The Pharisees: Beyond the Religious Boogeymen

The Pharisees figure prominently in the New Testament as antagonists, but they were more complex characters than often portrayed. They played a significant role in the development of early Jewish beliefs and practices.

A Brief History of Second Temple Judaism

The Second Temple period, which spanned from 515 BCE to 70 CE, saw the rise of various religious movements within Judea. The Pharisees were one such movement, rooted in the spirit and teachings of the biblical prophets.

According to historian Brad Evans, the Pharisees were a social and intellectual movement that emphasized the spiritualization and democratization of Jewish law. They were not merely religious experts but also community leaders; they promoted the idea that understanding and practicing God’s laws (both written and oral) was essential for the spiritual welfare of the common people.

Pharisees and Jewish Law

The Pharisees were notable for their interpretation of Jewish law (Halakha), which included both the written Torah and unwritten traditions. Their focus on the Oral Torah—laws and customs not explicitly recorded in the Hebrew Bible—was groundbreaking at the time. For instance, they introduced the concept of prayer and good deeds as alternatives to costly animal sacrifices, making these practices accessible to a broader audience.

Conflict with Jesus and the Gospels

The conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees, particularly as described in the Gospels, can be interpreted as a clash between deeply held beliefs. According to the Bible, the Pharisees were often seen as too rigid in their adherence to tradition. However, as scholar Joel Baden argues, this portrayal is largely a construction by later Christian writers to highlight the unique message of Jesus.

Matthew 23:13-39, for example, has Jesus denouncing the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and legalism. Yet, many believe that Jesus respected the Pharisees' teachings and even encouraged his followers to follow them, as he said, "Do what they say and do not do what they do." This suggests that while there were significant disagreements, there were also points of agreement and mutual respect.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the Pharisees can be seen as protectors of the biblical faith of Abraham. Their focus on the Oral Torah and their commitment to the spirit of the law reflects a deeper understanding of God’s covenant with the Jewish people. They were, in essence, guardians of tradition and spiritual truth.

In the arguments Jesus had with the Pharisees, there were often misunderstandings about the true purpose of the law. Jesus was more concerned with the spiritual journey and the transformation of the human heart, while the Pharisees were more focused on external observance.

The Resurrection and the Kingdom of God

Another important aspect of the Pharisees is their role in the ongoing pursuit of the resurrection and the fulfillment of God’s promise of peace on earth. According to biblical scholar Gilbert Bilecenian, Jesus, like the Pharisees, was a student of biblical faith, aiming to rebuild the "body of Christ," which he envisioned as the new Israel, the resurrected kingdom of David.

Jesus’ teachings and actions were driven by the belief that the end times were near and that the kingdom of God was to be realized on earth. The Pharisees, by upholding the spirit of the law and the Oral Torah, were more aligned with this vision than their counterparts, the Sadducees, who were more interested in maintaining the status quo and were often allied with the ruling power in Judea.

Concluding Thoughts

While the New Testament often portrays the Pharisees as adversaries, a comprehensive understanding reveals that they were crucial figures in the development of early Jewish traditions and were deeply rooted in the faith of Abraham. Their legacy is intertwined with the history of Judaism and the trajectory of Christian theology.