RELIGIOUS & POLITICAL GROUPS: THE ZEALOTS

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) People are asking about the religious and political parties that existed in Israel during the days of Jesus' ministry, about 2000 years ago. To help you understand what these parties stood for, and how they affected Christ and Israel, a short description on each of the major parties is given below.

1. The Zealots

a) Text reference: Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13

i) ¹⁵ Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot. (Luke 6:15 NKJV)

ii) ¹³ And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. (Acts 1:13 NKJV)

b) Description

i) A fiercely dedicated group of Jewish patriots determined to end Roman rule in Israel.

c) Agreement with Jesus

i) Concerned about the future of Israel.

ii) Believed in the Messiah but did not recognzise Jesus as the One sent by God.

d) Disagreement with Jesus

i) Believed that the Messiah must be a political leader who would deliver Israel from Roman occupation.

The End ...