Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  7000 God's people  »  7500 Jews and Gentiles  »  7550 Pharisees  »  7551 Pharisees, beliefs of

The Pharisees placed considerable emphasis upon the rigorous upholding of the law, particularly the traditional forms in which the law had been established by their predecessors.

Pharisaic interpretation of the law

Pharisees were the recognised custodians of the law

Matthew 23:1-3

Pharisees emphasised the traditions of the elders

Mark 7:3-4 For the Pharisees the oral law, the traditions of their predecessors, had an authority equal to that of the written law. See also Matthew 15:1-2 pp Mark 7:5; Galatians 1:14

Pharisaic observance of the law

The Sabbath

Matthew 12:1-2 pp Mark 2:23-24 pp Luke 6:1-2 See also Luke 13:14

Fasting

Matthew 9:14 pp Mark 2:18 pp Luke 5:33 See also Luke 18:9-12

Tithing

Matthew 23:23 pp Luke 11:42

Pharisaic doctrine

Acts 23:6-9

Pharisaic proselytism

Matthew 23:15

See also

2333  Christ, attitude to OT
5381  law, letter & spirit
7430  Sabbath, in NT
7464  teachers of the law
7555  Sadducees
7570  sects
8432  fasting, practice
8488  tithing
8774  legalism
8802  pride
8824  self-righteousness
9314  resurrection of the dead