Religious Groups in Jesus Day

 

The Zealots

 

The Zealots were a radical Jewish political and religious movement in the first century BC that sought to expel the Roman Empire from Judea by force. Founded around 6 BC by Judas of Galilee (also known as Judas the Gaulonite) in opposition to the Roman census, they believed that God alone was the ruler of Israel and refused to pay taxes to Rome or acknowledge any earthly authority. 

The Zealots were driven by a concept of "zeal" for the Torah and Jewish nationalism, viewing Roman rule as idolatrous oppression. Their ideology was similar to the Pharisees but with an "attachment to liberty that was inescapable" and a rejection of foreign rule. 

The Sicarii were a more violent, radical subset of the Zealots (from the Latin sica, meaning dagger). They used concealed daggers to assassinate Jews they considered collaborators with Rome or apostates, creating a reign of terror in Jerusalem prior to the First Jewish-Roman War.

The Zealots played a leading role in the revolt that led to First Jewish-Roman War beginning in 66 BC. They took control of Jerusalem and fought against Roman forces, but their internal divisions and extreme tactics are often cited by historians as contributing factors to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple in 70 BC.

After the fall of Jerusalem, a remnant of Zealots (specifically the Sicarii) held out at the fortress of Masada until 73 BC, where they committed mass suicide rather than surrender to the Romans. One of Jesus’ twelve apostles, Simon, is identified in the New Testament as "Simon the Zealot", indicating his prior association with this movement before following Jesus. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: www.gotquestions.org