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," reflecting their emphasis on ritual purity and separation from what they considered to be unclean or impure practices.

Historical Background

The Pharisees emerged during the Hasmonean period as a distinct group within Judaism. They 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. Unlike the Sadducees, another Jewish sect of the time, the Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and the coming of a Messiah.

Beliefs and Practices

The Pharisees placed a strong emphasis on the observance of the law, both written and oral. They believed that the oral law, later codified in the Mishnah, was necessary to properly interpret and apply the written Torah. This led to the development of a complex system of rules and traditions that governed daily life, including dietary laws, Sabbath observance, and ritual purity.

In the New Testament, the Pharisees are often depicted as being overly concerned with outward appearances and legalistic righteousness. Jesus criticized them for their hypocrisy, as seen in Matthew 23:27-28 : "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."

Interactions with Jesus

The Pharisees frequently clashed with Jesus over issues such as Sabbath observance, ritual purity, and the interpretation of the law. They questioned His authority and sought to trap Him with challenging questions. In Matthew 22:15-18 , it is recorded: "Then the Pharisees went out and plotted to trap Jesus in His words. They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. 'Teacher,' they said, 'we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance. So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?' But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, 'You hypocrites, why are you testing Me?'"

Despite their opposition, some Pharisees were sympathetic to Jesus. Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, came to Jesus by night to seek His teachings (John 3:1-2). Additionally, after Jesus' resurrection, some Pharisees became followers of Christ, as seen in Acts 15:5 : "But some believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and declared, 'The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the Law of Moses.'"

Legacy

The Pharisees played a significant role in the development of Rabbinic Judaism after the destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70. Their emphasis on the oral law and interpretation of the Torah laid the groundwork for the Talmudic tradition. While often portrayed negatively in the New Testament, the Pharisees' commitment to the law and their influence on Jewish religious life cannot be understated. Their interactions with Jesus provide valuable insights into the religious and cultural context of the time.