Holy Bible Online 
Simon the Zealot (or Simon the Canaanite) was one of the 12 apostles of Jesus. The term "Zealot" indicates that he was someone deeply zealous and a defender of Jewish culture. When called by Jesus, Simon the Zealot had his life and convictions transformed. His story teaches us about the power of Christ to shape the character and purpose of His followers, with His love and grace.
The title "Zealot" attached to Simon's name indicates his connection to the Zealot movement. In this group, he reflected his character as a patriotic and militant Jew before becoming a disciple of Christ.
When Simon the Zealot was called to follow Jesus, he left his old life behind. He abandoned his involvement with the zealous Jews to become a fervent apostle in love and faith in Jesus.
Very little is known about the history and origin of Simon the Zealot, beyond his name and title. The biblical accounts in the Gospels do not provide many details about this disciple, nor do they record what his life was like before or after he was called by Jesus.
However, as part of the group of the 12 disciples, it is certain that Simon the Zealot also witnessed the miracles and teachings of Jesus over the three years he followed the Lord. And, like anyone else, Simon the Zealot’s life was impacted by encountering Christ.
The word Zealot is a title derived from the same root as zealous, indicating his fervor and faith. Moreover, the term also helps differentiate this Simon from others, like Simon Peter, from the same period in the New Testament.
In some versions of the Bible, his name appears as “Simon the Canaanite” in the lists of Christ’s disciples. The word "Canaanite" here does not refer to his geographical origin but is an Aramaic term “qan’an”, which means zealous or fervent.
Thus, both titles—Zealot and Canaanite—identify Simon as someone of intense devotion, dedication, and zeal. Identifying Simon as a Zealot points to his participation in the political and religious Zealot movement. This group was known for their passion in defending the homeland, religion, and freedom of Israel.
The Zealots were patriots dedicated to their own culture (Jewish) and opposed the Romans. Before being called by Jesus, Simon the Zealot was a kind of revolutionary patriot, a radical militant, or a religious fanatic of that time.
However, the irresistible invitation from the Savior forever changed Simon the Zealot’s heart and history. He became a zealous and fervent apostle in his faith in Jesus Christ.
Who Were the Zealots (Political-Religious Movement)?
The Zealots were a Jewish political-religious resistance movement active in the first century. They were fervent defenders of Israel's independence and opposed the Roman occupation of Judea. In addition to rejecting Roman rule, they also opposed the collaboration of Jewish leaders with the Roman authorities.
The Zealots believed that only God should govern Israel, and therefore, accepting Roman domination would be a betrayal of both the Lord and the nation of Israel.
The Zealots engaged in various violent initiatives against Rome, resorting to revolts, armed attacks, and the assassination of Roman officials and Jewish collaborators considered traitors. The Romans viewed the Zealots as guerrillas or radical insubordinates who needed to be neutralized.
Driven by their extreme convictions, the Zealots played a significant role in the Jewish revolts, which culminated in the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD.
What We Learn from the Story of Simon the Zealot
The story of Simon the Zealot teaches us about the transforming power of Jesus Christ, who shapes the deepest human convictions into fervent faith and love for God.
Certainly, throughout his journey, Simon the Canaanite applied his zeal and dedication to Jesus Christ and the preaching of the Gospel. Out of love for the Lord, he set aside the political and religious extremism of his past and followed the one true Lord and King, Jesus.
After the resurrection of Jesus, Simon remained faithful and zealous, witnessing everything he saw, heard, and learned from the Lord Jesus Christ. Like the other apostles, Simon the Zealot also contributed to the expansion of the Gospel, proclaiming the message of salvation as he lived.
Learn More About Other Disciples of Jesus:
- The 12 Apostles of Jesus: Who They Were and What Happened to Them
- Apostle John: The Story of the Beloved Disciple of Jesus
- The Story of Peter (Apostle and Disciple of Jesus)
- The Story of Judas Iscariot (The Apostle Who Betrayed Jesus)
- The Story of Apostle James (Brother of John)
Also Read: