The Pharisees were one of the most well-known religious groups during the time of Jesus. They often clashed with Him, but they also played a large role in shaping Jewish thought and tradition. These ten facts help us understand who the Pharisees were, what they believed, and how the Bible describes them.
1. The Pharisees Believed in the Resurrection
Unlike the Sadducees, the Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead and life after death.
Acts 23:8 — “For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.”
This belief aligned more closely with Jesus' teaching and shows the Pharisees were not always wrong in doctrine.
2. They Were Experts in the Law
Pharisees were well-trained in the Mosaic Law and oral traditions. Many were scribes and teachers of the law.
Matthew 23:2-3 — “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.”
They taught others to obey God's commandments, but often failed to obey themselves.
3. They Loved Public Praise
Jesus often rebuked Pharisees for doing good deeds to be seen by others, rather than out of love for God.
Matthew 6:5 — “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues... that they may be seen of men.”
They sought the approval of people more than the approval of God.
4. Nicodemus Was a Pharisee Who Came to Jesus
Not all Pharisees rejected Jesus. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, came to Jesus by night and later defended Him publicly.
John 3:1-2 — “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus... The same came to Jesus by night.”
Nicodemus also helped bury Jesus after His crucifixion (John 19:39).
5. Paul Was a Pharisee
The Apostle Paul, before following Christ, was a Pharisee and proud of it.
Philippians 3:5 — “Circumcised the eighth day... as touching the law, a Pharisee.”
His background gave him deep knowledge of the Scriptures and the Law.
6. Jesus Ate with Pharisees
Though Jesus rebuked them, He also accepted invitations to dine with Pharisees.
Luke 7:36 — “And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.”
This shows Jesus’ willingness to reach all people, even His critics.
7. They Accused Jesus of Breaking the Sabbath
Pharisees accused Jesus of working on the Sabbath when He healed people.
Matthew 12:10 — “And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered... And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days?”
Jesus taught that doing good was lawful, even on the Sabbath.
8. They Were Called Hypocrites by Jesus
Jesus sharply rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocrisy.
Matthew 23:27 — “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres… but within are full of dead men's bones.”
They looked good on the outside, but their hearts were far from God.
9. They Plotted to Kill Jesus
The Pharisees were among those who wanted Jesus put to death.
Mark 3:6 — “And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.”
His teachings threatened their power and authority.
10. Some Believed in Jesus After His Resurrection
Though many opposed Jesus, some Pharisees later became believers.
Acts 15:5 — “But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed…”
God's grace reached even the hardest hearts.
Summary Table
| Fact # | Description | Bible Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Believed in resurrection | Acts 23:8 |
| 2 | Experts in Mosaic Law | Matthew 23:2-3 |
| 3 | Loved public praise | Matthew 6:5 |
| 4 | Nicodemus followed Jesus | John 3:1-2 |
| 5 | Paul was once a Pharisee | Philippians 3:5 |
| 6 | Jesus dined with them | Luke 7:36 |
| 7 | Accused Jesus of breaking Sabbath | Matthew 12:10 |
| 8 | Jesus called them hypocrites | Matthew 23:27 |
| 9 | Plotted to kill Jesus | Mark 3:6 |
| 10 | Some believed in Jesus after resurrection | Acts 15:5 |
