Pharisee

The Pharisees were a prominent group within Judaism during the Second Temple period (roughly 515 BC to 70 AD). The name “Pharisee” likely comes from the Hebrew “parash,” meaning “to separate,” which may refer to their separation from ritual impurity or from Gentile influences.

Origins and Role

The Pharisees emerged in the context of increasing Hellenistic influence in Judea. They sought to preserve Jewish traditions and identity by emphasising adherence to the Law (Torah) and developing interpretations to apply it to everyday life. Unlike the Sadducees, who focused on the Temple and priestly rituals, the Pharisees were concerned with how ordinary people could live holy lives. They believed in the Oral Law, a body of interpretations and traditions that they believed were passed down from Moses alongside the written Torah.

Why Israel Needed Them (and Why They Became Hated)

In a time of foreign domination and cultural change, the Pharisees provided a way for Jews to maintain their faith and identity. They taught in synagogues and schools, making religious knowledge accessible to all. Their emphasis on personal piety and adherence to the Law resonated with many ordinary people.

However, the Pharisees’ emphasis on strict adherence to their interpretations of the Law also led to criticism. They were sometimes seen as legalistic and overly concerned with minute details, neglecting the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faith (Matthew 23:23). Their emphasis on ritual purity and separation could also create social divisions.

Why They Wanted to Kill Jesus

The Pharisees clashed with Jesus on several issues. He challenged their interpretations of the Law, particularly regarding the Sabbath and ritual purity. He also criticised their hypocrisy and self-righteousness (Matthew 23). Some Pharisees saw Jesus as a threat to their authority and influence, and they were among those who sought his crucifixion.

What Ordinary People Thought of Them

The Pharisees had a complex relationship with the common people. On the one hand, they were respected for their learning and piety. On the other hand, they were also criticised for their perceived arrogance and legalism. The Gospels suggest that ordinary people were drawn to Jesus’ teachings, which offered a different perspective on faith and righteousness.

Their Role in the Time of Jesus

In the time of Jesus, the Pharisees were a significant force in Jewish society. They were teachers, interpreters of the Law, and community leaders. They played a key role in shaping Jewish religious life and thought.

Are They Around Now?

The Pharisees as a distinct group no longer exist. However, their legacy continues in Rabbinic Judaism, which emerged after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. Rabbinic Judaism adopted many of the Pharisees’ teachings and practices, including the Oral Law and the emphasis on study and interpretation of the Torah.

Old and New Testament References

• Old Testament: While the Pharisees are not explicitly mentioned in the Old Testament, their roots can be traced to the emphasis on the Law and its interpretation found in books like Deuteronomy and Ezra-Nehemiah.
• New Testament: The Pharisees are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels, where they are often portrayed in conflict with Jesus. Some key passages include Matthew 23 (Jesus’s critique of the Pharisees), Matthew 12:1-14 (disputes over the Sabbath), and John 3:1-21 (Jesus’s conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee).

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