Saint Paul - The Pharisee

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St. Paul the Apostle

The Pharisees: A Brief Overview

The Pharisees were an influential religious sect within Judaism during the time of Christ and the early church. Here are some key points about them:

  1. Origins and Characteristics:

    • The term “Pharisee” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “separated.” They were zealous for personal piety and emphasized strict adherence to the Law.
    • Pharisees accepted both the written Law (what we now call the Old Testament) and oral tradition, which they believed went back to Moses.
    • Their teachings often treated these traditions as equal to God’s Word, leading to conflicts with Jesus (Matthew 9:14; 15:1–9; 23:5; Luke 11:42).

  2. Doctrine and Beliefs:

    • Pharisees believed in:
      • God’s sovereignty alongside individual decisions affecting life’s course.
      • A resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6).
      • An afterlife with individual rewards and punishments.
      • The reality of the spiritual realm, including angels and demons (Acts 23:8).

  3. Social and Political Influence:

    • Mostly middle-class businessmen and synagogue leaders.
    • Although a minority in the Sanhedrin, they held sway due to popular support.
    • Two schools of thought within Pharisaism: Shammai (strict interpretation) and Hillel (more liberal).

  4. Conflict with Sadducees:

    • The Pharisees clashed with the Sadducees, who rejected oral tradition and denied the resurrection.
    • However, they united against Jesus during His trial (Mark 14:53; 15:1; John 11:48–50).

Saint Paul and His Pharisaical Background

Now, let’s explore Saint Paul’s connection to the Pharisees:

  • Paul’s Early Life:

    • Before his conversion, Paul (then known as Saul) was a Pharisee (Philippians 3:5).
    • He was zealous for the Pharisaical code and persecuted early Christians (Acts 8:1–3; 9:1–2).

  • Conversion and Transformation:

    • On the road to Damascus, Paul encountered the risen Jesus (Acts 9:3–9).
    • This encounter led to his radical transformation and conversion to Christianity.
    • His zeal shifted from persecuting Christians to spreading the gospel.

  • Paul’s Pharisaical Training:

    • Paul studied under the renowned Pharisee teacher Gamaliel (Acts 22:3).
    • His Pharisaical background influenced his approach to preaching and teaching.

  • Continued Tensions:

    • Even as a Christian, Paul faced tensions with fellow Jews, including Pharisees.
    • His preaching of Jesus as the Messiah and the resurrection stirred controversy.

Conclusion

In summary, the Pharisees were a significant religious group during Jesus’ time, emphasizing piety, tradition, and strict adherence to the Law. Saint Paul, once a Pharisee himself, underwent a profound transformation and became a key figure in spreading the gospel. His background allowed him to engage with both Jewish and Gentile audiences, bridging the gap between the old and new covenants. Through Paul’s writings and missionary journeys, his Pharisaical roots played a crucial role in shaping early Christianity.

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