The Pharisees: Difference between revisions

[[file:Charles Philibert de Lasteyrie - Interior of a synagogue (probably Nancy), ca 1816.jpg |섬네일 | px |''Interior of a Synagogue'' by Charles Philibert de Lasteyrie, 1816: The Pharisees were primarily active within synagogues.]]

The Pharisees were a Jewish sect that emerged around 150 B.C. The Greek term ϕ''αρισα''ῖος (pharisaîos)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/lexicons/eng/greek/5330.html |title=Strong's #5330 - Φαρισαῖος |website=StudyLight.org |publisher= |date= |year= |author= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> corresponds to ''Perushim'' in Hebrew, derived from the verb ''פָּרָשׁ''‎ (parash), meaning “to separate.” This designation signifies “those who are separated.”<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/lexicons/eng/hebrew/6567.html |title=Strong's #6567 - פָּרַשׁ |website=StudyLight.org |publisher= |date= |year= |author= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://biblehub.com/greek/5330.htm |title=5330. Pharisaios |website=Bible Hub |publisher= |date= |year= |author= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://biblehub.com/hebrew/6567.htm |title=6567. parash |website=Bible Hub |publisher= |date= |year= |author= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref>  

The Pharisees were staunch in upholding not only the laws written in the Bible but also oral traditions.<ref name="안식일">{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Matthew+12%3A1-2&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Matthew 12:1–2 |quote= }}</ref><ref name="손씻기 유전">{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Mark+7%3A3-4&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Mark 7:3–4 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> They maintained a highly exclusive stance toward those who did not conform to their practices.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=John+7%3A46-49&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=John 7:46–49 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their hypocritical faith.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Matthew+23%3A25-27&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Matthew 23:25–27 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref>

In the 2nd century B.C., during the reign of King [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Antiochus-IV-Epiphanes Antiochus IV] of the [https://www.britannica.com/place/Seleucid-Empire Seleucid dynasty], (reigned: B.C. 175–B.C. 163), Judaism faced extensive persecution. Antiochus’s policies, aimed at imposing Greek culture and faith on the Israelites, included measures such as forbidding the observance of the Law of Moses. This led to a growing sense of resentment and dissatisfaction among the Jewish population toward the Greeks. Amidst this turmoil, there emerged a group of Jews who adamantly rejected Greek culture, being adhered strictly to the Law of Moses and the traditions of their ancestors, and sought to live devoutly as God’s chosen people. These people were known as the ''[https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hasidean Hasidim]'' (חֲסִידִים), which means “godly people.”<ref>[https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780195393361/obo-9780195393361-0031.xml Maccabean Revolt], ''Oxford Bibliopgraphies''

</ref> The Hasidim contributed Judea’s independence by supporting [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Maccabees/Jewish-resistance Judas Maccabeus] in his struggle against the Seleucid dynasty.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/topic/biblical-literature/The-Pharisees New Testament literature], ''Britannica''</ref> Following the successful attainment of independence, the Jews maintained their sovereignty for approximately 80 years until they fell under the dominion of the Roman Empire in 63 BC. During this transitional period, two groups emerged as descendants of the Hasidim: the Pharisees and the [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Essene Essenes]. Among them, the Pharisees stood out as a sect committed to strict adherence to the law and placed significant emphasis on its importance.

[[file:Brooklyn Museum - The Pharisees and the Herodians Conspire Against Jesus (Les pharisiens et les hérodiens conspirent contre Jésus) - James Tissot - overall.jpg |섬네일 | 250px | ''The Pharisees and the Herodians Conspire Against Jesus'' by James Tissot, 1886–1894]]

In Jewish society during Jesus’ time, the Pharisees held the most significant sway over the public.<ref>[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%205%3A34&version=NET Acts 5:34 sn], ''BibleGateway''</ref> Unlike the Sadducees, who were led by high priests and an aristocratic class centered on the [[temple]], the Pharisees, mainly consisting of the Jewish middle class, expanded their influence through public support, being facilitated by their organization around [[Synagogue|synagogues]].  

:The Pharisees and the [[Sadducees]] pursued distinct religious paths. Their doctrinal disagreements were so significant that Apostle Paul strategically utilized them to navigate a crisis he faced.<ref name="행:바-사">{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Acts+23%3A6-10&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Acts 23:6–10 |quote= }}</ref>

:However, the Pharisees occasionally allied with the Sadducees, despite their differing religious beliefs, in their efforts to persecute Jesus and the apostles, and to obstruct the spread of the [[gospel]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Matthew+16%3A1-4&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Matthew 16:1–4 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> On one occasion, a Sadducee came to test Jesus, but was unable to respond and left. Soon after, a Pharisee attempted to test Jesus.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Matthew+22%3A23-46&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Matthew 22:23–46 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> When Jesus rebuked their actions and illuminated the truth of the Bible to the people, both the Sadducees and the Pharisees felt threatened and conspired together to kill Jesus.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=John+11%3A47-53&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=John 11:47–53 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref>

The Pharisees, primarily active in the [[synagogue]], had more encounters with Jesus and engaged in numerous debates with Him, compared with the Sadducees, who focused on the [[Sanctuary (Tabernacle)|sanctuary]]. They often criticized Jesus and His disciples for allegedly violating the Sabbath laws<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Luke+6%3A7-9&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Luke 6:7–9 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref><ref name="안식일" /> or for associating with people of low social status, such as tax collectors and sinners.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Matthew+9%3A10-11&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Matthew 9:10–11 |quote= }}</ref> Some Pharisees also rebuked Jesus and His disciples for not adhering to traditional laws, such as the elders’ practice of handwashing before meals.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Luke+11%3A37-38&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Luke 11:37–38 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Mark+7%3A5&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Mark 7:5 |quote= }}</ref>  

