Who were the Pharisees and what did they believe?

The Pharisees are one of the most recognizable Jewish sects mentioned in the New Testament, often remembered for their frequent confrontations with Jesus Christ. To understand the dynamics of these interactions and the broader context of early 1st-century Judea, it is essential to delve into who the Pharisees were, their beliefs, their practices, and their societal role.

Origins and Development

The Pharisees emerged as a distinct group during the Second Temple period of Jewish history, which spans from the reconstruction of the Temple in 516 BC following the Babylonian exile, to its destruction by the Romans in AD 70. Historically, the Pharisees are thought to have originated in the latter part of the 2nd century BC, possibly as a reaction against Hellenistic influences and the perceived laxity in religious observance by the Jewish high priesthood and aristocracy.

Core Beliefs

Central to Pharisaic belief was a strong emphasis on the observance of the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, along with a particular devotion to the oral traditions that interpreted these scriptures. Unlike the Sadducees, another contemporary Jewish sect who held only to the written laws found in the Torah, the Pharisees believed in the equal authority of oral traditions. These traditions were eventually codified in the Mishnah and later, the Talmud.

The Law and Its Interpretations

The Pharisees advocated a lifestyle that adhered strictly to both the written and oral laws. This included detailed observances concerning purity, Sabbath observance, tithing, and food restrictions, which they believed would maintain and even enhance their holiness. For instance, Leviticus 19:18, which commands love for one’s neighbor, was interpreted expansively by the Pharisees to include a broad range of ethical and social behaviors.

Belief in the Afterlife

Another distinctive belief of the Pharisees was their firm conviction in the afterlife and the resurrection of the dead. This is in stark contrast to the Sadducees, who denied such notions. The Pharisees' belief in the afterlife was tied to their understanding of justice and divine retribution. They held that God would ultimately reward the righteous and punish the wicked, views which are reflected in the teachings of Jesus, particularly in parables like the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31).

The Role of Tradition

For the Pharisees, tradition served as a living and active component of their faith. They believed that the oral laws had been handed down from Moses through successive generations and were authoritative interpretations of the written Torah. This respect for tradition is evident in their meticulous approach to religious practice and moral life, striving to apply the ancient laws to contemporary issues.

Societal Role

The Pharisees were influential in the synagogues, which served as the focal point of Jewish religious and community life, especially in a landscape dominated by Roman occupation and Hellenistic culture. Their influence was not limited to the religious sphere; it also extended into social and political realms. While not as politically powerful as the Sadducees, who were primarily high priests and aristocrats, the Pharisees had considerable influence among the common people due to their piety and perceived authenticity in practicing what they preached.

Interactions with Jesus

In the Gospels, the Pharisees are frequently depicted as adversaries of Jesus. However, these portrayals often reflect deeper theological and social conflicts rather than mere personal animosity. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their legalism, hypocrisy, and for neglecting the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). Yet, it is crucial to recognize that Jesus shared many beliefs with the Pharisees, such as the importance of the Law, the belief in the resurrection, and many ethical teachings.

The Pharisees' emphasis on piety and adherence to the law often led them into conflict with Jesus over interpretations of the Law and issues of purity (Mark 7:1-23). However, some Pharisees also showed interest in Jesus' teachings, and some, like Nicodemus, even came to him seeking deeper understanding (John 3:1-21).

Legacy and Influence

The destruction of the Temple in AD 70 was a pivotal event for all Jewish sects. The Pharisees' adaptability and their emphasis on law and tradition over Temple-centric worship positioned them to evolve into the rabbinic Judaism that followed the Temple's destruction. Their interpretations of the Torah continue to influence Jewish thought to this day.

In conclusion, the Pharisees were a complex and influential group during the time of Jesus. Their strict observance of both the written and oral Torah, their belief in the afterlife, and their role within the community set them apart from other sects of the time. Understanding the Pharisees provides deeper insight into the religious and cultural context of the New Testament and offers a nuanced view of their encounters with Jesus Christ.