Pharisees

far'i-ses, an ancient sect of the Hebrews. They were noted for a strict observance of the letter of the law. In doctrine they held to the resurrection of the body, to the actual existence of angels and spirits, and to the paternal care of a personal God. They were scrupulous in the observance of all points of Hebrew ritual. At the time of Christ they had a reputation of being hypocritical in their lives. See Sadducees

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.-St. Matthew xxiii:14-15.