Topical Encyclopedia The Zealots were a Jewish political movement in the first century AD, known for their fervent opposition to Roman rule in Judea. Their name is derived from the Greek word "zelotes," meaning "emulator" or "zealous follower." The Zealots were characterized by their passionate commitment to the Jewish law and their belief in the necessity of armed resistance against the Roman occupation.Historical Context The Zealots emerged during a period of intense political and religious turmoil in Judea. The Roman Empire had imposed its rule over the region, leading to widespread discontent among the Jewish population. Many Jews were divided on how to respond to Roman authority, with some advocating for cooperation and others for resistance. The Zealots were among the most radical of the resistance groups, advocating for the expulsion of the Romans and the restoration of Jewish sovereignty. Biblical References While the Zealots are not explicitly mentioned by name in the Bible, their influence and ideology can be inferred from various New Testament passages. One of Jesus' disciples, Simon, is referred to as "Simon the Zealot" (Luke 6:15), indicating his association with this movement. The Zealots' fervor for the Jewish law and their opposition to Roman rule are reflective of the broader socio-political climate during Jesus' ministry. In the Acts of the Apostles, the apostle Paul recounts his own zeal for the Jewish law before his conversion to Christianity: "I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers" (Galatians 1:14). Although Paul was not a Zealot in the political sense, his use of the term "zealous" highlights the cultural and religious fervor that characterized the period. Theological Significance The Zealots' commitment to the Jewish law and their willingness to use violence to achieve their goals stand in contrast to the teachings of Jesus, who advocated for love, forgiveness, and peace. Jesus' message of the Kingdom of God was not one of political revolution but of spiritual transformation. In Matthew 5:9 , Jesus teaches, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." This teaching underscores the contrast between the Zealots' approach and the Christian call to peace and reconciliation. Impact on Early Christianity The Zealots' influence on early Christianity is seen in the diverse backgrounds of Jesus' disciples and the early Christian community. The inclusion of Simon the Zealot among the Twelve Apostles demonstrates the broad appeal of Jesus' message, which transcended political and social divisions. The early Christians, while living under Roman rule, were called to a different kind of zeal—one that was rooted in love and service rather than political rebellion. The Zealots' legacy is a reminder of the dangers of conflating religious fervor with political violence. Their account serves as a backdrop to the New Testament narrative, highlighting the radical nature of Jesus' teachings and the transformative power of the Gospel. Easton's Bible Dictionary A sect of Jews which originated with Judas the Gaulonite (Acts 5:37). They refused to pay tribute to the Romans, on the ground that this was a violation of the principle that God was the only king of Israel. They rebelled against the Romans, but were soon scattered, and became a lawless band of mere brigands. They were afterwards called Sicarii, from their use of the sica, i.e., the Roman dagger. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZEALOT; ZEALOTSzel'-ut, zel'-uts: Simon, one of the apostles, was called "the Zealot" Zelotes from zeloo "to rival," "emulate," "be jealous," "admire," "desire greatly," Luke 6:15 Acts 1:13, the King James Version "Zelotes"). In Matthew 10:4 and Mark 3:18 he is called "the Cananean" (so the Revised Version (British and American) correctly; not "the Canaanite," as the King James Version says, following inferior manuscripts), ho Kananaios. From the time of the Maccabees there existed among the Jews a party who professed great zeal for the observance of the "law." According to Josephus (BJ, IV, iii, 9; v, 1; VII, viii, 1) they resorted to violence and assassination in their hatred of the foreigner, being at many points similar to the Chinese Boxers. It is not improbable that the "Assassins" (see ASSASSINS) of Acts 21:38 were identical, or at least closely associated, with this body of "Zealots," to which we must conclude that Simon had belonged before he became one of the Twelve. Greek 914. Barachias -- Barachiah, the father of a man killed in the ... ... bar-akh-ee'-as) Short Definition: Barachiah Definition: Barachiah; his identity is uncertain, perhaps father of the Zechariah killed by the Zealots in the last ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/914.htm - 6k 5344. Phelix -- "fortunate," Felix, a governor of Judea Library How the Zealots when they were Freed from the Idumeans, Slew a ... The Cruelty of the Idumeans when they were Gotten into the Temple ... Concerning John of Gischala. Concerning the Zealots and the High ... The Idumeans Being Sent for by the Zealots, came Immediately to ... How John Tyrannized Over the Rest; and what Mischiefs the Zealots ... Concerning the Seditions at Jerusalem and what Terrible Miseries ... That Vespasian, after He had Taken Gadara Made Preparation for the ... The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem Against Atheism and Infidelity. Vain Attempts of the Sanhedrim against Christ. (John, vii. , 40-53 ... Thesaurus Zealots... They were afterwards called Sicarii, from their use of the sica, ie, the Roman dagger. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZEALOT; ZEALOTS. ... /z/zealots.htm - 8k Zealot (4 Occurrences) Canaanite (74 Occurrences) Josephus Flavius Cananaean (2 Occurrences) Sadducees (14 Occurrences) Pharisees (86 Occurrences) Zealous (40 Occurrences) Zelotes (2 Occurrences) Resources Who were the Zealots in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different sects of Judaism? | GotQuestions.org Who was Simon the Zealot? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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