The Seven Types of Pharisees and the Fear of God in the Synoptic Gospels

Articles, DB 85th Festschrift

Ancient Jewish sources attest to a debate over which motivation for keeping the commandments—fear or love—was most highly to be esteemed. This debate surfaces, among other places, in the Talmudic discussions of the seven types of Pharisees. These seven types and the debate over love versus fear illuminate important aspects of Jesus’ teaching.

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Ancient Jewish sources attest to a debate over which motivation for keeping the commandments—fear or love—was most highly to be esteemed. This debate surfaces, among other places, in the Talmudic discussions of the seven types of Pharisees. These seven types and the debate over love versus fear illuminate important aspects of Jesus’ teaching.

To access this post, you need JP Premium Membership or Friend of JP.
  • Brad H. Young

    Brad H. Young (PhD Hebrew University) is the founder and president of the Gospel Research Foundation, Tulsa, Oklahoma. A founding member of the Jerusalem School of Synoptic Research, he is emeritus professor of New Testament Studies in the Graduate School of Theology at Oral Roberts…
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