Studies in Pharisaism and the Gospels

Israel Abrahams's Studies in Pharisaism and the Gospels is a two-volume work that examines the New Testament's portrayal of Judaism. The book includes essays that analyze how Judaism is treated within the New Testament.1

Pharisaism was a Jewish religious party in Palestine during the Second Temple period (515 BCE–70 CE). The Pharisees emphasized the importance of oral tradition, which is a fundamental aspect of Jewish theological thought today. Their teachings are incorporated into the Mishna, a part of the Talmud. They differed from the Sadducees, who only accepted precepts directly from the Written Torah, by believing in both a Written and an Oral Law. The Pharisees interpreted the Torah's spirit, allowing for its evolution and application to contemporary issues. They were primarily scholars and pietists with a large popular following, advocating for the democratization of religion and fostering the synagogue as a center for worship and study.2