The Zealots

The Zealots, also known as the “radical party,” were an organized political movement during the Second Temple period. They advocated for armed resistance against the Roman Empire’s rule over the Jewish people in Israel, with the goal of expelling all foreigners from the land.

In 6 AD, the Roman Empire forced the Jews to pay taxes and ordered a census of every household. Every man over fourteen and every woman over twelve, up to the age of sixty-five, was required to pay a poll tax. This policy sparked an uprising led by Judas the Galilean. His followers, who became known as the Zealots, aimed to overthrow Roman rule in Israel and drive out foreign occupiers. After the revolt failed, they continued their plan for national restoration through assassinations and other violent means, declaring that God alone was king and no one else. In their faith, they strictly observed the Law of Moses and eagerly awaited the coming of the Messianic kingdom. Among Jesus’ twelve disciples, one of them, Simon, was formerly a Zealot.