Simon the Zealot
- James Collazo
- Jun 23, 2017
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 29
Introduction
Simon the Zealot (Hebrew: Shimon ha-Kanai—Greek: Simо̄n ho Zēlōtēs, Simо̄n ho Kananaios) was born circa AD 10 (3770–3771 in the Hebrew calendar) in the Roman district of Galilee. The synoptic gospel writers Matthew, Mark, and Luke variously called him "Simon the Zealot" (Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13) or "Simon the Cananaean" (Matt. 10:4; Mark 3:18). In the first century, both the terms "Zealot" and "Cananaean" synonymously referred to the Zealots, a violent group of Jewish revolutionaries who tried to overthrow the imperial rule of Judea and Galilee in the First Judeo–Roman War between AD 66–70. The Hebrew word for "Zealot" is Kanai (H7067), which Matthew and Mark transliterated into Greek as Kananaios (G2581). They kept the original Hebrew noun but wrote it out with Greek letters.
Some translations, such as the King James Version (KJV), mistakenly render Kananaios as "Canaanite," a demonym that refers to the ancient pagan nation of Canaan before the Israelite conquest of the Promised Land (Josh. 14:1). The Anglican translators of the KJV used the Vulgate, the "Common Bible" (Latin: Biblia Vulgata) single-handedly written by Jerome of Stridon (c. 347–c. 419), who misread Kananaios to imply someone from the Galilean village of Cana. The KJV scholars, in turn, mistook Jerome's error to mean "Canaanite" because they prioritized Latin manuscripts over the earlier Greek ones. (After the English Reformation ended in 1559, the Anglicans still sided with the Roman Catholics in their traditional rivalry with the Greek Orthodox.) However, the mistake was easy to make, considering how the demonym Chananaios (G5478, "Canaanite," Χαναναῖος) resembles Kananaios (Καναναῖος) in the New Testament manuscripts. That said, we know that Jesus chose twelve apostles to match typologically with the twelve tribes of Israel, meaning they were all Jews (Matt. 19:28). Simon was undoubtedly a Jewish man and a zealously nationalistic one at that!
Simon: Zealous for Jesus
Simon and Matthew of Capernaum were opposites: a Zealot who planned insurgencies against the Romans and a government contractor who collected taxes for the Romans. Although they were both Jewish, their political differences were far broader than those of liberals and conservatives today. Jesus chose Simon and Matthew as apostles to counterbalance each other and show that his teaching was apolitical. The Zealots were Jewish insurgents who sought to liberate Judea and Galilee from the Roman Empire. They were armed militia, augmented by a more radical wing called "Daggermen" (Latin: Sicarii), who assassinated their enemies in broad daylight with short daggers hidden in their clothes. Simon was probably not one of these terrorists, but a moderate who believed in the Zealot motto: "No king but Messiah, no tax but the temple, no friend but the Zealot."
Simon and Matthew's inclusion among Jesus' apostles underscored his message of inclusion and reconciliation. Despite their starkly contrasting backgrounds and political ideologies, Jesus saw potential in both men to contribute to his mission in unique ways. With his fervent zeal for the liberation of his people, Simon embodied the longing for political freedom and the pursuit of justice. On the other hand, Matthew's experience as a tax collector embodied the necessity for mercy, forgiveness, and breaking down societal barriers. Their presence within the group of apostles served as a living demonstration of Jesus' teachings on love, forgiveness, and the transcendence of earthly divisions. It showcased that he calls everyone to unity despite their differences within God's kingdom. True transformation comes not through political upheaval but spiritual renewal and reconciliation with God.
A Switch in Allegiance & Zeal
Perhaps this was why Simon first found Jesus' ministry in Galilee appealing, hoping Jesus would overthrow the Romans and reign as the Messiah. However, Simon stayed on even when Jesus taught lessons that contradicted Zealot ideology: "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's" (Mark 12:17)—as opposed to the Zealot ideology of "No king but Messiah, no tax but the temple." Simon remained with Jesus even after he warned about the temple's destruction (Matt 24:1–2; Luke 21:5–6), which happened in AD 70 when the Romans seized Jerusalem from the Zealots and routed them. Eusebius of Caesarea (260–340) noted that the Jewish Christians fled to Pella, a village east of the Jordan River, in AD 66 because they refused to fight in the war (Church History 3.5). By this time, Simon found a different cause to be zealous: the good news of Jesus. Instead of fuming about paying taxes to Caesar with a coin bearing his graven image, Simon realized he was made in God's image that no human authority could own. He accepted no king but Christ, no temple but the body, and no friend but the Christian (John 2:21; 1 Cor. 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:14; Phil. 2:9–11).
Simon's transformation from a fervent Zealot to a zealous follower of Jesus exemplified the profound impact of encountering the teachings and person of Christ. His journey reflects a shift from seeking temporal power and political revolution to embracing a deeper understanding of spiritual truth and the kingdom of God. Simon's allegiance shifted from the earthly to the heavenly kingdom, where Christ reigns as the true and eternal King. This transformation did not negate his passion or zeal. Still, it redirected it toward a higher purpose—to proclaim the good news of salvation and to live out the principles of love, justice, and reconciliation that Jesus taught. Through Simon's journey, we see the transformative power of encountering Jesus, leading to a radical reorientation of one's priorities and allegiances.
Conclusion
Simon the Zealot was a key figure in the group of apostles who followed Jesus Christ. Born during the Roman occupation of Galilee, Simon's role as a Zealot shows his strong support for Jewish independence and his desire to resist Roman rule. Despite this, Jesus chose Simon as one of his apostles, highlighting his commitment to Israel's spiritual freedom and restoration. Simon's place among the twelve apostles demonstrates that Jesus sought to include individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives in his inner circle. By examining Simon's background and his time, we can gain a deeper understanding of the diverse beliefs and perspectives held by Jesus' followers. Simon's passion for Jewish independence reminds us that faith and politics were deeply connected in first-century Judea. Ultimately, Simon's life encourages us to reflect on the complexities of following Jesus and how faith, culture, and justice are interconnected. As we study the scriptures, we should appreciate the diversity of voices in the Bible and recognize how figures like Simon helped shape Christian history.
Prayer
Blessed are you, LORD our God, King of the universe; grant that as your apostle Simon was faithful and zealous in his mission, so we may with ardent devotion make known the love and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Messiah; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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