Simon, the Zealot

Simon is one of the Apostles, but there is only limited information about him. Mark and Matthew refer to him as a Canaanite (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:18). John and Matthew refer to him as Simon Zealot (Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13). He was also probably from Galilee.

Zealot

There are two descriptions for this term. First, he belonged to a sect of violence and wanted to overthrow the Roman rule over the Nation of Israel and establish the rights of the Jewish nation. He believed that the Romans could not rule over their nation. Hence, zealots hated foreign rule, and the Romans vigorously. They were also against those who supported foreign rule, like the tax collectors. Second, he belonged to a sect that believed in Moses' Law and wanted to establish the Law in the nation strictly. Those belonging to this group of people memorized the first five books of Moses and were strict adherents to the Law. They wanted a theocracy, with the Law of Moses as the constitution.

Hatred to faith

God called Simon, and he was a transformed person. As the Lord taught the disciples, Simon also abandoned his political philosophy and life purpose of overthrowing the Romans. He rejected his belief in violence. As a Zealot, he was obsessed with hatred; now he became a man of faith.

Love and reconciliation

The Lord chose the twelve from various backgrounds. Generally, they could not be a team because of their beliefs, professions, and regions. In the time of the Lord Jesus, it was not possible to conceive a person like Matthew, the tax collector, and Simon, the Zealot, to be on the same team. Of course, the transformed Simon could accept as his fellow apostle loved him and ministered alongside him.

Garden of Gethsemane

Before the Lord was arrested, in the conversation with the disciples, he said he would be numbered with the transgressors. The conspirators would present a case that the Lord was using violence to fight against the Roman Empire. The disciples said that they had two swords. The Lord replied that the two swords were enough. (Luke 22:37-38) Some scholars opine that apart from Simon Peter, who cut the ear of Malchus, Simon the Zealot had the other sword. Unlike Peter, he kept it hidden and did not use it, as he had abandoned the path of violence.

Ministry

There are not many records or documentation about Simon’s ministry. There are traditions that he went to Egypt and later preached in Persia.

Death

Tradition says he died as a martyr, crucified. It is believed that he was martyred in Persia.

Challenge

Simon the Zealot is an amazing disciple. When he met the Lord Jesus, his life was transformed. He surrendered his ambition, lifestyle, and purpose and took up the cross to follow Him. His transformed life inspires us.