However, it is important to note that not all Pharisees rejected Jesus during this time. Some Pharisees received Jesus or showed openness toward Him. For example, Nicodemus, a Pharisee, approached Jesus under the cover of night to learn from Him with a humble heart.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=John+3%3A1-2&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=John 3:1–2 |quote= }}</ref> He later defended Jesus among the Jewish leaders.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=John+7%3A45-51&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=John 7:45–51 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Additionally, [[Paul|Apostle Paul]], formerly a Pharisee, underwent a profound conversion from Judaism to Christianity and became one of its most ardent proponents.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Philippians+3%3A5&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Philippians 3:5 |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Acts+22%3A3&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Acts 22:3 |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Acts+26%3A5&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Acts 26:5 |quote= }}</ref> Even when the Sadducees sought to silence the apostles, Gamaliel, a Pharisee and a highly respected Jewish teacher who mentored Paul, intervened to calm the crowd and protect the apostles.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Acts+5%3A33-40&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Acts 5:33–40 |quote= }}</ref>

[[file:Emperor Tiberius Denarius - Tribute Penny.jpg |섬네일 | 250px |'''During the time of Emperor Tiberius,''' '''the Roman denarius''' bore the inscription “TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS” on the front, signifying “Tiberius Caesar, Son of the Divine Augustus,” and “PONTIF MAXIM” on the back, denoting “Supreme Pontiff.”]]

:The Pharisees once approached Jesus with a question about paying taxes to the Roman emperor, Caesar, hoping to trap him. When Jesus asked to see the coin used for paying taxes, He was presented with a Roman denarius.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Matthew+22%3A15-22&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Matthew 22:15–22 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> During that era, the obverse of the denarius coin bore the inscription “Caesar,” along with the likeness of Tiberius, who held the title of Caesar during that period. Upon seeing the image of Caesar and the inscription on the coin, Jesus responded wisely, saying, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Later, the high priest and the Pharisees accused Jesus before Pilate, the governor, seeking His execution. They falsely claimed that Jesus opposed paying taxes to Caesar and declared Himself to be the Messiah, a king.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Luke+23%3A1-2&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Luke 23:1–2 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=John+19%3A12-16&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=John 19:12–16 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref>

[[file:Phylactery (teffilin) case Brooklyn Museum open.jpg |섬네일 | 250px |Phylactery (Teffilin) case, a small leather case containing portions of the Torah that Jewish men over the age of 13 traditionally wear on their forehead and wrists during morning prayers.  Inside the leather box of the phylactery, parchment strips are inscribed with specific Bible verses, including passages from Exodus 13:1–10, 11–16, and Deuteronomy 6:4–9; 11:13–21. [https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/ Brooklyn Museum]]]

:Jesus acknowledged the Pharisees’ commitment to observing the law to some extent.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Matthew+5%3A20&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Matthew 5:20 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> However, He rebuked them for prioritizing human traditions over the commandments of God, due to their extreme legalism.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Matthew+15%3A3-6&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Matthew 15:3–6 |quote= }}</ref> He rebuked the Pharisees who made their phylacteries<ref>[https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phylactery phylactery], ''Merriam-Webster''</ref> wide and the tassels on their garments long,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Matthew+23%3A1-7&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Matthew 23:1–7 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> only emphasize fancy and formality, as the “prophets who are like whitewashed tombs full of greed and lawlessness.”<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Matthew+23%3A25-28&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Matthew 23:25–28 |quote= }}</ref> Jesus emphasized the importance of inner qualities such as compassion, humility, and mercy over mere outward displays of religious observance.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Matthew+23%3A23&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Matthew 23:23 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=LUKE+18&OLWordSearchRange=beg&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Luke 18 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref>

Jesus admonished the Pharisees for their pride in their knowledge of the Scriptures, yet their rejection of Him as the Messiah and their efforts to hinder others from believing in Him. He warned them, saying, “Those who shut the door of the [[Heaven|kingdom of heaven]] that neither they themselves nor those who are trying to enter cannot enter.”

In the [[book of Acts]] written after Jesus, the religious distinctions between the Pharisees and the Sadducees become evident.<ref name="행:바-사" /> Indeed, Paul’s background as a Pharisee, persecuting Christians before his conversion, highlights the Pharisees’ active opposition to the early Christian church.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.studylight.org/study-desk.html?q1=Acts+9%3A1-2&q2=&ss=0&t1=eng_n84&t2=eng_kjv&t3=eng_nas&ns=0&sr=1&ot=bhs&nt=wh&hv1=1&b=verse&d=3 |title=Acts 9:1–2 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> According to the prophecy of Jesus in A.D. 70, the Pharisees continued to exist even after [[Jerusalem]] was destroyed by the Roman army. Their influence persisted into the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D., maintaining a significant role within Judaism and retaining prominence as a denomination.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pharisee Pharisee], ''Britannica''</ref><ref>[https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/kefar-x1e24-asidim Kefar Ḥasidim], ''Jewish Virtual Library''</ref>

*[[Sadducees]]

*[[Teacher of the Law]]

*[[Synagogue]]

*[[Assembly (Sanhedrin)]]