According to “Vine’s Expository Dictionary,” the word, MAMMON, comes from a common Aramaic word for “riches.” This Aramaic word is “akin to a Hebrew word signifying to be firm, steadfast, hence, that which can be trusted.” Some people placed their trust in “riches”—hence, the name, “mammon,” arose. “Bagster’s Bible Helps” points out that the pagan’s God of riches was—Mammon.

 The verbal conflict that went on during the period of the Four Gospels was mainly between the Pharisaical Society and the Lord Jesus Christ. As far as they were concerned, He was their bitter enemy. The Pharisees busied themselves with schemes to make Him appear as a false prophet. But, Christ took their doctrine, based upon the “mythological” Oral Law, and revealed it as fraudulent “Law.” The Lord Jesus ripped them to shreds, using their own doctrine against them.

The Colleges of Theology, in Israel, were managed and operated by the Pharisees. “Forgiveness” was not a doctrine advanced by these schools of divinity. Nor, was “forgiveness” part of the moral code followed by these paragons of virtue. This high sect of scholars were strict devotees of “The Tradition of the Elders.” This was the Law that   they upheld. It had preeminence over the Law of Moses. During the New Testament times which concern us, at this time, we recognize that the “Oral Law” had not yet been committed to writing. It was, verbally, transmitted from the Teachers or Rabbis to the students.

The Pharisees dominated and oppressed most all groups in Israel at the time the Lord Jesus Christ was on the scene. They controlled all life and thought in Israel. It is essential that consideration be given to doctrines of the Pharisees—that is, their beliefs, practices, and character. When this is done, a great deal of the New Testament is opened-up to us.
 
Some authorities have written that there were 6,000 Pharisees within their inner-circle. The Pharisees and Scribes are constantly mentioned in the Gospels. They are closely associated in the same connection. The connection of the two would seem to indicate they belong to the same society.

The illustration of EXPERT KNOWLEDGE is as follows: After Paul pronounced blindness upon Israel, she was, judicially, set aside (Acts 28:28). All of the future promises made to Israel were set in abeyance. The Apostle Paul received the last communiqué from Jesus Christ after Acts 28.