The New Testament Witness to Christ and His Kingdom, Student Workbook, SW13

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T H E N E W T E S T A M E N T W I T N E S S T O C H R I S T A N D H I S K I N G D O M

b. Centered their lives on prayer, hard work, and study of Scripture

c. Maintained strict laws of obedience

6. They lived in community around the Mediterranean Sea (Qumran) (property held in common, worshiped and studied Scripture together, common meals).

7. Held a dialectic view of the world (i.e., they believed everyone was either “ children of the light ” or “ children of darkness ”)

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8. Believed strongly in a two kingdoms kind of theology, expected Messiah to return and destroy the children of darkness and bring victory to the children of the light

D. Zealots (a group that advocated insurrection and rebellion against the Roman occupation of Israel): defenders of the theocracy

1. From the Greek zelot , “zealous one”; New Testament zelotes

2. Radically opposed to Roman rule on the ground of its interference with “theocracy” (i.e., the rule of God) over the nation of Israel; they were militant nationalists

3. Were loyal to Jewish customs and laws

4. Were apocalyptical in their vision ( apocalypse = unveiling)