In brief
Simon the Zealot is one of the twelve apostles Jesus chose after a night of prayer (Luke 6:12-16). Luke distinguishes him from Simon Peter by his nickname, “the Zealot”; Matthew and Mark give him the same title in their lists of the Twelve. The Bible records no word of his, yet it shows him faithful to the end: after the ascension he is in the upper room with the other apostles, continuing in prayer (Acts 1:13-14). His profile is a reminder that Jesus gathers into one team men whom everything had separated.
What does the name Simon the Zealot mean?
Simon is the Greek form of the Hebrew Simeon, generally linked to the verb “to hear” or “to answer.” The nickname “Zealot” (Luke 6:15, Acts 1:13) means “zealous.” In Matthew 10:4 and Mark 3:18 the same title appears, and in some English versions it is rendered “Canaanite” or “Cananaean,” generally understood as a form of the same word. Many see a link with the Zealot party, opposed to Rome, but the Bible does not say so: the nickname may simply describe his zeal.
The story of Simon the Zealot
Chosen among the Twelve after a night of prayer
Luke 6:12-16Jesus spends the whole night on the mountain in prayer to God. At daybreak he calls his disciples and chooses twelve, “whom he also named apostles.” The list includes “Simon, who was called the Zealot.” His call is not the result of chance or of a talent that someone noticed: it is born from the prayer of the Son before the Father. Simon thus joins the small group who will accompany Jesus to the end.
The same man in Matthew and Mark
Matthew 10:1-4Matthew and Mark list the same man just before Judas Iscariot, with the same title. Jesus gives the Twelve authority over unclean spirits and over every disease, then sends them out to preach. Simon therefore receives the same authority as Peter or John. In the same team stand Matthew, the tax collector who had collected money for Rome, and Simon, whose nickname evokes zeal.
A witness of the risen Lord for forty days
Acts 1:1-8After his suffering, Jesus appears alive to the apostles he had chosen and gives them many proofs, showing himself to them over a period of forty days and speaking about God’s Kingdom. Simon is one of these witnesses. Before being taken up into heaven, Jesus promises them the power of the Holy Spirit and sends them out to bear witness to him to the ends of the earth.
In the upper room, continuing in prayer
Acts 1:12-14After the ascension the apostles return to Jerusalem and go up to the upper room. Luke lists the eleven who are present, including “Simon the Zealot.” “All these with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus.” Simon is still there after the cross and the resurrection. He is among those waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit before Pentecost.
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What Simon the Zealot teaches us
- Jesus can call you whatever your past or yesterday’s convictions: what matters is your answer to his call.
- Your identity in Christ comes before your political, national or cultural identity, as for Simon and Matthew brought together in the same team.
- You do not need to be well known to be faithful: the Bible keeps no word of Simon’s, yet it shows him present to the end.
- Put your zeal at the service of God’s kingdom, in persevering prayer with your brothers and sisters, rather than in restless activity.
Key verses
Luke gives his nickname in full: “Simon, who was called the Zealot.” It sets him apart from Simon Peter and hints at a passionate man, whom Jesus chose at the end of a night of prayer.
Simon the Zealot is in the upper room with the other apostles, the women and Mary. All continue with one accord in prayer while they wait for the promised Holy Spirit.
Matthew gives him the same title and lists him in the same group as Matthew the tax collector: two men from opposite backgrounds, brought together by the same Master.
Bible verses to meditate on
Sermons about Simon the Zealot
Frequently asked questions
Who was Simon the Zealot in the Bible?
Simon the Zealot is one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. Luke calls him “Simon, who was called the Zealot” (Luke 6:15), and Matthew and Mark give him the same title. The Bible records none of his words or particular deeds, but it shows him in the upper room after the ascension, continuing in prayer with the other apostles (Acts 1:13-14).
What does the nickname “Zealot” mean?
“Zealot” means “zealous.” Some English versions render the title in Matthew 10:4 and Mark 3:18 as “Canaanite,” generally understood as a form of the same word. Many see a link with the Zealot movement, Jews opposed to Roman rule, but the Bible does not say so explicitly. The nickname may simply describe Simon’s zeal for the law or for God.
Where is Simon the Zealot found in the Bible?
He appears only in the lists of the apostles: Matthew 10:4 and Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15 and Acts 1:13. The context of these passages, the calling of the Twelve and the wait for Pentecost, helps us understand his place among the disciples.