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The Zealots
When fast friends diverge from ancient paths, their lives are changed forever. ...Political angst of Roman rule has never been more harrowing than in first-century Judea. "No man knows what is in his friend's heart." Talmud, Pesachim One murderous event after another causes Shim'on to join a radical movement. Shim'on craves peace, but can he find peace living in the Zealot caves? Can vengeance satiate his demons? Meanwhile, his idealistic friend is taken into the underbelly of the Holy City of Jerusalem. This is the stuff of legends, myths & fables entertaining readers of Ben Hur, The Silver Chalice, Two from Galilee, The Robe, A Man Called Peter, and The Mark of the Lion. A classic survival story. Here is another epic tale of insurrection and free thought paralleling these first-century novels. Here, we find a new illustrated brightness from the beginnings of the Christian faith. GET THIS.
358 pages, Hardcover
Published December 29, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 18, 2021
Summary: This is the story of two childhood friends. Due to a traumatic event, their lives go different directions. At first, both boys choose to follow the footsteps of their fathers. One looks for revenge as a part of the Zealots - the other steeps himself in the traditional Rabbinic studies. Then circumstances change again. Eventually their paths cross in the most unlikeliest of places.
The Zealots: These were the revolutionaries of the day. Possibly they would be considered ancient terrorists as their goal was to disrupt Roman rule. Killing and stopping soldiers was their mission.
Simon the Zealot was one of Jesus' disciples. We do not know at what point he became a follower of Jesus. He is included as a part of the list, but no other details are ever given in the Bible.
Speculation: Much of the story is obviously fiction. I feel like writing a story about one of the major disciples would be tough. But there is nothing known about Simon beyond his name. So I felt like to write a book about him worked - the reader could then be introduced to life in the early first century in a relatable fictional account. Most of the scenes involving Jesus featured quotes directly from Scripture. We do not know how Simon came to follow Christ. His conversion scene was not included in the biblical narrative, but something similar could have taken place. The author did take the liberty of including him as one of the disciples at the sea in John 21. That might have been true.
I have an associate Bible degree. So I read the book carefully and tried to watch for inconsistencies. While certain parts were obviously "made up," they did seem to fit in well with the biblical narrative as well as with Jewish customs. I could tell that the author spent a lot of time researching.
I personally gained a better understanding of the political climate of Jesus' day. Pax Romana was not a time of peace for the Jews. While I do not condone violence, I could see why the men wanted to defend their homeland. The fact that Jesus included a zealot as a part of his closest friends says a lot about grace, forgiveness and second chances. Probably Simon had blood on his hands. Maybe some of the other disciples doubted him. Maybe even some looked to him as being the betrayer since it was clear that he might have been frustrated that Jesus did not come to overthrow Rome. I will always look at his role as a follower in a different way now.
The other part I appreciated was the fact that Jesus was a teacher like no other. This book brought that to life. He drew people to Him because He spoke words of life. Anytime that I can read a book that helps me to understand Jesus better is definitely a win for me.
Thank you to the publisher for suggesting that I read this book and for providing me with a copy. I wanted to review it. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
The Zealots: These were the revolutionaries of the day. Possibly they would be considered ancient terrorists as their goal was to disrupt Roman rule. Killing and stopping soldiers was their mission.
Simon the Zealot was one of Jesus' disciples. We do not know at what point he became a follower of Jesus. He is included as a part of the list, but no other details are ever given in the Bible.
Speculation: Much of the story is obviously fiction. I feel like writing a story about one of the major disciples would be tough. But there is nothing known about Simon beyond his name. So I felt like to write a book about him worked - the reader could then be introduced to life in the early first century in a relatable fictional account. Most of the scenes involving Jesus featured quotes directly from Scripture. We do not know how Simon came to follow Christ. His conversion scene was not included in the biblical narrative, but something similar could have taken place. The author did take the liberty of including him as one of the disciples at the sea in John 21. That might have been true.
I have an associate Bible degree. So I read the book carefully and tried to watch for inconsistencies. While certain parts were obviously "made up," they did seem to fit in well with the biblical narrative as well as with Jewish customs. I could tell that the author spent a lot of time researching.
