The Pharisees: “They Weren’t All That Bad!”
Intense is the only way to describe an informal discussion that took place among several young students of the Bible. The topic being discussed? The Pharisees during the time of Jesus, or, more specifically, the pretentiousness of this group, whom Jesus called white-washed sepulchers (see Mt. 23:27). All but one person argued from the position of Matthew 23, which records the more than stinging inGet More Articles—Subscribe Today!
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I was thinking today about St Clement’s words, ‘Fasting is better than prayer’ along with Jesus’ conversations with the Pharisees about fasting. I searched ‘were the Pharisees all bad?’ and up came your wonderful article. Thank you for your illuminating explanation and careful research put in words I can understand, with no theological background. I will be more aware of the Nicodemus when I meet him or her. Thank you, and God bless you.
Geraldine (Marlow, England)
Glad to read this. A couple of times recently in a study group I have been sounded by people telling me that the ‘Pharisees were evil’. Like you I felt like a lone voice, yet something in my couldn’t see this as the whole story. Your article is very helpful – thanks