Who Were the Pharisees in the Bible?
Quick Summary
The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect in the first century, known for their deep commitment to the Law, their influence in synagogues, and their frequent clashes with Jesus. As lay leaders who emphasized purity, oral tradition, and obedience, they played a major role in the social and religious life of Israel. Understanding who they were and why Jesus often criticized them reveals much about the religious landscape of the New Testament.
Introduction
When people read the Gospels, they often encounter the Pharisees as the primary opponents of Jesus. But who were they really? Were they all hypocrites, or did they play a more nuanced role in the life of first-century Judaism?
This post explores who the Pharisees were in the Bible, how they rose to power, what they believed, and why Jesus so frequently confronted them. We’ll also take a look at some misconceptions—and how their legacy continues to spark theological discussion today.
Historical Background of the Pharisees
The Pharisees emerged during the Second Temple period, around the 2nd century BCE, following the Maccabean Revolt. They were one of several Jewish sects—others included the Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots—but the Pharisees were distinctive for their devotion to both the written Law (Torah) and oral traditions.
Unlike the Sadducees, who were largely aristocratic and temple-based, the Pharisees were more connected to the common people and local synagogues. They believed holiness wasn’t just for priests in the Temple but could be pursued in everyday life.
By the time of Jesus, Pharisees had earned significant respect among the people, even though they didn’t hold formal power in the Sanhedrin, which was dominated by the Sadducees.
Beliefs and Practices
The Pharisees held a few key beliefs that distinguished them:
Authority of Oral Law: In addition to the Torah, they emphasized oral traditions passed down through generations, later compiled in what became the Mishnah.
Resurrection of the Dead: Unlike the Sadducees, the Pharisees believed in life after death and bodily resurrection (Acts 23:6-8).
Angels and Spirits: They affirmed the existence of angels and spiritual beings.
Holiness in Daily Life: They taught that purity laws applied not just to priests but to all of Israel.
Their emphasis on obedience and purity was rooted in a sincere desire to please God, though this could sometimes lead to rigidity or self-righteousness.
Pharisees in the Gospels
The Pharisees appear in all four Gospels, often clashing with Jesus:
Matthew 23 contains Jesus’ strongest rebuke, issuing a series of "woes" against the Pharisees for hypocrisy and legalism. See our full breakdown in Woes to the Pharisees (Matthew 23 Explained).
They challenged Jesus for healing on the Sabbath (Luke 13:10-17), eating with sinners (Luke 5:30-32), and not following ritual handwashing (Mark 7:1-13).
In John 3:1-21, however, Nicodemus—a Pharisee—comes to Jesus seeking truth, showing not all Pharisees were hostile.
Jesus’ critiques often centered on hypocrisy, performative religion, and missing the heart of the Law: mercy, justice, and faith (Matthew 23:23).
Were All Pharisees Hypocrites?
Not at all. While the Gospels focus on confrontations, it’s clear that some Pharisees were genuinely seeking God. Paul himself had been a Pharisee before becoming an apostle (Philippians 3:5; Acts 23:6). His training under the respected Pharisee Gamaliel (Acts 22:3) shows that the Pharisaic tradition could produce sincere and thoughtful leaders.
The broad-brush portrayal of all Pharisees as villains has sometimes fueled antisemitism—a tragic misuse of Scripture. Understanding their context helps us avoid such distortions.
Why Did Jesus Criticize Them?
Jesus didn’t condemn the Pharisees for their desire to follow God. Rather, he challenged how their pursuit of purity had sometimes become a barrier to love and justice.
They "strained out a gnat but swallowed a camel" (Matthew 23:24)—obsessing over minor rules while neglecting compassion. Jesus’ critique was prophetic, aimed at reform, not destruction.
Legacy and Influence
Though the temple was destroyed in 70 AD, Pharisaic traditions continued. Rabbinic Judaism—the foundation of modern Judaism—developed from Pharisaic roots. Their dedication to Scripture, study, and community endures to this day.
Christians, too, can learn from the Pharisees’ love for Scripture and discipline while heeding Jesus’ warning not to lose sight of the heart of God’s law.
Related Questions and Topics
What Did Jesus Say About the Pharisees?
See What Did Jesus Say About the Pharisees? for a deeper look into Jesus’ specific criticisms and their implications.
Pharisees vs. Sadducees
The Sadducees were temple-based elites who denied resurrection, while the Pharisees focused on oral law and believed in life after death. For a full comparison, see Pharisees vs. Sadducees.
Were the Pharisees Really Legalistic?
The label "legalistic" oversimplifies. Explore this further in Were the Pharisees Really Legalistic?.
Conclusion: Who Were the Pharisees?
The Pharisees were influential religious leaders in Jesus’ time, deeply devoted to Scripture and tradition. While often at odds with Jesus, they were not cartoon villains but complex figures with both admirable and problematic traits.
Understanding the Pharisees helps us read the Gospels more clearly—and reflect on our own spiritual blind spots. Their story isn’t just about what happened back then. It’s about the religious impulses that live in every generation, including our own.
FAQ
Were the Pharisees priests? No. Most Pharisees were lay leaders and teachers, not part of the priestly class. The priests were mainly Sadducees.
Do Pharisees still exist today? Not under that name. After the Temple's destruction, Pharisaic traditions evolved into rabbinic Judaism.
Why did Jesus call them hypocrites? Because they emphasized outward righteousness while neglecting inward transformation and justice.
Was Paul a Pharisee? Yes. Paul identified as a Pharisee and was trained under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3).
Did any Pharisees follow Jesus? Yes, Nicodemus and possibly others showed openness to Jesus' teaching.
Works Consulted
Sanders, E.P. Judaism: Practice and Belief, 63 BCE–66 CE. Fortress Press, 1992.
Wright, N.T. The New Testament and the People of God. Fortress Press, 1992.
