Who are the pharisees in the new testament

In the New Testament, the Pharisees were a Jewish religious group that emerged in the 2nd century BC and flourished until the 1st century AD. They were a sect of Judaism that emphasized the importance of following the Law of Moses and the oral traditions of the Jewish elders.

The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to Jewish law and tradition, and they were often critical of the Sadducees, who were a rival Jewish sect that rejected the oral traditions and only recognized the written Law of Moses. The Pharisees were also known for their emphasis on the importance of good deeds and charitable giving, and they were often involved in acts of charity and social justice.

In the New Testament, the Pharisees are portrayed as a group that was critical of Jesus and his teachings. They were concerned that Jesus was violating Jewish law and tradition, and they saw him as a threat to their authority and way of life. The Pharisees are often depicted as being hypocritical and self-righteous, and they are criticized by Jesus for their lack of compassion and understanding.

Some of the key events and interactions between Jesus and the Pharisees in the New Testament include:

• The Pharisees and Sadducees come to Jesus, asking him to show them a sign from heaven (Matthew 16:1-4, Mark 8:11-13, Luke 11:16).
• Jesus is accused of breaking the Sabbath by healing a man with a withered hand (Matthew 12:9-14, Mark 3:1-6, Luke 6:6-11).
• Jesus is criticized for eating with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:10-13, Mark 2:15-17, Luke 5:29-32).
• Jesus is accused of being a friend of sinners and a glutton (Matthew 11:19, Luke 7:34).
• Jesus is criticized for not washing his hands before eating (Matthew 15:1-20, Mark 7:1-23).
• Jesus is accused of breaking the Law by healing on the Sabbath (John 5:1-18).

Despite their criticisms of Jesus, the Pharisees were not a monolithic group, and there were likely different opinions and perspectives within the group. Some Pharisees, such as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, are portrayed as being sympathetic to Jesus and his teachings.

It's worth noting that the term "Pharisee" is often used in a negative sense in modern Christian theology, implying a rigid and legalistic approach to faith. However, this is not necessarily an accurate representation of the Pharisees in the New Testament, who were a complex and multifaceted group with a rich tradition of Jewish scholarship and piety.