The Zealots, a strong nationalist party opposed to Roman taxes, advocated for rebellion against Roman rule in Judea. [1] Jesus refused to join the Zealots, despite the pressure from his family and peers in Nazareth. [2]
Jesus strived in vain for Jude's immediate hearing or release before Passover, as he was detained until the following day due to the “holy convocation.”. [3] Jesus' uncle Simon, officer of the Galilean division, had joined the Zealots causing an estrangement between him and Jesus. [4] Simon Zelotes was a high officer in the Zealots before becoming an apostle with Jesus. [5]