Topical Encyclopedia
ScribesIn the context of the Bible, scribes were individuals who were skilled in writing and were often tasked with copying and interpreting the Scriptures. They played a crucial role in Jewish society, particularly during the Second Temple period. Scribes were considered experts in the Law of Moses and were often associated with the Pharisees, although not exclusively so.
The role of the scribe was multifaceted. They were responsible for transcribing the Torah and other sacred texts, ensuring the accuracy and preservation of the Scriptures. This meticulous work required a deep understanding of the Law, making scribes influential teachers and interpreters of the Jewish faith. In the New Testament, scribes are frequently mentioned in conjunction with the Pharisees, often as opponents of Jesus.
In the Gospels, scribes are depicted as being part of the religious establishment that frequently challenged Jesus' teachings and authority. For example, in
Mark 2:16 , it is recorded, "When the scribes who were Pharisees saw Jesus eating with sinners and tax collectors, they asked His disciples, 'Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?'" This illustrates their concern with ritual purity and adherence to the Law.
PhariseesThe Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect during the Second Temple period, known for their strict observance of the Law and traditions. They emerged as a distinct group during the intertestamental period and became influential in Jewish religious and social life. The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and the authority of both the written and oral Law.
The New Testament frequently portrays the Pharisees as adversaries of Jesus, often criticizing Him for His interpretation of the Law and His association with sinners. In
Matthew 23:13 , Jesus pronounces a series of woes against the Pharisees, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter."
Despite their negative portrayal in the Gospels, the Pharisees were respected by many Jews for their piety and dedication to the Law. They were known for their emphasis on personal purity, tithing, and the observance of the Sabbath. The Apostle Paul, before his conversion, identified himself as a Pharisee, as noted in
Philippians 3:5 : "circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee."
The Pharisees' influence extended beyond the religious sphere into the social and political realms of Jewish life. They were instrumental in the development of Rabbinic Judaism, which emerged after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. Their emphasis on the oral tradition and interpretation of the Law laid the groundwork for the Talmudic tradition that would follow.
In summary, the scribes and Pharisees were integral to the religious landscape of first-century Judaism. While often depicted as opponents of Jesus in the New Testament, their roles as preservers and interpreters of the Law were vital to the Jewish faith and its continuity.
