The Zealots were a very aggressive 1st century political movement. They were a Jewish sect whose goal was to overthrow the Roman government. According to historian Josephus, at this time in history there were three Jewish sects, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the Essenes. He states the Zealots were a fourth sect who were founded by Judas of Galilee in the year 6 CE.
The Zealots adhered to the teachings of the Torah, but believed very strongly that God was to be their only ruler. This led the group of rebels to use whatever means necessary, including violence, in their attempts to rid the nation of Palestine from all Roman authority.
Zealous For God
The common translation for the term Zealot is one who is zealous for God. Synonyms for the word zealous include fiery, passionate, fierce, and forceful. These terms could certainly be used to describe the Zealots. It is these type of characteristics that led the Zealots to despise even their fellow Jews who showed any willingness to work with the Romans.
Simon the Zealot
It is possible that one of Jesus very own disciples was at one time a Zealot himself. He is named Simon the Zealot in the Bible on numerous occasions (Mark 3:18) (Luke 6:15) (Acts 1:13). Because the Bible does not speak of Simon being directly involved with the Zealots, it could be he is named Simon the Zealot due to it being a fitting description of his personal characteristics.
The Zealots led a revolt in A. D. 66 that succeeded in taking over Jerusalem. The victory proved to be a temporary one. The Romans ultimately destroyed the city of Jerusalem, along with the temple in A. D. 70. At Masada in A.D. 73 the Zealots chose to commit suicide rather than surrender to their enemies.
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