Scribes

The scribes in the Bible were a group of learned men whose primary role was to study, interpret, and teach the Scriptures. They were experts in the Law of Moses and played a crucial role in the religious and social life of Israel. The scribes were responsible for copying the Scriptures, ensuring the accurate transmission of the text, and providing legal judgments based on the Law.

In the New Testament, scribes are often mentioned alongside the Pharisees, indicating their significant influence in Jewish society. They were respected for their knowledge and authority in religious matters. However, Jesus frequently criticized them for their hypocrisy and legalism. In Matthew 23:2-3 , Jesus says, "The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach."

The scribes were instrumental in the development of the oral traditions that later became part of the Talmud. They were meticulous in their interpretation of the Law, often adding layers of tradition that sometimes obscured the original intent of the Scriptures. This tendency to prioritize tradition over the heart of the Law was a point of contention between Jesus and the scribes.

Pharisees

The Pharisees were a prominent religious and political group in Judea during the Second Temple period. They emerged as a distinct group around the second century BC and were known for their strict adherence to the Law and the oral traditions. The name "Pharisee" is believed to mean "separated ones," reflecting their commitment to purity and separation from what they considered to be unclean or sinful.

The Pharisees held significant influence over the common people and were known for their emphasis on personal piety, tithing, and ritual purity. They believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and the coming of the Messiah. These beliefs set them apart from the Sadducees, another influential Jewish sect that denied these doctrines.

In the Gospels, the Pharisees are often portrayed as opponents of Jesus. They frequently challenged Him on matters of the Law and sought to trap Him in His words. Jesus rebuked them for their hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and for placing heavy burdens on the people without offering help. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus declares, "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."

Despite their opposition to Jesus, some Pharisees were sympathetic to His teachings. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, came to Jesus by night to seek understanding (John 3:1-21), and later defended Him before the Sanhedrin (John 7:50-51). After the resurrection, some Pharisees, like Paul the Apostle, became followers of Christ, demonstrating that the Gospel could reach even those who were initially opposed to it.

The Pharisees' emphasis on the Law and tradition, while intended to preserve the faith, often led to a legalistic approach that missed the heart of God's commandments. Jesus' interactions with the Pharisees highlight the importance of inner righteousness and the spirit of the Law over mere external observance.