Final answer:
Paul referred to the hypocritical Jewish leaders as 'whited sepulchres', emphasizing their outward appearance of righteousness despite inner moral corruption.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Paul criticized the Jewish leaders for being clean on the outside but dirty on the inside in their hearts, he referred to them as 'whited sepulchres'. This term implies that while they presented themselves as righteous and pure, they were morally corrupt and hypocritical within.
This accusation echoes through the passages describing the scribes and Pharisees, particularly in their religious practices, where they focused on outward piety and legalism but neglected the more important moral imperatives of justice, mercy, and faith.