Who were Jesus' main opponents?

The Romans.

Contrary to what some Christians still try and claim, the Jews and Jesus were not in conflict. Jesus was one of many, many young preachers claiming to be the 'messiah'.

But the Romans, who ruled over Judea at that time, kept the Jews totally oppressed. There were lots of small Jewish groups, headed up by charismatic young Jewish men. Almost every single one of those men was crucified by the Romans. Jesus included.

Only the Romans have ever used crucifixion. Back then this method of murder was forbidden by Jewish religious law, and it always has been.

The Romans charged Jesus with 'sedition', which was a 'crime against Rome'. Jesus claimed to be the 'most powerful man in Rome' and no way was he going to be allowed to claim that and get away with it. In addition, remember that thousands of Jews were being crucified at that time, for no reason at all.

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