The Pharisees, like the Sadducees made up the religious institutions during the time of Jesus. Unfortunately, these institutions became corrupted long ago with high priests and scribes who were anything but righteous, (Nehemiah 9:32-34).
In fact, it was the religious institutions that “consulted that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him,” (Matthew 26:34, 27:1).
Why?
They envied Jesus, even Pilate knew that, (Matthew 27:18, Mark 15:10).
Scripture tells us, the Pharisees and Sadducees were Israelites, and they are the ones who ensured the Romans crucified Jesus, (Acts 2:14, 22-23, 36, Mark 15:15). That’s not a surprise, the Israelites always killed their righteous prophets as Jesus explained, (Mat 23:37, Neh 9:26, 1 Ki 19:10, 2 Ch 24:20-21, 36:16).
Yet, this is where we must remember not all of them were corrupt. Even in corrupt institutions you will still find a little light. We have a few such examples.
Nicodemus Was A Pharisee
John 3:1-2
1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
Also: John 7:50, 19:39
Though Nicodemus was a Pharisee, he clearly displayed a noble character. In fact, Nicodemus “brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes,” and helped Joseph place Jesus in the tomb.
Some Pharisees Believed In Jesus
Acts 15:5
But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
No doubt, believing Pharisees were in short numbers. However, as we are learning, they were not so few as to be left out of Scripture.
A Pharisee Named Gamaliel
The Apostles and other Christians were severely persecuted by the church or synagogue of the time. In one instance, the Apostles were brought before the council, their crime, preaching Jesus, (Acts 5:27-28).
The council asked,
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“Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name?”
Acts 5:28
The Apostles responded,
“We ought to obey God rather than men.”
Acts 5:29
The Pharisees “were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them,” (Acts 5:33).
Yet,
Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
Acts 5:34
Gamaliel was a Pharisee, and a part of the council. Yet, he reasoned with his counterparts. Gamaliel concludes by saying,
“…Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.”
Acts 5:38-39
Gamaliel’s words convinced the council to spare the lives of the Apostles, and they were freed.
Paul Was A Pharisee
How could we forget, Paul was a Pharisee.
Philippians 3:5
Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
One more verse.
Acts 23:6
But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
Paul wasn’t just a Pharisee, so was his father, which means there was a long line of tradition in the family. Nevertheless, Paul converted and accepted Jesus Christ.
These are great examples that show us, even within the midst of our enemies. God is always working.