I personally gained a better understanding of the political climate of Jesus' day. Pax Romana was not a time of peace for the Jews. While I do not condone violence, I could see why the men wanted to defend their homeland. The fact that Jesus included a zealot as a part of his closest friends says a lot about grace, forgiveness and second chances. Probably Simon had blood on his hands. Maybe some of the other disciples doubted him. Maybe even some looked to him as being the betrayer since it was clear that he might have been frustrated that Jesus did not come to overthrow Rome. I will always look at his role as a follower in a different way now.
The other part I appreciated was the fact that Jesus was a teacher like no other. This book brought that to life. He drew people to Him because He spoke words of life. Anytime that I can read a book that helps me to understand Jesus better is definitely a win for me.
Thank you to the publisher for suggesting that I read this book and for providing me with a copy. I wanted to review it. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
February 2, 2021
An especially good read for the young reader. The Zealots will bring the Bible narrative to life! Those familiar with the scriptures will be surprised to be reintroduced to well-known New Testament characters, fleshed out with Hebrew names and trappings from the time when Jesus walked the earth.
January 26, 2021
If you are looking for something to read, consider The Zealots by G.K. Johnson. . This 342pg book is a great story about biblical times when Romans ruled. It take you through twist and turns of love, family, friendship, faith, and sacrifice. It was a great reminder of what is important in your own life. Amazing story!
February 11, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. Barabbas is such an infamous character in the Bible- a prisoner mentioned in all four Gospels who was chosen by the crowd, over Jesus Christ, to be released by Pontius Pilate in a customary pardon before the feast of Passover. He plays a memorable yet miniscule and mysterious role in the Gospel narrative- he's only mentioned for a handful of verses and the Gospel writers don't include extensive details about who he was or what events in his life led up to this moment. In "The Zealots", the author imagines an incredibly engaging narrative of the life of Barabbas and integrates so much Jewish culture and tradition that you feel like you are taking a trip back in time and actually experiencing the lives of these characters. In this story, Barabbas is a complex character whose life, like the lives of so many, is dramatically impacted by his encounter with Jesus. The many twists and turns in the plot made this a fast read for me- I couldn't put it down! I highly recommend this book.
February 9, 2021
Best Read for Spring Break!
Two teen boys, seemingly innocuous, ramble around the hillsides of Judea until tragedy strikes. The incident begins to work on them, like a wedge inserted between them.
We are wooed into the kind of social pressures that turn young men into thugs. And, into these pressures, come temptations to right a wrong.
What I love about this book: Vivid scenes, accurately portrayed passion, the power of atoning actions to drain fierce guilt and replace it solidly with purpose. Not Sunday school.
This book is meant for teen boys, but I loved it. As much as I recall reading The Robe and The Silver Chalice in high school.
Two teen boys, seemingly innocuous, ramble around the hillsides of Judea until tragedy strikes. The incident begins to work on them, like a wedge inserted between them.
We are wooed into the kind of social pressures that turn young men into thugs. And, into these pressures, come temptations to right a wrong.
What I love about this book: Vivid scenes, accurately portrayed passion, the power of atoning actions to drain fierce guilt and replace it solidly with purpose. Not Sunday school.
This book is meant for teen boys, but I loved it. As much as I recall reading The Robe and The Silver Chalice in high school.
October 16, 2021
Zealots for Jesus
An excellent story of two Jewish friends in the time before, during Jesus’ ministry and after his death and resurrection. They both lose their fathers at different times and how they each react is one storyline. They each meet The Rabbi and what happens then is another story line. Will their stories merge and redemption happen? This book was very exciting, dramatic, adventurous, it very realistic. You felt like you were there in Jesus’ day traveling around Capernaum and Jerusalem and in between. Very good biblical fiction with surprises throughout!
An excellent story of two Jewish friends in the time before, during Jesus’ ministry and after his death and resurrection. They both lose their fathers at different times and how they each react is one storyline. They each meet The Rabbi and what happens then is another story line. Will their stories merge and redemption happen? This book was very exciting, dramatic, adventurous, it very realistic. You felt like you were there in Jesus’ day traveling around Capernaum and Jerusalem and in between. Very good biblical fiction with surprises throughout!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews