The Pharisees were a prominent religious and political group in Judea during the Second Temple period, particularly from the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE. They are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, where they often appear in opposition to Jesus Christ and His teachings. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions that they believed were equally authoritative.

Origins and Beliefs

The Pharisees emerged as a distinct group during the Hasmonean period, likely as a response to the Hellenization of Jewish society and the perceived corruption of the priestly class, particularly the Sadducees. They emphasized the importance of purity laws, tithing, and Sabbath observance. Unlike the Sadducees, who were associated with the Temple and the priesthood, the Pharisees were more connected to the synagogues and the common people.

The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and the coming of the Messiah. They held that both the written Torah and the oral traditions were divinely inspired and binding. This belief in the oral law set them apart from the Sadducees, who accepted only the written Torah.

Interactions with Jesus

In the New Testament, the Pharisees are often depicted as opponents of Jesus. They frequently challenged Him on matters of the law and tradition. For example, in Matthew 23, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, 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" (Matthew 23:13).

The Pharisees were concerned with maintaining ritual purity and often criticized Jesus for His association with sinners and tax collectors. In Mark 2:16-17, they question His disciples, "Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus responds, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" .

Role in the Crucifixion

The Pharisees played a significant role in the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. They were part of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, which sought to arrest and condemn Jesus. In John 11:47-53, the chief priests and Pharisees convene a council to discuss what to do about Jesus, fearing that His growing influence could lead to Roman intervention. Caiaphas, the high priest, suggests that it is better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to perish.

Legacy and Influence

After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, the Pharisaic movement laid the groundwork for Rabbinic Judaism. Their emphasis on the oral law and the adaptability of Jewish practice allowed Judaism to survive and thrive in the diaspora. The Pharisees' focus on personal piety, study, and community worship became central to Jewish life.

In Christian theology, the Pharisees are often used as a cautionary example of legalism and hypocrisy. However, it is important to recognize that not all Pharisees were opposed to Jesus. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, is portrayed in the Gospel of John as a secret follower of Jesus who assists in His burial (John 19:39).

Conclusion

The Pharisees were a complex and influential group within Judaism during the time of Jesus. Their interactions with Jesus highlight key theological and ethical debates of the period, and their legacy continues to shape both Jewish and Christian thought.