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 a Hebrew word meaning "separated," which reflects their emphasis on ritual purity and separation from what they considered to be unclean or sinful practices.

Beliefs and Practices:
The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions that they believed were handed down alongside the written Torah. They emphasized the importance of purity laws, tithing, and Sabbath observance. The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and the coming of a Messiah who would restore Israel. They were also known for their belief in divine providence and human free will.

Social and Political Influence:
The Pharisees held significant influence over the common people due to their role as teachers and interpreters of the Law. They were often found in synagogues, where they taught and debated the Scriptures. Despite their influence, they were not a monolithic group and included various schools of thought, the most notable being those of Hillel and Shammai.

Interactions with Jesus:
In the New Testament, the Pharisees frequently clash with Jesus over issues of law and tradition. Jesus criticizes them for their hypocrisy, legalism, and focus on outward appearances rather than inner righteousness. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus says, "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."

Legacy:
After the destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70, the Pharisaic tradition laid the groundwork for Rabbinic Judaism. Their emphasis on the oral law and adaptability to life without the Temple allowed Judaism to survive and evolve in the diaspora.

John's Disciples

John's disciples were followers of John the Baptist, a prophetic figure who preached repentance and the coming of the Kingdom of God. John the Baptist is recognized in the New Testament as the forerunner of Jesus Christ, preparing the way for His ministry.

Role and Beliefs:
John's disciples adhered to his teachings, which emphasized repentance, baptism for the forgiveness of sins, and the imminent arrival of the Messiah. John the Baptist's message was one of moral reform and spiritual renewal, calling people to turn away from sin and prepare for the coming of the Lord. In Matthew 3:11 , John declares, "I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."

Interaction with Jesus and His Disciples:
John's disciples are mentioned in the Gospels as having interactions with Jesus and His followers. In John 1:35-37 , two of John's disciples, upon hearing John refer to Jesus as the "Lamb of God," follow Jesus and become His disciples. This indicates a transition from John's ministry to that of Jesus, as John himself acknowledged that he must decrease while Jesus must increase (John 3:30).

Continued Influence:
Even after John's imprisonment and death, his disciples continued to exist as a distinct group. In Acts 19:1-7 , the Apostle Paul encounters some of John's disciples in Ephesus. They had not yet received the Holy Spirit, as they were only familiar with John's baptism. Paul explains the full message of Jesus Christ to them, and they are subsequently baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit.

John's disciples played a crucial role in the early Christian movement, bridging the prophetic ministry of John the Baptist with the messianic mission of Jesus Christ. Their initial adherence to John's message of repentance and preparation laid the groundwork for their acceptance of the fuller revelation of Jesus as the Messiah.