1. Name / Role
Pharisees
2. Category
Religious Roles
3. Time Period / Biblical Context
Second Temple period (circa 2nd century BC to 1st century AD); especially prominent during the New Testament era, appearing frequently in the Gospels and Acts.
4. Origin / Background
The Pharisees emerged during the intertestamental period in response to Hellenistic influence and foreign domination. Their name likely derives from the Hebrew perushim, meaning “separated ones,” indicating their emphasis on purity, separation from defilement, and faithfulness to the Law. They were a lay movement—not priestly—yet highly respected among the Jewish populace.
5. Primary Role / Function
The Pharisees functioned as interpreters and teachers of the Law, advocating both the written Torah and a developing oral tradition. They operated primarily in synagogues rather than the Temple and exerted influence over local religious life and moral teaching. They aimed to apply God’s Law to every aspect of daily living.
6. Key Characteristics / Traits
- Zealous for Torah and purity
- Advocated oral tradition alongside written Scripture
- Popular among the people, but rivalled the Sadducees
- Criticised by Jesus for external religiosity and hypocrisy
- Strong belief in resurrection, angels, and the afterlife
7. Symbolism / Spiritual Significance
Pharisees symbolise religious formalism, hypocrisy, and legalism in Christian theology. They serve as a caution against outward conformity without inner transformation. Yet they also represent religious earnestness and a desire to preserve faith amid cultural decline. Some Pharisees were receptive to truth and later became followers of Christ.
8. Notable Figures / Examples
- Nicodemus – A Pharisee who came to Jesus by night (John 3:1–21), later defended Him (John 7:50) and helped bury Him (John 19:39)
- Gamaliel – A respected Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin who advocated caution regarding the early Christians (Acts 5:34–40)
- Paul (Saul of Tarsus) – A former zealous Pharisee who became the apostle to the Gentiles (Philippians 3:5; Acts 23:6)
9. Related Bible References
- Matthew 23 – Jesus’ strong rebuke of Pharisaic hypocrisy
- Luke 18:9–14 – Parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector
- John 3:1–21 – Nicodemus’ encounter with Jesus
- Acts 5:34–40 – Gamaliel’s wise counsel to the Sanhedrin
- Acts 23:6–9 – Paul’s declaration of Pharisaic belief in resurrection
- Philippians 3:5 – Paul’s former identity as a Pharisee
10. Summary / Reflection
The Pharisees were influential Jewish religious leaders who sought to protect and apply God’s Law amidst a changing world. Though sincerely committed to holiness, they often fell into self-righteousness, emphasising outward observance over inward transformation. Jesus’ confrontations with them reveal both the danger of prideful religiosity and the need for authentic faith. Not all Pharisees were resistant—some, like Nicodemus and Paul, became important figures in the New Testament story. Their legacy reminds readers to seek purity not through rules alone, but through a heart transformed by grace.