Elements of Zelotism in the Character of the Public Activity of Jesus of Nazareth

Abstract

If Phariseeism in most of its followers had somehow assumed the coexistence of Jews within the pagan world, implied some compromise on relations with colonial Rome, then zealotism in this matter was categorical. His main motto can be summarized in the following thesis: Israel under Yahweh's rule or death. The Zealots considered any reconciliation with the Gentiles the gravest sin, recognizing the true ruler and ruler of Israel as only one Most High. Thus, Zelotism, coming out of Phariseeism, differed from the latter not so much by political views as by the means of realizing these views. The idea of ​​political freedom and independence of Judea, the ethnocultural purity of the Zealots was the cornerstone of their religious and political doctrine.