Who were the Pharisees?

The Pharisees were a prominent religious group in ancient Judaism during the Second Temple period, particularly from around the second century B.C. to the first century A.D. They are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, often in opposition to Jesus Christ and His teachings. This document explores their origins, beliefs, practices, influence, and interactions with Jesus.

Historical Background of the Pharisees

This group emerged during the intertestamental period, between the Old and New Testaments. They arose as a reaction to Hellenization and foreign influence on Jewish religious life following the conquests of Alexander the Great (circa 330 B.C.).

The name “Pharisee” comes from the Hebrew word “Perushim,” meaning “separated ones.” This signifies their commitment to being set apart from Gentile practices and influences, as well as from those they deemed less devout in Jewish society. By the time of Jesus, they had become one of the leading religious sects in Israel, along with the Sadducees and the Essenes.

Beliefs and Practices of the Pharisees

The Pharisees had distinct theological beliefs that set them apart from other Jewish groups.

A. Strict Adherence to the Law

This group was known for their strict interpretation and observance of the Mosaic Law. They emphasized meticulous obedience to both the written Law (Torah) and the Oral Law, which they believed was given alongside the written commandments to Moses.

• Matthew 23:23 (NKJV) – “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.”

While they were devoted to legal precision, they often neglected the spiritual essence of the Law, such as justice, mercy, and faith.

B. Belief in the Resurrection

One of the most distinguishing doctrines of the Pharisees was their belief in the resurrection of the dead, angels, and spirits—a belief that set them apart from the Sadducees.

• Acts 23:8 (NKJV) – “For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.”

This belief in resurrection was significant because it aligned more closely with Jesus’ teachings, even though they largely opposed Him.

C. Traditions of the Elders

The Pharisees upheld oral traditions that they believed were passed down from Moses. These traditions were later written down and became part of the Talmud.

• Mark 7:5-8 (NKJV) – “Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, ‘Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?’ He answered and said to them, ‘Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”‘”

Jesus rebuked them for placing their man-made traditions above God’s commandments.

The Pharisees and Jesus

The Pharisees are often portrayed in the New Testament as the primary opponents of Jesus. However, some of them showed interest in His teachings.

Conflict with Jesus

Jesus frequently condemned the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and self-righteousness. He accused them of focusing on external religious observances while neglecting inner righteousness and true devotion to God.

• Matthew 23:27-28 (NKJV) – “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”

Jesus criticized them for their legalism and their desire for public recognition while having corrupt hearts.

Their Plot to Kill Jesus

The Pharisees played a significant role in the plot to arrest and crucify Jesus. They saw Him as a threat to their religious authority and feared losing influence over the people.

• John 11:47-48 (NKJV) – “Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, ‘What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.'”

Their opposition to Jesus was motivated by both religious zeal and political concerns.

Pharisees Who Followed Jesus

Not all Pharisees rejected Jesus. Some, like Nicodemus and Paul (formerly Saul), came to believe in Him.

• John 3:1-2 (NKJV) – “There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.'”
• Philippians 3:5-7 (NKJV) – Paul, once a devout Pharisee, later declared, “…concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.”

Nicodemus and Paul represent Pharisees who ultimately recognized Jesus as the Messiah.

The Influence of the Pharisees After Jesus

After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D., the Sadducees disappeared, and the Pharisees’ teachings became the foundation for Rabbinic Judaism. Their traditions were later compiled into the Mishnah and the Talmud, which continue to influence Judaism today.

Lessons from the Pharisees

The Pharisees serve as a cautionary example of legalism and external religiosity without a transformed heart. Their story teaches valuable spiritual lessons:

A. True Righteousness Comes from the Heart

• Matthew 5:20 (NKJV) – “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus calls for a righteousness that is internal and comes from a heart transformed by faith, rather than mere external obedience.

B. Beware of Hypocrisy

• Luke 12:1 (NKJV) – “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”

Religious hypocrisy is dangerous. True faith is about honest devotion to God, not merely outward displays of piety.

C. Salvation is by Grace, Not Works

The Pharisees relied on their own righteousness rather than God’s grace. The New Testament teaches that salvation comes through faith in Christ, not legalism.

• Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) – “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Works and obedience to the law are not a cause but an effect of salvation (Romans 3:31). 

Conclusion

The Pharisees were a deeply religious group with sincere yet misguided devotion. While they sought to uphold the Law, their emphasis on legalism, tradition, and self-righteousness led many to miss the heart of God’s message. Jesus called for a deeper, heart-based righteousness that surpasses mere outward observance.

By studying the Pharisees, believers can learn the importance of true faith, humility, and dependence on God’s grace rather than external religious performance. Let us seek a righteousness that comes from faith in Christ and a transformed heart rather than from legalistic observance alone.