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 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 priesthood. They sought to preserve Jewish identity and religious purity by emphasizing the observance of the Torah and the traditions of the elders. The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and the coming of the Messiah, which set them apart from other groups like the Sadducees, who denied these doctrines.

Role in Society

The Pharisees held significant influence over the common people due to their focus on personal piety and their role as interpreters of the Law. They were often found in synagogues, teaching and expounding on the Scriptures. The Apostle Paul, before his conversion, identified himself as a Pharisee, indicating their widespread influence: "I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee" (Acts 23:6).

Interactions with Jesus

The New Testament portrays the Pharisees as frequent adversaries of Jesus. They often challenged Him on matters of the Law, seeking to trap Him in His words. Jesus criticized them for their hypocrisy and legalism, emphasizing the importance of inner righteousness over outward observance. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus declared, "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."

Religious Leaders

In addition to the Pharisees, the New Testament mentions other religious leaders, including the Sadducees, scribes, and chief priests. The Sadducees were a priestly, aristocratic group that held significant power in the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. They rejected the oral traditions upheld by the Pharisees and denied the resurrection, as noted in Acts 23:8 : "The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all."

The scribes were experts in the Law, often associated with the Pharisees, and played a crucial role in teaching and interpreting the Scriptures. The chief priests, including the high priest, were responsible for the Temple's operations and held considerable authority in religious and political matters.

Impact on Early Christianity

The Pharisees' emphasis on the Law and traditions often brought them into conflict with the early Christian message of grace and faith in Jesus Christ. However, some Pharisees, like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, showed openness to Jesus' teachings. The Apostle Paul, a former Pharisee, became a pivotal figure in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles, illustrating the transformative power of Christ's message.

The Pharisees and other religious leaders played a significant role in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion, as they perceived Him as a threat to their authority and the established religious order. Despite their opposition, the early Christian church continued to grow, emphasizing the fulfillment of the Law through faith in Jesus Christ.