Pharisees: Religious Leaders at the Time of Christ

The Pharisees were the most prominent Jewish religious group during the Second Temple period. Known for their strict adherence to the Law and its surrounding traditions, they held significant influence — yet their emphasis on external compliance often obscured the deeper purposes of God.

Who Were the Pharisees?

The Pharisees did not rigidly follow the Old Testament laws as written, but adapted them and developed their own body of tradition alongside them. They believed in the immortality of the soul, resurrection, a future judgement and the coming of a Messiah (Act 23:8). In these respects they stood apart from the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection and the existence of angels and spirits.

Don't let tradition blind you to the truth

Despite holding many sound beliefs, the Pharisees were deeply legalistic in keeping the laws as they interpreted them, yet failed to see the principles governing them. They were noted for their self-conceit, long prayers and regular fasting (Mt 23:5). Over generations, they added to the Law of Moses they originally set out to uphold, so that by the time of Christ they were spiritually blind and failed to recognise Him as the Messiah.

The Scribes were a distinct group who associated closely with the Pharisees. Adept at writing, recording and interpreting the law, they acted like lawyers in its administration. They copied and preserved the Old Testament manuscripts and served as scholars and teachers of the law, imposing it over the Jewish people.

The Conflict with Jesus

Jesus declared that a person's righteousness had to exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees to enter heaven (Mt 5:20). Entrance is by faith in God's promised deliverance through atonement, based on the blood of Jesus, not on works or legal obedience. Because the Pharisees considered their own good works would save them, they didn't see the need to relate to Jesus as the Saviour (Lk 18:9-14). They trusted in their own righteousness, treated others with contempt and did everything to be noticed (Mt 23:5-7).

True righteousness comes by faith, not by works

Although the Pharisees and Sadducees disliked each other, they united to get rid of Jesus because He exposed their false teachings, weakened their authority and revealed their insincere motives. Their lives were not in harmony with the doctrines they taught (Mt 23:2-4, 23-28). They had a form of godliness but denied its power (2 Tim 3:5). In contrast, Jesus — because of His vital relationship with God — spoke the truth with authority, backed by compassion and actions that positively affected those in need (Mt 7:29; Act 10:38).

Jesus warned His followers to guard against the erroneous teachings of these hypocrites who did things to receive human praise (Mt 6:1-18, 16:12). Gamaliel, an influential Pharisee, advised a 'wait and see' approach when dealing with the early church (Act 5:17-41).

The Sadducees and the Sanhedrin

The Sadducees, although smaller in number, were more influential than the Pharisees and formed the other major religious group in Israel. Both clashed with His lifestyle and teachings. The Sadducees interpreted the Old Testament writings differently, not believing in the resurrection, angels or spirits (Act 23:8). A Pharisee might become a Christian without ceasing to be a Pharisee, as Paul and some believers were, because of shared doctrinal beliefs — but a Sadducee could not (Act 15:5, 23:6).

When religious authority opposes God's truth

The Sanhedrin was the supreme ruling council of 70 members drawn from both groups plus the high priest (Act 5:17,21,27,34). This highest Jewish authority controlled most matters relating to their own race, but could not execute anyone without Roman approval, so they pressured the occupying powers to carry out the death of Christ. Initially sincere in their obedience, by the time of Christ they were so opposed to Him that they arranged His killing — despite seeing the miracles and hearing His teachings.

Reflection and Application:

Are there any traditions or religious habits in your life that have become more important than the truth they were meant to point toward?
How does the Pharisees' trust in their own righteousness challenge you to examine whether you are relying on good works or on faith in Christ?
What warning does Jesus' conflict with the religious leaders offer about the danger of having a form of godliness while denying its power?
How can you ensure that your outward actions flow from a genuine, vital relationship with God rather than a desire for human approval?