Zelotes, also known as Simon the Zealot, is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. His designation as "Zelotes" is derived from the Greek word "ζηλωτής" (zelotes), meaning "zealot" or "enthusiast." This title is used to distinguish him from Simon Peter, another of Jesus' apostles. The term "zealot" suggests that Simon may have been associated with the Zealots, a Jewish political movement that sought to overthrow Roman rule in Judea through fervent nationalism and, at times, violent resistance.

Biblical References

Simon the Zealot is mentioned in the New Testament in the lists of the apostles. In the Gospel of Luke, he is referred to as "Simon who was called the Zealot" (Luke 6:15). Similarly, the Book of Acts lists him among the apostles: "When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying... Simon the Zealot" (Acts 1:13). The Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Mark also include him in their lists of the twelve apostles, though they refer to him as "Simon the Cananean" (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:18). The term "Cananean" is believed to be a transliteration of the Aramaic word "qanai," which also means "zealot."

Historical and Cultural Context

The Zealots were a Jewish sect known for their passionate commitment to the Law of Moses and their opposition to Roman occupation. They emerged as a distinct group during the first century AD, advocating for Jewish independence and the restoration of a theocratic kingdom. The Zealots played a significant role in the First Jewish–Roman War (66-70 AD), which ultimately led to the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

Simon's association with the Zealots suggests that he may have shared their fervent desire for Jewish liberation. However, his calling as an apostle of Jesus Christ indicates a transformation from a focus on political revolution to a commitment to the spiritual kingdom of God. Jesus' selection of Simon the Zealot as one of His apostles demonstrates the diverse backgrounds and perspectives represented among His closest followers.

Role and Legacy

While the New Testament provides limited information about Simon the Zealot's specific actions and contributions, his inclusion among the apostles signifies his importance in the early Christian community. Tradition holds that Simon the Zealot continued to spread the Gospel after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Various accounts suggest that he preached in regions such as Egypt, North Africa, and Persia, though these traditions are not corroborated by the biblical text.

Simon the Zealot's legacy is one of transformation and dedication. His journey from a potential revolutionary to a proclaimer of the Gospel exemplifies the power of Christ to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds for a common purpose. His life serves as a testament to the call of discipleship, transcending earthly allegiances in favor of a higher, spiritual mission.Zelotes

zealous

Zelotes

the epithet given to the apostle Simon to distinguish him from Simon Peter. (Luke 6:15) [CANAANITE, THE; SIMON, 5]

Zelotes

A Zealot; in general, one passionately and fanatically ardent in any cause. After the time of Christ the name Zelote was commonly applied to an association of private individuals who without authority or law sought to enforce their own views of the law. In their opinion it was a high crime to pay tribute to the Romans and rebellion was the duty of every patriotic Jew. Beginning with moderation, they became more and more violent; and during the Roman war excesses and crimes under the pretext of zeal of the Lord are described by Josephus as truly appalling; so that they acquired the appropriate name of Sicarii, or assassins. As the germ of this body seems to have existed in our Lord's day, some suppose that the apostle Simon Zelotes was so called from his having once belonged to it. The name Canaanite, or more properly Canaanite, from the Hebrew kana, has the same meaning with Zelotes, Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:18. Little more is known respecting Simon.

(Luke 6:15). See SIMON; ZEALOTS. ZELOTES

ze-lo'-tez (Zelotes).

See SIMON THE ZEALOT; ZEALOT.

2208. Zelotes -- the Zealot, a member of a Jewish political party
... Zelotes. 2209 . the Zealot, a member of a Jewish political party. Transliteration:
Zelotes Phonetic Spelling: (dzay-lo-tace') Short Definition: Zealot. ... Zelotes ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2208.htm - 6k

2207. zelotes -- zealous
... 2206, 2207. zelotes. 2208 . ... see GREEK zeloo. (zelotai) -- 3 Occurrences. (zeloten)
-- 2 Occurrences. (zelotes) -- 3 Occurrences. 2206, 2207. zelotes. 2208 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2207.htm - 7k

Preface
... Simon Zelotes was there, of whom we know little certain except that he was also
"called the Canaanite," and may possibly have lived at Cana of Galilee, and ...
/.../ryle/the upper room being a few truths for the times/preface.htm

