Who was Simon the Zealot?

Simon the Zealot, also called Simon the Cananite (not to be confused with Simon Peter), was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. His title “the Zealot” suggests he was once associated with the Jewish Zealot movement, a radical group that opposed Roman rule over Israel.

Although the Bible provides little direct information about Simon, his designation as a Zealot gives us insight into his background, possible beliefs, and transformation as a follower of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Mentions of Simon the Zealot

Simon the Zealot is listed among the twelve apostles in the Gospels and Acts:

Matthew 10:2-4 (NKJV)

“Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.”

Here, Simon is called “the Cananite,” a term derived from the Aramaic word “qanai,” meaning zealous.

Mark 3:16-19 (NKJV)

“Simon, to whom He gave the name Peter; James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James… Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.”

Again, Simon is called “the Cananite,” confirming his association with zealotry.

Luke 6:14-16 (NKJV)

“Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.”

Here, Luke uses the Greek term “Zealot” (Zēlōtēs) instead of “Cananite.” This explicitly connects Simon with the Jewish Zealots.

Acts 1:13 (NKJV)

“And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James.”

This passage shows that Simon remained faithful after Christ’s ascension.

Who Were the Zealots?

The Zealots were a Jewish political and religious group that resisted Roman occupation. They believed that:

• God alone was King, and no foreign power should rule Israel.
• Armed resistance against Rome was justified.
• The Messiah would lead Israel to political liberation.

The Zealot Movement in the First Century

The Zealots were known for their violent opposition to Rome, sometimes engaging in assassinations and revolts. They played a key role in the Jewish Revolt (66-73 AD), which ended with Rome’s destruction of the Temple in 70 AD.

Simon’s Possible Past as a Zealot

If Simon was a Zealot before following Jesus, he likely:

• Hated Roman rule.
• Viewed Rome as an enemy of God.
• Believed the Messiah would be a political liberator.

But Jesus transformed him from a revolutionary to a preacher of peace.

Simon’s Role Among the Apostles

Though little is recorded about Simon’s specific role among the apostles, we can infer several things:

His Transformation by Jesus

Simon, once zealous for political revolution, became zealous for Christ’s Kingdom.

Jesus taught a different kind of kingdom—one based on love, humility, and sacrifice, rather than violence and rebellion.

• John 18:36 (NKJV): “Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.'”

Unity with Matthew the Tax Collector

Jesus called both Simon the Zealot (who likely opposed Rome) and Matthew the tax collector (who worked for Rome).

• Matthew collected taxes for the Romans and was considered a traitor by Zealots.
• Simon, as a Zealot, would have despised tax collectors.

Yet, in Christ, they set aside their differences and worked together for the Gospel.
This highlights Jesus’ power to unite enemies into brothers.

• Ephesians 2:14 (NKJV): “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.”

His Zeal for the True Kingdom

Though Simon may have once sought political freedom, Jesus redirected his passion toward the Gospel.

• Romans 10:2 (NKJV): “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.”

His zeal was refined—no longer for political revolution, but for spreading the Gospel.

Simon’s Ministry and Possible Martyrdom

After Pentecost, Simon likely traveled as a missionary. Early traditions suggest that he preached in Persia, Egypt, and North Africa.

His Martyrdom

Though the Bible does not record his death, church tradition suggests:

• He was martyred in Persia by being sawed in half.
• Another tradition claims he was crucified in Britain.
• Some accounts say he died peacefully.

Regardless of how he died, Simon remained faithful to the end.

• Revelation 2:10 (NKJV): “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

Lessons from Simon the Zealot

A. Jesus Transforms Our Zeal

Simon once fought Rome, but Jesus redirected his zeal toward the Gospel.
Likewise, God refines our passions for His glory.

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

B. The Gospel Unites Opposites

Jesus brought Simon the Zealot (a nationalist) and Matthew the tax collector (a Roman collaborator) together.
The Gospel transcends politics, race, and divisions.

• Galatians 3:28 (NKJV): “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

C. True Zeal is for Christ’s Kingdom

God calls us to be zealous for righteousness, not worldly causes.

• Titus 2:14 (NKJV): “Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”

Conclusion

Simon the Zealot was a radical nationalist transformed by Christ into a radical evangelist. Though once committed to political rebellion, he became a preacher of Christ’s kingdom.

His life shows that Jesus unites enemies, redirects misguided passion, and calls us to a higher purpose. Simon’s faithfulness, zeal, and willingness to lay down his life for Christ remind us to be passionate for God’s kingdom above all else.