Simon (the Zealot)

Technical Profile

Name Meaning: Greek Simōn (from Hebrew Shim‘on), “he has heard,” a common Jewish name in the period
Period/Era: Second Temple Period (within a Roman Imperial Context)
Main References: Matthew 10; Mark 3; Luke 6; Acts 1
Key Connections: Jesus Christ; the Twelve apostles (including Simon Peter and Judas Iscariot)

Who was Simon (the Zealot)?

Simon was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus and is listed in the apostolic catalogs.
He is distinguished from other men named Simon by the designation “the Zealot” (Luke; Acts) or “the Cananaean” (Matthew; Mark).
The Gospels provide no narrated episodes or sayings directly attributed to him.

Key Events & Achievements

Chosen as an apostle: Included among the Twelve appointed by Jesus for his ministry (Matthew 10:2–4).
Named in the apostolic lists: Identified as “Simon who was called the Zealot” in the Gospel and Acts listings (Luke 6:15).
Present after the ascension: Listed among those devoted to prayer with the apostles in Jerusalem (Acts 1:13–14).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Simon’s brief NT profile highlights that faithful discipleship can be historically significant even when individual actions are not recorded.

Key Verse

“and Simon who was called the Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.” — Luke 6:15–16, ESV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. How is Simon distinguished from other men named Simon in the apostolic lists?

2. According to Acts 1:13–14, what was Simon doing after the ascension?