Who Were The Pharisees?

Chapter 8

"The Pharisaic Influence on Early Believers in Yeshua"
Discusses how Pharisaic teachings impacted the development of New Testament thought.

Acts 15 clarifies that some Pharisees were part of the early believing community and were deeply committed to Torah.

Verse 5 (CJB) states, “But some of those who had come to trust were from the party of the P’rushim (Pharisees); and they stood up and said, ‘It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Torah of Moshe.’”

These believing Pharisees expected Gentile followers of Yeshua to fully adopt the Torah immediately.

Ya’akov shared, “For from the earliest times, Moshe has had in every city those who proclaim him, with his words being read in the synagogues every Shabbat.”

In Acts 15:21, the word translated “for” is the Greek word “gar,” which means “because” or “since.” This shows that the verse gives a reason for the decision in verse 20. Ya’akov said they didn’t need to burden Gentile believers with the entire Torah immediately, because/since, they would hear Moses (the Torah) read every Shabbat in the synagogue, allowing them to grow in obedience over time.

This passage affirms the ongoing role of Torah and synagogue, the patience and wisdom of early Messianic leadership in nurturing spiritual growth, and their agreement with the essence of the Pharisees' opinion.

Apart from this interpretation, verse 21 would be an off-topic statement.

Yeshua used the expressions “It is written,” “You have heard it said,” and “But I say to you,” in a clearly Pharisaic style, distinguishing written Torah (Tanakh) from oral Torah (traditions), This is exactly the method used by Jewish teachers at that time and today.

“It Is Written” — Refers to the Tanakh. Torah, prophets, writings.

This phrase is used by Yeshua when citing direct “the word”. The Brit Chadasha, referred to by Christians as the New Testament, was never referred to by the writers as “the word”. The Brit Chadasha didn’t exist as a cohesive group of writings at that time.

Matthew 4:4 — When tempted by Satan:

“It is written, ‘Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of ADONAI..’” (Deuteronomy 8:3) TORAH

Matthew 4:7 — Again in the temptation:

“It is also written: ‘Do not put ADONAI your God to the test..’” (Deuteronomy 6:16) TORAH

Matthew 21:13 — Cleansing the Temple:

“It is written, ‘My House shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a den of robbers!” (Isaiah 56:7, Jeremiah 7:11) TANAKH

“You Have Heard It Said” — Refers to Oral Torah or popular interpretation

This phrase indicates received teaching or traditional interpretation, often taught orally in synagogues and schools of the Pharisees. It may paraphrase or summarize a commandment, but it often reflects the interpretation or halakhic application, not a direct quote from Torah.

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder...’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment…” Pharisaic idea of building a “fence around the Torah.”

The phrase “You have heard it said” points to oral teaching on the literal commandment. Yeshua expands the application, again much like the Pharisaic idea of building a “fence around the Torah.”

Matthew 5:27-28

“You have heard it said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you, whoever looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery in his heart.” Again, interpreting it in a Pharisaic style of teaching.

“But I Say to You” — Authoritative interpretation or halakha

This follows rabbinic structure: a teaching is stated, then re-interpreted or clarified. Occasionally, when Yeshua teaches, he does not contradict the Torah but fulfills and deepens its meaning.

He never dismisses Torah instead he clarifies, expands, and internalizes it in true Pharisaic elegance.

In Jewish rabbinic tradition “It is written” referred to the Tanakh, “It has been said” or “You have heard” referred to Oral Torah or earlier rabbinic interpretations. “But I say” referred to new halakhic clarification or authoritative interpretation.

This is a formula used in Jewish yeshivot and among Pharisees to present layered understanding.

In the Talmud “It is written…” referred to the Tanakh “Our Rabbis taught…” referred to Oral tradition. Quoting a specific Rabbi commonly referred to halakhic opinion or new ruling.

Yeshua’s pattern is not rebellion against Torah, but classic Pharisaic interaction with it. Often giving a stronger, more strict interpretation than written or oral law.

It is written -

Matt 4:4, 4:7, 4:10

Yeshua quotes Scripture directly

You have heard it said

Matt 5:21, 5:27, 5:33, 5:38, 5:43

Oral teachings or common interpretations

But I say to you

Matt 5:22, 5:28, 5:34, 5:39, 5:44

His Pharisaic/rabbinic halakhic decision

This structure proves that:

Yeshua upheld Torah,
Spoke in the style of Pharisaic rabbis,
And never dismissed Torah, but called for a higher standard of observance from the heart.

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