Origin Of The Pharisees
The Pharisees were a Jewish sect who lived in Israel during the reign of the Hasmonean dynasty and the period of Hellenistic Judaism. They were noted for their deep religious convictions and their strict adherence to the Law of Moses. According to the gospel of Luke, the Pharisees were a group that emerged as a result of a dispute among the teachers of the Law. They formed a loose association which gradually crystallized into an organized movement that was opposed to the Sadducees, who refused to accept the authority of the written law.
The Pharisees believed that the Scriptures did not solely contain the written law, but that it also included oral instructions passed down from the time of Moses and a large body of traditions and commentaries. They believed that these oral instructions should be given equal authority to the written laws, and argued that they should all be obeyed without fail.
Beliefs And Practices
The Pharisees were known for their meticulous observance of the Mosaic laws, especially the laws of purification, and their rigorous practice of the oral-codified law. They believed that they were in a covenant with God and should scrupulously fulfill all the terms of it.
They were zealous in their observance of the Sabbath and kept strict fasts. They also attached great importance to fasting, praying and charitable deeds. They also discouraged the tyranny of political authority in Matters of religion and championed secular autonomy.
The Pharisees believed that the soul was immortal, that the righteous would be rewarded in the afterlife, and that the wicked would be punished. They accepted the concept of resurrection after death, the belief that the dead would be judged and sent to either everlasting bliss or damnation, and the hope of the coming of the Messiah. They also believed in angels and demons, in the institution of the Sanhedrin, and in the authority of the Talmud.
Impact On The New Testament
The teachings of the Pharisees had a significant impact on the New Testament. Jesus was often seen debating with the Pharisees, and in many cases, strongly defending his teachings against basic Pharisaic beliefs.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus often opposed the teachings of the Pharisees and their interpretation of the law. He also criticized their use of the law for personal gain and their concern for outward appearances such as fasting, praying and performing rituals. He was particularly critical of their stringent interpretation of the Sabbath laws and their strictness when it came to issues of divorce and the acceptance of certain kinds of sinners.
Legacy Of The Pharisees
The legacy of the Pharisees is still felt today even though the sect no longer exists. The Talmud, which is still studied extensively by Jews, is a compilation of the laws, commentaries and debates of the Pharisees and is based largely on their interpretation of the Torah.
The modern observance of the Sabbath and fasting, and the often strict interpretations of certain biblical laws, can be traced back to the Pharisees. Many of their beliefs and practices, such as the importance of charitable deeds and the belief in the immortality of the soul, are still held by many Jews today.
Theology Of The Pharisees
The theology of the Pharisees was highly developed and nuanced. They believed in the strict interpretation of the law and the importance of fulfilling the covenant between God and His people. At the same time, they believed in the immortality of the soul and the afterlife and in the concept of resurrection after death.
The Pharisees believed in the concept of free will and that each individual was responsible for his or her own actions. According to the Talmud, the Pharisees believed that God was not only the judge, but also the provider of the law and the source of justice.
Relationship With Jesus
The Pharisees were often seen as hostile to Jesus and his teachings, but there is evidence to suggest that Jesus and the Pharisees had a mutually beneficial relationship. Jesus drew on their understanding of the law and shared with them his own insights.
Jesus respected the Pharisees and praised them as teachers of the law, even though he disagreed with them on some issues. In fact, in some cases, Jesus changed his own teachings to accommodate the views of the Pharisees.
Legacy Of The Pharisees In Christianity
The legacy of the Pharisees continued in Christianity through the writing of some of the early church fathers and writers. Many of the early church fathers, such as St. Jerome and St. Ambrose, drew heavily on the work of the Pharisees in their writings.
The writings of the Pharisees provided the early church fathers with an understanding of law and of the interpretation of scripture which was highly influential. Much of modern Christian theology, in particular the doctrine of salvation, can be traced back to the work of the Pharisees.
Influence On Judaism Today
The influence of the Pharisees on Judaism today is still strong. The Talmud, which was originally a collection of the teachings and interpretations of the Pharisees, is still studied by millions of Jews around the world.
The importance of the laws of purity, the observance of the Sabbath and the concept of Oral Torah are all strongly ingrained in Jewish life, and can be traced back to the teachings of the Pharisees. The observance of religious rituals and the emphasis on charitable giving, can also be traced back to the Pharisees.
The Significance Of The Pharisees
The Pharisees were a very influential sect in the formative years of Jewish tradition. Their strict adherence to the laws of Moses, their emphasis on the importance of fulfilling the covenant between God and His people, and their belief in the immortality of the soul have been essential components in the development of both Judaism and Christianity.
The teachings of the Pharisees are still studied and practiced today and they continue to be an integral part of religious life for millions of people around the world.
