Origin

1. How did they became a party or sect? From whose lineage (family tree)
The Zealots were organized as a party during the reign (37 BC–4 BC) of Herod the Great, whose
idolatrous practices they resisted. Later, when Cyrenius, the Roman governor of Syria, attempted to take
a census, the Zealots, under Judas of Galilee and the priest Zadok, arose in revolt against what they
considered a plot to subjugate the Jews. The Zealots were founded by Judas of Galilee
2. Economic status
i. How well off and educated were they compared to ordinary Jews?
The Zealots were small minority that was composed of radicals who actively campaigned for revolt from
the outset of hostilities. They were part of the lower class faced with severe economic and religious
oppression by both the upper-class Jews and by the Romans, who turned to the dangerous belief of
imminent messiahnism and supported revolt.

3. Political or religious function in the Jewish community

i. What are their political roles and religious beliefs that they taught to the Jews?
The Zealots made clear that they held to the teachings of the Torah, yet believed they were to be
enforced through activism and even acts of violence. They sought to incite the people of Judea Province
to rebel against the Roman Empire and expel it from the Holy Land by force of arms.

ii. Political platform (are they anti or pro roman)

The Zealots were anti roman. The Zealots were extremists opposed to Roman rule. They detested
Rome and its powerful control over the Jewish people. They were a terrorist group that took every
opportunity to assassinate and kill Romans and their sympathizers.

4. Biblical story
i. Biblical Citations
Acts 5:37
“After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too
was killed, and all his followers were scattered.”
ii. Summary of the story
Acts 5:37
After this man rose up, Judas of Galilee
Of whom Josephus thus says F11:
There was a man of Galilee, by name Judas, who led his countrymen into rebellion, declaring it an
evil, should they suffer tribute to be paid to the Romans, and introduce mortal rulers after God.
And not unlike this is what another Jewish writer says F12 of Judas the Galilean, and his party:
These were the cause of the Jews rebelling against the Romans, for they said, it was not fit that any
should rule over men but God alone; and that no one should be called Lord, but the blessed God.
And this insurrection was "in the days of the taxing"; which was made when Cyrenius was
governor of Syria; and the reason of it was, because he and his party would not pay that tax, for the
reasons suggested in the above citations: and this is what Josephus refers to, when he says F13,
 Cyrenius came to Syria, sent from Caesar as judge of the nation, and appraiser of their estates;
upon which Judas, the Gaulonite, (the same with Judas of Galilee,) rebelled, and Saddochus with him;
saying, that this appraisment brought nothing else but servitude upon them; and therefore exhorted the
nation to vindicate their liberty.''

5. Illustration
i. Attire

ii. Draft of the flier

6. Draft of the script during gallery walk

A) how will the zealot introduce himself with all the information about him during the campaign
B) short role play with Jesus encounter or on how he was mentioned by Jesus
 Script
Ancient Background Music
YENTEL: We are the Zealots with our forefathers Judas Galilee and Zadok, the Pharisee. We are filled with zeal
and passion to fight for our ideals.
ANGEL: We kill and do things with force. Torah is our one and only God and no one else!
NIKA: We abhor the Romans’ policies. They should be executed!
(Sound effect)
Narrator:
The Zealots were extremists opposed to Roman rule. They were a terrorist group that took every
opportunity to assassinate and kill Romans and their sympathizers. The Zealots killed a lot of Jews in their time
and succeeded. However, Romans introduced the imperial cult worship that lead to the rebellion of the
zealots (*thunder*).
Roman King: As the leader of this Land, I command you to follow my orders. You must be loyal to the state.
You’re going to worship what I want all of you to worship! You must offer sacrifices and feast for the gods!
At that point, the zealots and their leader gathered for a meeting. They detested Rome and its
powerful control over the Jewish people. Their hope was for the Messiah to come and restore his kingdom on
earth.
Zealot 1 (LIQUE): I am against of the policy that the Romans want us to do. They are inconsiderate of the
lower factions of the society and knows no boundaries on our individual beliefs!
Zealot 2 (NIKA): We have our own God, and Torah is the only powerful and mighty God. Nothing will change
that!
Judas (YENTEL): Now that I’ve heard all of your thoughts about this policy. It’s going to be a tough fight. What
do you think should we do?
Zealot 1(LIQUE): We have to overthrow the occupying Roman government!
They fought with might, filled with zeal, passion and was really forceful. However they were defeated during
the battle. Judas, their leader was killed and all his followers were scattered.
REED 02
Zealots
Alverio, Yentel
Demaisip, Walter
Lauron, Vincent
Lique, Angel
Uy, Veronika
Villa, Mariel