Acts i. 12
... but together with Peter the two: "and Andrew, and Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew,
and Matthew, and James (the son) of Alph??us, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily iii acts i 12.htm

The Early History of Particular Churches.
... [Sidenote: St. Simon Zelotes and St. ... Simon Zelotes and St. Mark, the latter of whom
founded the CHURCH OF ALEXANDRIA, of which he became the first Bishop. ...
/.../a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter vii the early history.htm

[Endnotes]
... 13. Some think that Kananites is equivalent to Zelotes, whilst others contend
that it in derived from a village called Canan. See ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

First Part.
... Hee that doth moderately or remisly affect any thing, may be stiled Philemon, a
lover; he that earnestly or extreamely, Zelotes, a zelot; who to all the ...
/.../ward/a coal from the altar to kindle the holy fire of zeale/first part.htm

Institutions of Jesus.
... Jonas; the two sons of Zebedee; James, son of Cleophas; Philip; Nathaniel bar-Tolmai;
Thomas; Levi, or Matthew, the son of Alphaeus; Simon Zelotes; Thaddeus or ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xviii institutions of jesus.htm

The Fall of Jerusalem.
... Simon Zelotes, also went by the same path to his rest; but their deaths only
strengthened the Church, and their successors carried out the same work. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xxiii the fall of.htm

Didache Ton Dodeka Apostolon
... III. 1. Teknon mou, pheuge apo pantos ponerou kai apo pantos homoiou autou.2. me
ginou orgilos, hodegei gar he orge pros ton phonon, mede zelotes mede epistikos ...
/.../lake/the apostolic fathers/didache ton dodeka apostolon.htm

The Twelve and the Seventy.
... His namesake, the other Simon, was termed the Canaanite, and also Zelotes, [38:7]
or the zealot"a title expressive, in all likelihood, of the zeal and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the twelve and.htm

The Introduction.
... in a very early period, being, according to some writers, propagated in this kingdom
by the Apostles themselves; some saying that Simon Zelotes, others that ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the introduction.htm

Zelotes (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZELOTES. ze-lo'-tez (Zelotes). See SIMON THE ZEALOT;
ZEALOT. Multi-Version Concordance Zelotes (2 Occurrences). ...
/z/zelotes.htm - 7k

Zealot (4 Occurrences)
... Matthew 10:4 Mark 3:18 the King James Version) or "the Cananean" (Matthew 10:4 Mark
3:18 the Revised Version (British and American)) or "Zelotes" (Luke 6:15 ...
/z/zealot.htm - 12k

Canaanite (74 Occurrences)
... Hence he is called elsewhere (Luke 6:15) "Simon Zelotes;" ie, Simon of the
sect of the Zealots. (see SIMON.). Noah Webster's Dictionary. ...
/c/canaanite.htm - 36k

Cananaean (2 Occurrences)
... Matthew 10:4 Mark 3:18 the King James Version) or "the Cananean" (Matthew 10:4 Mark
3:18 the Revised Version (British and American)) or "Zelotes" (Luke 6:15 ...
/c/cananaean.htm - 10k

Zealots
... zel'-ut, zel'-uts: Simon, one of the apostles, was called "the Zealot" Zelotes from
zeloo "to rival," "emulate," "be jealous," "admire," "desire greatly," Luke ...
/z/zealots.htm - 8k

Alpheus (5 Occurrences)
... WBS YLT). Luke 6:15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon
called Zelotes, (WBS). Acts 1:13 And when they had come ...
/a/alpheus.htm - 7k

James (40 Occurrences)
... 6:15 Acts 1:13). By Matthew and Mark he is coupled with Thaddaeus, and
by Luke and Acts with Simon Zelotes. As Matthew or Levi is ...
/j/james.htm - 78k

Zelzah (1 Occurrence)

/z/zelzah.htm - 7k

Zelophehad's (1 Occurrence)

/z/zelophehad's.htm - 6k

Abode (112 Occurrences)
... where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas,
Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas ...
/a/abode.htm - 36k

Who were the Zealots in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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