Faith & Reason Nexus

The Pharisees were a prominent religious group in Jewish society, especially during the time of Jesus. Here are key points about them:

1. Origin

• The exact origin of the Pharisees is uncertain, but they emerged during the Intertestamental Period (the time between the Old and New Testaments).
• They first appear in the historical record during the reign of John Hyrcanus (135 B.C.) during the Maccabean Period.

2. Meaning of the Name

• The name “Pharisee” comes from the Hebrew word “Perushim”, meaning “the separated ones” or “separatists”. This reflects their focus on separating themselves from anything they considered impure or unholy in order to maintain strict religious observance.

3. Old Testament References

• The Pharisees are not mentioned in the Old Testament, but their presence is evident in the New Testament as a dominant religious group during the time of Christ.

4. New Testament Mentions

• The Pharisees are mentioned frequently throughout the New Testament, especially in the Gospels. They often engage in debates with Jesus over issues related to the law and religious traditions.

5. Numbers and Influence

• According to Josephus, a Jewish historian, at the height of their influence, the Pharisees numbered over 6,000 members.
• They were very influential in the Jewish synagogues and among the common people.

6. Beliefs and Practices

• The Pharisees were strict religious observers, emphasizing detailed adherence to the Jewish law and traditions.
• They advocated for minute obedience to both the written law (Torah) and the oral traditions that were later codified in the Talmud.
• The Pharisees believed in life after death, including the resurrection of the body, Heaven, Hell, and the existence of angels and spirits.

7. Relationship with Jesus

• The Pharisees rejected Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah for several reasons:
  1. Tradition vs. Jesus’ teachings: Jesus did not follow their traditional laws and often critiqued their interpretation of the Scriptures.
  2. Association with sinners: Jesus was known for associating with people who were considered sinners, such as tax collectors and prostitutes, which was a source of contention for the Pharisees.

Conclusion

The Pharisees played a significant role in the religious landscape of First Century Judaism, but their strict adherence to the law and their rejection of Jesus’ message created a sharp division between them and the early Christian movement. Their emphasis on outward piety and legalistic traditions often conflicted with Jesus’ teachings on grace, mercy, and inward purity.