I would like to hear how you define a modern day Pharisee, at least compare them to the ones we see in the gospels during and after the time of Christ. What was their creed, what did they adhere to and what was their perception of others in relationship to their dogma? How did they relate to sin, to the law and to those who violated the law? Why were they so angry with Paul and the word that he preached, when he was also a Pharisee, even a Pharisee among Pharisees? Why did many believing Jews in Jerusalem think that Paul taught the Jews among the Gentiles to forsake Moses (including what he taught concerning the law), to put away circumcision and the customs they had learned?
I don't know how JaumeJ will answer your questions, but the way I would explain a "modern day pharisee" is one that refuses to adhere to the spiritual concepts of all God has ever said from the beginning, not just part.
John 2:7-8
7 Brethren, I write
no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The
old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.
8 Again, a
new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because
the darkness is past , and the true light now shineth.
The new commandment is that Jesus turned on the light because He is the light.
These sayings of God were given to the Israelites first, and now the Gentiles have been offered the same through Christ Jesus, Him being the firstborn from the dead. The offer is there and now it's up to both to take God at His word.
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
The offer is toward the entire populous of mankind.
Romans 2:9-10
9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
Concerning those that accused Paul of preaching against the traditions of their fathers, this was his response.
Act 24:10-16
10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak , answered , Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
11 Because that thou mayest understand , that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship .
12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people , neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: 13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers,
believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow , that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16 And herein do I exercise myself,
to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
