Religious Community intertestamental

Pharisees

Homeland: Judea

The Pharisees were a Jewish religious movement known for strict observance of Torah and oral tradition. They believed in resurrection, angels, and divine providence balanced with free will.

Though often portrayed negatively in the Gospels, the Pharisees preserved Judaism after the Temple’s destruction. Paul identified as a Pharisee, and rabbinic Judaism developed from Pharisaic tradition.

Historical Evidence

Historicity: well-documented

Sources

  • Matthew-John
  • Acts
  • Josephus