Pharisee (PH) and Tax Collector (TC) – Notes
Luke 18. 9-14
KM Bailey pp142-156 (back of book)
150: PH asks nothing for himself: he is self-advertising
150: by finding fault in others he tears up his own spiritual fabric
152: PH – supererogation – proud of his piety
156.1: exalted in sight of God, not socially.
- righteousness is a gift
- to those aware of their own need
- pride has no place, only humility
- keeping the law can lead to pride
- self-righteousness destroys vision.
Thielicke, pp126-136
127:TC a rough rascal; PH doing good things
128:Humility can have its own pride
130: both have come to God; both acknowledge God’s goodness
132: much of the PH’s satisfaction is knowing he is better than the TC. He is looking downwards to a lower standard. Gossip!
133/34: TC looked only upwards to God’s standard – no comparisons to justify.
135/6: and did the TC change, whereas the PH was content where he was.
RR: it’s not where we are, but where we’re heading. And it’s looking solely to God.
GB Caird pp202/203
Two men went to pray, but only one prayed. The PH recited his virtues, and avoidance of vices. His prayers were “I”. He was content with himself. PH money-lovers (Lk 16)
Sacra Pagina pp271-274.
Audience were Pharisees
PH prayed with himself
Peripheral vision to TC
TC stood far off, eyes lowered, beat breast, cries for mercy.
The name “Pharisee” means “separated one.” They separated themselves from society to study and teach the law, but they also separated themselves from the common people because they considered them religiously unclean.
Middle class business men and trades workers, the Pharisees started and controlled the synagogues.
Sadducees more upper class, Stuck to written law. Pharisees allowed oral as well as written. Sadd: no resurrection
The name “Sadducee” is closely associated with attempts to determine the origin of this group. Suggestions include linking it with an Old Testament priestly family (Zadok), the Hebrew word for “just” or “righteous” (sdq) or “fiscal officials” (Gk. syndikoi). There are problems with etymologies and all other attempts to identify their origin.
