Pharisees (1235)

Origin

not specifically known. It is thought by some that the HASIDEANS were forerunners of the Pharisees.

 

Intreperation

generally Pharisee is considered to be "separated ones."

Beliefs

a) Believed in foreordination
b) Immortality of the soul
c) Resurrection of the body
d) Men were rewarded and/or punished in the after life.
e) Highly developed view of angels and demons
f) Accepted WRITTEN LAW and ORAL LAW as supreme authority
g) Very strict interpreters

h) Religion = conformity to law
i) Promise of God’s grace only to doers of law
j) Outward formalism very important
k) Opposed to Helenization
l) Strong religiouis character

Several kinds listed in Metzger's [Metzger, 41] summary from the Talmud

a) "Wait a little" - always had excuse for putting off doing a good deed
b) "Bruised" or Bleeding" - in order to avoid looking at a women would shut his eyes and walk into a wall.
c) "Sholder" - always wore good deeds on his sholder so all could see
d) "Humpj-backed" - walks around stooped over in mock humility
e) "Ever-reckoning" - always checking to see if good deeds balanced against his evil deeds
f) "God-fearing" - stands in awe and dread of God
g) "God-loving" or "born" pharaisee - a true son of Abraham.

Jesus & Pharisees

• Scathing rebuke - Mt. 5:20
• Friendly with some - Luke 7:37 Banquet
• Some warned him - Luke 13:31

Last Updated Thursday, February 24, 2000