The statements that describe the Pharisees are:
- offered new interpretations of the Mosaic Law
- relied on tradition to interpret the Mosaic Law
- believed in a resurrection
The Pharisees were known for their emphasis on both the written and oral traditions of the law, and they interpreted the Mosaic Law in ways that allowed for its application to everyday life. They also held beliefs in the resurrection of the dead, which distinguished them from some other Jewish groups of the time.
They did question Jesus' teachings and authority, but it is not accurate to say they universally "questioned the truthfulness of Jesus’ words" as a defining characteristic. Supporting an independent Israel was more a characteristic of various Jewish groups during the Roman occupation, but the Pharisees' political stance was more complex and not solely focused on this issue.
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