The Role of Pharisee in Scripture

What is a Pharisee?

The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious group in the Second Temple period, known for their rigorous commitment to Torah law and oral traditions.

They played a central role in preserving Jewish identity through meticulous observance of Mosaic Law, as seen in Acts 5:34, where the Pharisee Gamaliel advocates for caution in handling the apostles. Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, describes them as respected interpreters of Scripture who emphasized piety and ritual purity. Their influence is especially evident in the Gospels, where they often interact with Jesus, highlighting tensions between their legalism and his teachings.

Emerging in the intertestamental period, the Pharisees gained prominence during Jesus’ ministry (c. 25 - 33 CE) and continued into the first century CE. Their practices and debates with early Christians are documented in both the New Testament and Josephus’ writings.

Role of Pharisees in Jesus' Time

In Jesus’ ministry, the Pharisees emerged as key interlocutors, engaging him in theological debates that revealed tensions between their legalistic approach and his emphasis on inner righteousness.

Jesus frequently interacted with Pharisees, critiquing their prioritization of ritual over ethical concerns. For instance, in Matthew 23:23-24, he rebukes them for tithing minute herbs while neglecting justice and mercy, calling them "blind guides." Similarly, in Mark 7:9, he accuses them of voiding God’s commands through human traditions, such as their elaborate hand-washing rituals. These exchanges highlight Jesus’ challenge to their external piety, which he contrasts with the kingdom’s demands for humility and heart-centered devotion. The Gospels often portray Pharisees as adversaries, as seen in their attempts to trap Jesus with trick questions or discredit his authority, reflecting broader conflicts over interpretations of Torah and messianic identity.

Pharisaic practices, such as meticulous tithing (Luke 11:42) and rigorous Sabbath observance (John 5:10), were central to their identity. Yet Jesus’ critiques, like his charge that they "lock people out of the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 23:13), underscored his view of their teachings as obstacles to true faith. This dynamic sets the stage for later New Testament reflections on law and grace, a theme explored in subsequent sections.

How to Read Pharisees Correctly

To interpret Pharisees accurately in Scripture, readers must balance historical nuance with critical engagement of Gospel portrayals.

The Pharisees were not a monolithic group. Some, like Nicodemus in John 3, engaged Jesus earnestly, while others opposed his teachings. Modern readers must avoid reducing them to caricatures of legalism, as their role in preserving Jewish law and identity was vital. Acts 5:34, for instance, highlights Gamaliel’s measured counsel to the Sanhedrin, reflecting Pharisaic diversity.

Avoid anachronistically judging Pharisees by modern standards; Jesus’ critiques (e.g., Matthew 23) targeted specific practices, not all religious rigor. Recognizing their complexity - both as Jesus’ interlocutors and as flawed figures - helps readers grasp the theological tensions of the time.

Going Deeper

To better understand Pharisaic Judaism, scholars often turn to the Dead Sea Scrolls and Talmudic texts, which shed light on their theological practices and historical context.

The Dead Sea Scrolls (c. 3rd century BCE - 1st century CE) reveal parallels and contrasts with Pharisaic beliefs, while the Talmud (compiled 3rd - 6th centuries CE) preserves later rabbinic interpretations shaped by Pharisaic traditions. Modern debates explore whether early Christians viewed Pharisees as legalistic rivals or as partners in preserving Jewish faith, with some arguing that Jesus’ critiques (e.g., Matthew 23) reflect tensions over authority rather than outright rejection of Torah.