Simon the Zealot
maleNew TestamentMeaning: “He has heard”
One of the twelve apostles, called "the Zealot" — likely a former member of the fiercely nationalistic Zealot party before following Jesus.
Biography
Simon the Zealot — called "Simon the Canaanite" in Matthew and Mark and "Simon Zelotes" in Luke and Acts — was one of the twelve apostles (Matthew 10:4; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13). His epithet most likely identifies him as a former Zealot, a member of the fiercely nationalistic party that sought to overthrow Roman rule by force.
From zealot to disciple
It is striking that Jesus' band of twelve included both Simon the Zealot, a revolutionary nationalist, and Matthew, a tax collector who worked for Rome — natural enemies brought together under one Lord. Though Scripture records no specific words or acts of Simon, his presence among the Twelve testifies to the transforming, reconciling power of following Christ.
Life Timeline
Chosen as one of the twelve apostles
Themes & lessons from Simon the Zealot
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Simon the Zealot appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
3 verses in 3 booksMatthew1 verse
Matthew 10:4
Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
Mark1 verse
Mark 3:18
And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,
Acts1 verse
Acts 1:13
And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
Frequently asked about Simon the Zealot
Who was Simon the Zealot in the Bible?
One of the twelve apostles, called "the Zealot" — likely a former member of the fiercely nationalistic Zealot party before following Jesus.
What does the name Simon the Zealot mean?
The name Simon the Zealot means “He has heard”.
What did Simon the Zealot do in the Bible?
Simon the Zealot served as apostle.
Where does Simon the Zealot appear in the Bible?
Simon the Zealot is mentioned 3 times across 3 books: Matthew, Mark, Acts.
What can we learn from Simon the Zealot?
The story of Simon the Zealot touches on themes of apostles, matthew, philip, thomas — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Simon the Zealot's life.
Sermon Mate
Teaching on Simon the Zealot?
Organize your sermon notes, link Scripture passages, and build your outline in Sermon Mate — the workspace for ministry leaders.
Open Sermon Mate →