Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Judas of Galilee, also known as Judas the Galilean, is a figure mentioned in the New Testament and by the Jewish historian Josephus. He is noted for his role in leading a significant revolt against Roman authority in the early first century A.D. His actions and ideology had a lasting impact on Jewish resistance movements and are referenced in the context of early Christian history. Biblical References: Judas of Galilee is mentioned in the Book of Acts during a speech by Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin. In Acts 5:37 , Gamaliel refers to Judas, saying, "After him, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all his followers were scattered." This passage highlights Judas's role in leading a rebellion and the eventual failure of his movement. Historical Context: Judas of Galilee emerged during a turbulent period in Jewish history, around A.D. 6, when the Roman Empire imposed a census for taxation purposes. This census, ordered by Quirinius, the Roman governor of Syria, was met with significant resistance from the Jewish population, who viewed it as a direct affront to their autonomy and religious convictions. Judas, hailing from the region of Galilee, capitalized on this discontent and led a revolt against Roman rule. He is often associated with the Zealots, a Jewish political movement that sought to overthrow Roman authority and restore Jewish sovereignty. Judas's ideology was rooted in the belief that God alone should rule over Israel, and any earthly ruler, particularly a pagan one like the Roman Emperor, was illegitimate. Josephus's Account: The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus provides additional details about Judas of Galilee in his works "Antiquities of the Jews" and "The Jewish War." Josephus describes Judas as a charismatic leader who inspired many to join his cause. He emphasizes Judas's role in promoting the idea that paying taxes to Rome was tantamount to accepting slavery and rejecting God's sovereignty. Josephus notes that Judas's revolt was ultimately unsuccessful, leading to his death and the dispersal of his followers. However, the ideological seeds he planted continued to influence Jewish resistance movements, contributing to the fervor that eventually led to the First Jewish-Roman War (A.D. 66-73). Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, Judas of Galilee's actions and beliefs highlight the tension between earthly authority and divine sovereignty, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible. His revolt underscores the Jewish expectation of a messianic deliverer who would liberate Israel from foreign oppression, a hope that was prevalent during the time of Jesus. Judas's account serves as a backdrop to the New Testament narrative, illustrating the volatile political and religious climate in which Jesus and the early Christians operated. The mention of Judas in Acts provides insight into the various messianic and revolutionary movements that existed alongside the nascent Christian faith, emphasizing the distinct nature of Jesus's mission and kingdom. Legacy: Although Judas of Galilee's revolt was ultimately quashed, his legacy endured through the Zealot movement and other Jewish groups that continued to resist Roman rule. His emphasis on divine sovereignty and rejection of foreign domination resonated with many Jews of his time and contributed to the broader narrative of Jewish resistance against Rome. In Christian thought, Judas of Galilee is often seen as a cautionary figure, representing the futility of seeking political solutions to spiritual problems. His account contrasts with the teachings of Jesus, who proclaimed a kingdom "not of this world" (John 18:36) and emphasized spiritual transformation over political revolution. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Judas of GalileeJUDAS OF GALILEE (ho Galilaios): Mentioned in Acts 5:37 as the leader of an insurrection occasioned by the census of Quirinius in 7 A.D. (see QUIRINIUS). He, and those who obeyed him, it is said, perished in that revolt. Josephus also repeatedly mentions Judas by this same name, "the Galilean," and speaks of his revolt (Ant., XVIII, i, 6; XX, v, 2; BJ, II, viii, 1; xviii, 8; VII, viii, 1), but in Ant, XVIII, i, names him a Gaulonite, of the city of Gamala. As Gamala was in Gaulonitis, not far from the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, it may be regarded as belonging to that province. The party of Judas seems to have been identified with the Zealots. Smith's Bible Dictionary Judas of Galileethe leader of a popular revolt "in the days of the taxing" (i.e. the census, under the prefecture of P. Sulp. Quirinus, A.D. 6, A.U.C. 759), referred to by Gamaliel in his speech before the Sanhedrin. (Acts 5:37) According to Josephus, Judas was a Gaulonite of the city of Gamala, probably taking his name of Galilean from his insurrection having had its rise in Galilee. The Gaulonites, as his followers were called, may be regarded as the doctrinal ancestors of the Zealots and Sicarii of later days. Library Archelaus's Ethnarchy is Reduced into a [Roman] Province. The ... The Time of his Appearance among Men. How Judas Subdued the Nations Round About; and How Simon Beat the ... Concerning Theudas and the Sons of Judas the Galilean; as Also ... The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the ... Galilee The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem The Ministry in Galilee --Its Aim and Method Index. Landmarks in the History of Early Christianity Resources Who was Judas Maccabeus? | GotQuestions.orgWas Matthias or Paul God's choice to replace Judas as the 12th apostle? | GotQuestions.org Is the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar biblical? | GotQuestions.org Judas: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Judas (Jude): A Disciple Who Hosted Paul Judas (Jude): An Apostle, Probably Identical With Lebbaeus, or Thaddaeus Judas (Jude): of Galilee, Who Stirred up a Sedition Among the Jews Soon After the Birth of Jesus Judas (Jude): One of the Physical Half-Brothers of Jesus Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Barsabas": A Christian Sent to Antioch of Syria With Paul and Barnabas Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot" by his Bargaining to Betray Jesus for a Sum of Money Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot" by his Protest Against the Breaking of the Container of Ointment Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": Betrays the Lord Jesus Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": Chosen As an Apostle Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": Hangs Himself Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": His Apostasy Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": Prophecies Concerning Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": Returns the Money to the Rulers of the Jews Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": The Treasurer of the Disciples Judas (Jude): The Brother of James and Probably the Writer of the Epistle of Jude Related Terms |