The Pharisees were a religious group during Jesus’ time known for their strict adherence to the law, yet Jesus warned against their pride and hypocrisy. Today, we’ll examine what the Bible says about the doctrine of the Pharisees and how we can avoid their mistakes in our own faith walk.
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What Does The Bible Say About Doctrine Of Pharisees
Matthew 15:9
“In vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”
This verse highlights the danger of following the teachings of men rather than the true doctrines of God. It emphasizes the need to seek and adhere to the teachings of God, rather than relying on human traditions and customs.
By prioritizing the commandments of men over the commandments of God, the Pharisees were guilty of distorting the truth and misleading others. This verse serves as a reminder to continually examine our beliefs and ensure they align with the genuine teachings of God.
Matthew 16:6
“Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
Jesus warns against the influence of the Pharisees and Sadducees, cautioning his disciples to be vigilant and guard against their false teachings. The leaven represents the corrupted doctrines and hypocrisy of these religious leaders.
As followers of Christ, it is essential for us to discern and reject teachings that deviate from the truth of God’s Word. This verse reminds us to be discerning and to scrutinize any teaching that does not align with the principles and teachings of Jesus.
Matthew 23:2-3
“The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.”
Jesus acknowledges the authority of the Pharisees in teaching the Law of Moses, but also exposes their hypocrisy. Despite their position of authority, their actions did not align with the principles they taught.
This verse serves as a reminder for us to examine not only the words but also the actions of those who teach us. We are called to follow the teachings of God, but we must also be aware of the potential hypocrisy and false practices of those who claim to be spiritual leaders.
Matthew 23:13
“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in.”
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and their hindrance to others in entering the kingdom of heaven. Their misguided teachings and legalistic approach closed the door to genuine faith for many.
This verse serves as a warning against the dangers of legalism and self-righteousness. It reminds us that our role as believers is to lead others to Christ and invite them into the kingdom of heaven, rather than creating unnecessary obstacles that hinder their spiritual journey.
Matthew 23:23
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
Jesus confronts the Pharisees about their meticulous observance of minor laws while neglecting the more significant principles of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Their focus on external actions blinded them to the true heart of God’s law.
This verse reminds us that true obedience to God involves not only fulfilling religious rituals but also living with a heart of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. It warns against the danger of becoming legalistic and neglecting the essential aspects of God’s commandments.
Mark 7:7-8
“‘In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.”
Jesus confronts the Pharisees and their distorted teachings, accusing them of prioritizing human traditions over the commandments of God. Their worship was rendered meaningless by their preference for man-made rules and regulations.
This verse challenges us to evaluate our own worship and ensure that it is rooted in the commandments of God rather than influenced by human traditions. It prompts us to prioritize the truth of God’s Word over the customs and practices of our culture.
Mark 7:9
“And he said to them, ‘You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!'”
Jesus exposes the Pharisees’ tendency to disregard the commandments of God in favor of their own tradition. They manipulated God’s Word to suit their own agenda and personal preferences.
This verse serves as a warning against the danger of elevating human traditions above God’s commandments. It encourages us to remain faithful to the teachings of Scripture and be cautious of any tendency to prioritize our own traditions over the truth of God’s Word.
Mark 8:15
“And he cautioned them, saying, ‘Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.'”
Jesus warns his disciples to be cautious and guard against the influence of the Pharisees and Herod. Just as leaven affects the entire batch of dough, the false teachings and worldly ideologies of these leaders can easily corrupt one’s faith.
This verse emphasizes the importance of discernment and remaining vigilant in our spiritual journey. It reminds us to be aware of the subtle ways in which false teachings and worldly ideologies can infiltrate our lives, ultimately leading us away from the truth of God’s Word.
Luke 11:42
“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their meticulous observance of minor matters, such as tithing herbs, while neglecting the more significant aspects of justice and the love of God. They failed to prioritize the heart of God’s commands.
This verse calls us to examine our own faith and ensure that we are not merely adhering to religious rituals but actively pursuing justice and demonstrating a genuine love for God and others. It urges us to prioritize the essential principles of God’s Word over minor, superficial practices.
Luke 12:1
“Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”
Jesus warns his disciples to be cautious of the hypocrisy exhibited by the Pharisees. Their outward display of righteousness masked their inward corruption and insincerity.
This verse serves as a reminder to remain genuine and authentic in our faith. It urges us to guard against any tendency to appear righteous outwardly while harboring hypocrisy within. Jesus calls us to live lives of integrity and sincerity, free from the leaven of hypocrisy.
Luke 12:56
“You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their inability to discern the spiritual significance of the times they were in. While they had a superficial understanding of earthly matters, they lacked the spiritual discernment to recognize the Messiah standing before them.
