Simon the Zealot was one of the original Twelve Apostles (1) of Jesus Christ (2). He was also referred to in most New Testament (3) translations as Simon the Cananaean or Simon the Cananite.

The synoptic Gospels of Matthew (4) (Matthew 10:1-4), Mark (5) (Mark 3:13-19) and Luke (6) (Luke 6:12-16) record Simon the Zealot as one of the Twelve being named/commissioned/sent out.

There is much debate regarding the origin of Simon's designation as a "Zealot." Some believe it is due to his involvement in a revolutionary group of the times (Acts 5:37). Others have written that Simon possessed a heightened fervor and enthusiasm for God the Father (7), akin to Biblical Titans such as the Apostle Peter (8) (1 Peter 3:13) and the Apostle Paul (9) (Acts 22:3, Galatians 1:14).

Acts 1:12-26 records Simon the Zealot and the other Apostles returning to Jerusalem after witnessing the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven. By the power of the Holy Spirit (10), they selected Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot (11).

Be sure to explore the Footnotes below! For a printer friendly version of this webpage, click on the PDF offered in the lower sidebar. Modifications are welcome at goodnews@downriverdisciples.com.

FOOTNOTES

  (1) https://www.downriverdisciples.com/twelve-apostles

  (2) https://www.downriverdisciples.com/jesus-christ

  (3) https://www.downriverdisciples.com/new-testament

  (4) https://www.downriverdisciples.com/matthew

  (5) https://www.downriverdisciples.com/mark

  (6) https://www.downriverdisciples.com/luke

  (7) https://www.downriverdisciples.com/god-of-the-bible

  (8) https://www.downriverdisciples.com/apostle-peter

  (9) https://www.downriverdisciples.com/ambassador-in-chains

(10) https://www.downriverdisciples.com/the-holy-spirit

(11) https://www.downriverdisciples.com/apostle-judas-iscariot