Pharisees
From Theopedia
Pharisees were a Jewish sect (or religious-political party) which arose during the intertestamental period and were active during Christ's earthly ministry described in the gospels of the New Testament. They were noted for strict observance of rites and ceremonies of the written law and for insistence on the validity of their own oral traditions concerning the law. The Pharisees opposed Jesus and His teachings. They plotted His death (Matt 12:14) and they were denounced by Him (Matt 23).
Pharisees were distinguished from the Sadducees (the priestly caste) primarily as scribes and devout laymen. The pharisees developed the synagogue as a place of worship beyond the temple. Characteristic teachings of the pharisees included: belief in oral as well as written Law; resurrection of the human body; belief in the existence of a spirit world; immortality of the soul; predestination; future rewards and punishments based upon works.
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See also
External links
- The Pharisees at New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia
- The Pharisees from Elwell Evangelical Dictionary
