Pharisees

Lore & Background

The Pharisees are first historically mentioned in the writings of Josephus and in the Dead Sea Scrolls, predating the four gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. The Jewish historian Josephus, believed by many to have been a Pharisee, estimated there were around 6,000 adherents before the fall of the Second Temple. Conflicts between Pharisees and Sadducees involved cultural differences (Pharisees resisted Hellenization), juridical-religious differences (Pharisees emphasized Mosaic Laws over Temple rites), and different interpretations of the Torah (Pharisees accepted Oral Torah and resurrection of the dead, while Sadducees recognized only the Written Torah). Pharisees claimed Mosaic authority for their interpretation of Jewish law.

Reader's Guide

The name 'Pharisee' derives from Ancient Greek Pharisaios, from Aramaic Pərīšā, meaning 'set apart, separated', related to Hebrew Pārūš. It may refer to separation from Gentiles, sources of ritual impurity, or irreligious Jews. Alternatively, some scholars suggest a political meaning as 'separatists' due to division from the Sadducee elite. The Mishnah, redacted around 200 AD by Judah ha-Nasi, compiled Pharisaic oral interpretations and traditions into a single authoritative text.

Did You Know?

• Josephus said Pharisee influence over common people was so great that anything they said against the king or high priest was believed.
• The Mishnah, redacted around 200 AD, compiled Pharisaic oral traditions and helped preserve them after the Temple's destruction.