This verse challenges us to seek spiritual discernment and understanding, to recognize the work of God in our lives and in the world. It warns against the danger of becoming so focused on temporal matters that we miss the greater spiritual truths unfolding around us.
Luke 13:15
“Then the Lord answered him, ‘You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger and lead it away to water it?”
Jesus confronts the hypocrisy of the religious leaders by highlighting their double standards. While they were meticulous in observing Sabbath regulations, they did not hesitate to attend to their own needs and those of their animals.
This verse reminds us that true obedience to God’s commandments involves genuine love and care for others. It challenges us to examine whether our actions align with the principles of compassion and mercy, rather than being restricted by legalistic interpretations of the law.
John 7:48
“Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?”
This verse captures the disbelief and rejection of the Pharisees and other religious authorities towards Jesus. Despite witnessing his miraculous works and hearing his teachings, they refused to acknowledge him as the Messiah.
It serves as a sobering reminder of the danger of pride and closed-mindedness in religious circles. It challenges us to remain humble and open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, recognizing that true faith requires a receptive heart.
John 8:3-7
“The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery… And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, ‘Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.'”
Jesus encounters the Pharisees who brought an adulterous woman to test him. His response challenges their self-righteousness and highlights their own sinful nature.
This verse teaches us the importance of examining our own hearts and being humble rather than judgmental towards others. It reminds us that none of us are without sin, and therefore, we should approach others with grace and mercy, just as Jesus did.
John 9:39-41
“Jesus said, ‘For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.’ Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, ‘Are we also blind?’ Jesus said to them, ‘If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, “We see,” your guilt remains.'”
Jesus explains that the purpose of his coming was to bring sight to the spiritually blind and to expose the blindness of those who claimed to see. The Pharisees, confident in their own spiritual understanding, failed to recognize their need for the Messiah.
This verse challenges us to examine our own spiritual sight. Are we willing to recognize our need for Jesus, or do we claim to see without acknowledging our own spiritual blindness? It reminds us to approach God with humility and seek His guidance and illumination.
John 12:42-43
“Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.”
This verse reveals that there were some among the religious authorities who believed in Jesus but chose to remain silent due to fear of the Pharisees and their desire for human approval.
It challenges us to examine our own motives and priorities. Are we more concerned with the opinions of others or with pleasing God? It reminds us of the importance of standing firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition or rejection from those around us.
John 18:3
“So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.”
This verse illustrates the involvement of the Pharisees in the arrest of Jesus. Their influence and collaboration with the chief priests highlight their opposition to the ministry and teachings of Jesus.
This verse reminds us of the reality of spiritual warfare and the opposition we may face as followers of Christ. It serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to remain steadfast and resolute in our faith, even in the face of opposition from those who should be allies.
Acts 23:6
“Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, ‘Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.'”
Paul strategically appeals to his Pharisaic background and beliefs when confronted by the Sanhedrin, which included both Pharisees and Sadducees. He uses their disputes over the resurrection to divert attention from himself.
This verse reminds us of the diverse beliefs and factions within religious communities. It highlights the importance of wisdom and discernment in knowing how to navigate such situations, while remaining true to the core teachings of the Gospel.
Acts 26:5
“They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee.”
In his defense before King Agrippa, Paul proclaims his Pharisaic background and adherence to the strictest sect of their religion. He asserts that his life has been consistent with the teachings of the Pharisees.
This verse reminds us of the diversity within religious groups and the various interpretations and practices that can exist. It highlights the possibility of finding common ground with others by focusing on shared values and principles, rather than being divided by differences.
Acts 26:6-7
“And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day.”
Paul affirms the religious devotion of the Jewish people, including the Pharisees, and highlights his own hope in the promises of God. He stresses the continuity between his beliefs and the faith of the twelve tribes of Israel.
This verse reminds us of the importance of finding common ground with others and acknowledging the shared heritage of our faith. It encourages us to focus on the fundamental beliefs and promises of God that unite us, rather than allowing differences to divide us.
Acts 26:9-10
“I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them.”
Paul reflects on his past as a persecutor of Christians, acknowledging his role in imprisoning and even voting for the death of believers. He openly confesses his previous opposition to the name of Jesus.
This verse serves as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of encountering Christ. It reminds us that no one is beyond redemption, and that even those with a history of opposing the truth can be transformed by the grace and mercy of God.
Acts 26:24
“And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, ‘Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.'”
Festus, the Roman governor, reacts to Paul’s defense by accusing him of being mad due to his extensive knowledge and passionate eloquence. Festus fails to understand the depth and significance of Paul’s message.
This verse reminds us that the truth of the Gospel often appears foolish or incomprehensible to those who do not have spiritual discernment. It challenges us to remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of skepticism or rejection from those who cannot understand the transformative power of the Gospel.