suffering of Paul and Silas Persecution: Suffering of Peter Persecution: Suffering of Saints of Old Persecution: Suffering of The Church Persecution: Suffering of The Prophets Persecution: The Hope of Future Blessedness Supports Under Persecution: The Wicked: Active In Persecution: The Wicked: Addicted To Persecution: The Wicked: Encourage Each Other In Persecution: The Wicked: Illustrated Persecution: The Wicked: Punishment For Persecution: The Wicked: Rejoice in Its Success Related Terms |
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