Religious Groups in Palestine at the time of Jesus

“Different Reactions” The Sadducees accepted Roman Rule. They adapted to the Romans, and tried to make the best of it. The Pharisees rejected Roman Rule. They ignored the Romans, and focused instead on practising their religion. The Zealots rejected Roman Rule. They were angry with the Romans, and fought against them. The Essenes rejected Roman rule. They were disgusted with the Romans and the Jewish leaders. They left Jerusalem and went off to live in the desert. The Jews were horrified when the Romans invaded Palestine, yet they just had to carry on with their day to day lives. Over time, different groups took a stand on the issue. Some Jews accepted the Romans as a fact of life. Other Jews rejected them. Each group had it’s own followers.

Quiz What group was the high priest a member of? What was the name of the Jewish court of law? What was the name of the group who was mainly made up of the religious leaders of the local synagogues? What well-known site was associated with the Essenes? What group used violence to try and force the Romans out of the country? Why did the Sadducees cooperate with Romans? What Law was important to the Pharisees? What was the name of the group who were made up of a community of monks and went to live in the desert?