Passionate Revolutionary Turned Zealous Follower
Simon the Zealot was also known as Simon the Zealous or Simon the Canaanite. He is referred to as a “Zealot,” which likely indicates his association with a Jewish political movement that sought to overthrow Roman rule in Judea through any means necessary, including violence. This background suggests he was passionate about Jewish nationalism and might have had a fiery temperament.
Simon is generally believed to have come from Galilee, like many of the other apostles. In the lists of apostles found in the Gospels, Simon is sometimes referred to as “the Canaanite,” which could refer to his geographical origin rather than his ethnicity, or it could derive from the Aramaic word “qanana,” meaning “zealot.”
After the resurrection of Jesus, Simon became an active evangelist, spreading the gospel in various regions. Early church traditions suggest that he preached in areas such as Egypt, North Africa, and possibly as far as Britain and Persia, although these accounts vary and lack strong historical documentation.
The details of Simon’s death are largely uncertain, and traditions surrounding it are inconsistent. Some sources suggest that he was martyred for his faith around 65-70 AD, possibly by being sawn in half or crucified in Britain. Other traditions hold that he was martyred in Persia alongside Thaddaeus.
Simon the Zealot is remembered as one dedicated to the teachings of Jesus and the expansion of the early Christian church. Despite being one of the lesser-known apostles, Simon’s zealous commitment to spreading the message of Christ serves as a reminder of the diverse backgrounds and motivations of Jesus’ followers. He also demonstrates to all a transformed life dedicated to peace and unity. ■
This biographical information is obtained from many sources. Outside of Scripture, there is little recorded factual evidence. Details are drawn from sometimes conflicting historical writings and traditions that paint a picture of these men’s lives and deaths. The history of the twelve disciples is an inspiration and challenge. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the New Testament provides the most extensive biographical information about the most significant figure—Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. (All images are for illustrative purposes only.)
