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  THE JEWISH FREEDOM MOVEMENT
  by Robert Wurtz II
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Summary: The Jewish Freedom Movement, including the Zealots and
Galileans, was a complex and volatile resistance against Roman rule,
with Jesus navigating the conflict as a peaceful mediator.

Topics: "Jewish History", "Christian Unity"
Scripture References: Numbers 25:6, Matthew 9:9, Matthew 22:17, Mark 14:70, Acts 5:37

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DESCRIPTION
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Robert Wurtz II delves into the historical context of Jesus' time,
exploring the presence and impact of the Zealots, a group known for
their resistance against Roman rule. Simon the 'Zealot' was one of
Jesus' disciples, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of those who
followed Jesus. The Zealots, founded by Judas the Galilean and Zadok the
priest, were part of a volatile situation in Israel, clashing with the
Roman authorities. The tension between the Zealots, Galileans, and other
resistance movements added complexity to the societal dynamics of the
time. Despite these divisions, Jesus managed to bridge the gaps and
bring unity even among those with conflicting ideologies.

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CONTENT
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Merton Hengel in his book "the Zealots" sheds some light on the scene in
the time of Jesus through the works of Josephus and others concerning
the unrest that existed in the area of Galilee and other places. As far
as I know, the term "Zealot" is first mentioned in the New Testament
Gospels. It is found first here before any other writings. Simon the
"Zealot" was one of Jesus' disciples. The Zealots were founded by Judas
the Galilean and Zadok (Saddok) the priest. Judas of Galilee is
mentioned to have been killed by an uprising in Acts 5:37.

The "prototype" of the Zealots was Phinehas (Numbers 25:6-13). The
Galileans had a reputation for their rebellion against Rome and had a
certain accent that gave them away when they spoke (Mark 14:70). When we
talk about resistance movements I think we can list at least the
:Galileans, Sacarii, and Zealots. Some blur them together, but it is
hard to go back and accurately reconstruct each movement. VOLITILE was
the situation in Israel because of these movements. Some of them
believed to pay tribute to Ceasar was paramount to paying him a "tithe"
and therefor acknowledging him as deity.

That, to them, was a breach of the 1st Commandment. Remember the
questions about paying tribute directed towards Jesus? That was part of
it. Zealots and Galileans hated the publicans. They collected taxes for
Rome and were considered traitors. Imagine how awesome Jesus would have
had to have been to keep the peace between all of those men when Matthew
was a Publican?

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/robert-wurtz-ii/the-jewish-freedom-movement/
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