The Pharisees: Spiritual Leaders of the Second Temple Period in the Bible
Photo by Taylor Flowe
Who Were the Pharisees in the Bible?
The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious group during the Second Temple period (roughly 515 BCE – 70 CE), known for how strictly they observed written and oral laws. They played a crucial role in shaping Jewish life and teachings. Their legacy continues to influence modern Judaism.
Let’s take a closer look at who the Pharisees were and their significance:
1. Beliefs and Practices
Law and Tradition: Pharisees held that both the written Torah (Law of Moses) and the Oral Torah (interpretations and traditions passed down by Jewish scholars) were equally important for understanding God’s will.
Purity: They placed great importance on ritual purity. The purity laws were meant for priests to apply to everyday life, helping the community stay spiritually clean.
Afterlife Beliefs: Unlike the Sadducees, the Pharisees believed in an afterlife, including the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels, spirits, and divine judgment after death.
Messianic Hope: Many Pharisees awaited the coming of a Messiah, someone who would restore Israel and establish God’s kingdom on Earth.
2. Role in Society
Lay Movement: The Pharisees were mostly non-priestly scholars, teachers, and leaders who were highly respected in Jewish society. They worked to bring religious laws into everyday life, making them accessible to everyone.
Influence in Synagogues: They were influential in Jewish communities, particularly in synagogues, where they played a key role in interpreting Jewish law and guiding spiritual practice.
3. Pharisees and Jesus
Criticism by Jesus: In the New Testament, Jesus often criticized the Pharisees for their legalism, hypocrisy, and focus on outward appearances rather than true inner righteousness.
For example, Jesus said:
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” (Matthew 23:25).Mixed Reactions to Jesus: While some Pharisees opposed Jesus, others, like Nicodemus (John 3:1-21), were open to his message and sought to understand his teachings.
Shared Beliefs: Both Jesus and the Pharisees shared theological beliefs, such as the resurrection of the dead, but Jesus challenged their rigid interpretation of the Law, urging a more compassionate and merciful approach.
4. Pharisees vs. Sadducees
Differences in Beliefs and Social Status: The Pharisees differed from the Sadducees, another influential Jewish group. The Sadducees were more aristocratic, associated with the Temple priesthood, and denied the resurrection of the dead, angels, and spirits, whereas the Pharisees embraced these beliefs.
5. Legacy
Rabbinic Judaism: After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, the Pharisees’ focus on studying the Torah and their emphasis on synagogue worship became the foundation of Rabbinic Judaism, which continues to influence Jewish practice today.
The Pharisees were deeply committed to their faith, shaping Jewish religious practice through their interpretations of the Torah. While they sometimes clashed with Jesus, they also contributed significantly to the spiritual and intellectual foundations of Judaism.
Peace and Blessings to you.
with love,
♥️ Skye
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