Pharisees, Pharisaism, and Yeishua: Correcting a Common Caricature

The Pharisees are frequently portrayed as enemies of Torah and uniform opponents of Yeishua. The historical record presents a far more complex picture. Pharisaic Judaism included competing schools, sincere teachers, hypocritical practitioners, political participants, and even followers of Yeishua. Although Yeishua strongly condemned hypocrisy and traditions that displaced the commandments, he shared several Pharisaic beliefs and accepted numerous Jewish customs. The Book of Acts likewise distinguishes the generally cautious or favorable response of several Pharisees from the more aggressive actions of the Sadducean high-priestly establishment.

BIBLE STUDYPHARISEESSECOND TEMPLE JUDAISM