Who were "Pharisees" in the Bible?

Who the Pharisees were in the Bible

Os Fariseus eram um grupo religioso judaico que surgiu durante o período do Segundo Templo em Jerusalém. Eles eram conhecidos por sua estrita observância da Lei de Moisés e por sua interpretação rigorosa das escrituras sagradas. Os Fariseus eram vistos como líderes espirituais e autoridades religiosas dentro da comunidade judaica.

Origin and History of the Pharisees

The origin of the Pharisees dates back to the second century BC, during the Hellenistic period of Jewish history. They emerged as a group of scholars and interpreters of the Law of Moses, who sought to preserve Jewish religious tradition amid foreign influences. The Pharisees quickly became one of the main factions within Judaism at the time.

Doctrines and Practices of the Pharisees

Os Fariseus acreditavam na existência de uma vida após a morte e na ressurreição dos mortos. Eles também defendiam a importância da observância rigorosa da Lei de Moisés e das tradições religiosas judaicas. Os Fariseus eram conhecidos por sua ênfase na pureza ritual e na prática da caridade e da justiça social.

The Pharisees' relationship with Jesus

Os Evangelhos do Novo Testamento descrevem vários encontros e confrontos entre Jesus and the Pharisees. Jesus frequently criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and legalism, accusing them of neglecting the most important principles of the Law, such as justice, mercy and faith. However, not all the Pharisees were hostile to Jesus, and some even supported him.

Legacy of the Pharisees in Jewish History

Despite their criticism and conflicts with Jesus, the Pharisees played a significant role in the preservation and transmission of Jewish religious tradition. They were responsible for developing the oral tradition of the Law of Moses, which would later be compiled into the Talmud. The Pharisees also influenced the emergence of rabbinic Judaism, which became the mainstream of Judaism after the destruction of the Second Temple.

Criticism of the Pharisees in the Bible

Despite their historical importance, the Pharisees are often portrayed in a negative light in biblical texts. They are often associated with hypocrisy, legalism and a lack of compassion. Jesus and others prophets do Antigo Testamento criticaram os Fariseus por sua rigidez religiosa e sua falta de amor ao próximo.

Pharisees and Sadducees

Os Fariseus eram frequentemente contrastados com outro grupo religioso judaico da época, os Saduceus. Enquanto os Fariseus eram mais populares entre o povo comum e enfatizavam a observância da Lei e das tradições religiosas, os Saduceus eram mais ligados à elite sacerdotal e tinham uma abordagem mais conservadora em relação à religião.

Pharisees and Zealots

Another group that stood out during the Second Temple period were the Zealots, who were known for their armed resistance against Roman occupation. The Pharisees, on the other hand, took a more peaceful and legalistic approach to politics and religion. Despite their differences, the Pharisees, Sadducees and Zealots shared the common goal of preserving Jewish identity amid external pressures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Pharisees played a crucial role in the religious and cultural history of Judaism. Despite the criticism and controversy surrounding them, the Pharisees left a lasting legacy that has influenced the development of rabbinic Judaism and the interpretation of the Law of Moses to this day. Their example of dedication to religious observance and the preservation of tradition continues to inspire scholars and faithful all over the world.

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