OliveGrove
Pressing the Word of God for Deeper Understanding.

Simon Σίμων

Male G4613G 4 books

One of the twelve apostles, also called the Zealot.

Who is Simon in the Bible?

Simon the Zealot was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:4, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15). The title "Zealot" likely indicates that Simon belonged to a Jewish political faction known for its fierce nationalism and opposition to Roman rule before he became a follower of Jesus. After Jesus' ascension, Simon is mentioned among the apostles gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem to pray and await the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:13). Beyond these biblical references, little is known about his life, though church tradition holds that he preached the gospel in various regions before being martyred for his faith. Simon the Zealot's transformation from political revolutionary to devoted apostle demonstrates the radical change that following Jesus required of his disciples.

Biography

Simon, also called the Zealot, was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ (Mat.10.4; Mrk.3.18; Luk.6.15). The title "Zealot" likely indicates that Simon belonged to a Jewish political faction known for its fierce nationalism and opposition to Roman rule before following Jesus.

After Jesus' ascension, Simon the Zealot is mentioned as being among the apostles who gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem to pray and await the coming of the Holy Spirit (Act.1.13).

Beyond these brief mentions, no further details about Simon the Zealot's life or ministry are provided in the New Testament. Church tradition holds that he preached the gospel in various regions, possibly including Egypt, North Africa, and Persia, before being martyred for his faith, though the accounts vary.

In Scripture

4 biblical books ; 4 with study content
Matthew 1 verse
Mark 1 verse
  • Mark 3:18

    "Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot,"

    Study Mark →
Luke 1 verse
  • Luke 6:15

    "Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alphaeus and Simon called the Zealot;"

    Study Luke →
Acts 1 verse
  • Acts 1:13

    "When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James."

    Study Acts →

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script Transliteration Meaning
Named Greek Σίμων Símōn Simon (i.e. Shimon), the name of nine Israelites
Named Greek ζηλωτής Zēlōtḗs a Zealot, i.e. (specially) partisan for Jewish political independence