Questions and Answers
Which event led to the prominence of the Zealots?
Who was possibly one of Jesus' followers and a member of the Zealots?
Simon
The Zealots shared many beliefs with the Pharisees.
True
The Zealots believed in loyalty to God, meaning political action for them. They awaited the arrival of a __________.
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What were the Zealots prepared to do in their political activism?
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What did the Zealots do to women who were found having sex with pagans?
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The majority of ordinary Jews found the Zealots' actions to be reasonable.
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Who initiated a series of events against Roman rule leading to the Jewish Revolt?
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What did Josephus say about Judas the Galilean?
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What is Horsley's view on the organization and aims of the Zealots?
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Hengel views the Zealots as an unorganized group with no significant impact.
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Study Notes
Origins of the Zealots
- Revolutionary religious-political group emerging in 6 CE under Judas the Galilean's leadership against a Roman tax census.
- Later named Zealots, reflecting their strong devotion to Jewish Law and resistance to Roman rule.
- Connected to earlier resistance efforts, predating the Maccabean revolt.
- Notable member Simon, a follower of Jesus, is believed to have been associated with the Zealots.
- The Sicarii, a radical faction within the Zealots, used concealed daggers for assassination.
Beliefs of the Zealots
- Shared doctrinal elements with Pharisees, including beliefs in synergism and afterlife.
- Emphasized "No master but God," underscoring their rejection of Roman authority.
- Advocated political action as a demonstration of loyalty to God.
- Anticipated a warrior Messiah, believing that the Last Days were imminent.
- Celebrated historical Maccabean leaders as heroes and sought their vision of Jewish rule.
- Simon Ben Giora claimed messianic status, heralding God's kingdom.
Practices of the Zealots
- Engaged in guerrilla tactics and were prepared to kill collaborators and Romans.
- Exhibited a commitment to preserving Jewish law, executing those who violated it.
- Targeted and destroyed buildings deemed idolatrous as part of their pursuit of religious purity.
- Aimed for the establishment of an "ideal state" focused on monotheistic practices.
- Viewed martyrdom as a noble sacrifice for the cause, showcasing radicalism compared to other Jewish groups.
- Practiced secrecy to avoid detection from authorities, blending in with the general Jewish populace.
Impact and Influence of the Zealots
- Considered too radical and violent by the average Jew, leading to limited broad support.
- Judas the Galilean's actions set off a chain of events leading to the Jewish Revolt (66-70 CE).
- Roman response included strict control of Judea following Zealot activities.
- During the Jewish War, the Zealots turned against the aristocracy, executing high-profile figures like Jonathan the High Priest.
Josephus on the Zealots
- Identified Judas the Galilean as the founder of the Zealot movement.
- Described them as false prophets who proclaimed a coming deliverance for the Jewish nation.
- Noted their compatibility with Pharisaic views but criticized their extreme commitment to freedom.
Horsley on the Zealots
- Suggested that the term Zealots encompassed a loose coalition of groups without a unified focus.
- Argued that they had little practical impact as a substantial fighting force against the Romans.
- Viewed the Zealots as relatively insignificant in the broader context of Jewish resistance.
Hengel on the Zealots
- Acknowledged the Zealots as an organized movement led by Judas the Galilean, uniting elements of the Fourth Philosophy and the Sicarii.
- Highlighted the dramatic conclusion at Masada, where members chose suicide over Roman subjugation after a prolonged siege.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the historical Zealots, a revolutionary religious-political group that emerged in response to Roman rule. Explore their origins, key figures like Judas the Galilean, and their significance during the 1st century CE. This quiz will enhance your understanding of their zeal for the Law and their link to early Christianity.
