People & groups
Zealot
A title linked in the New Testament to Simon, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles.
Also called · Simon the Zealot
What it means
Luke distinguishes Simon with a word meaning zealot or zealous person. The Gospel does not explain his earlier activity or give a political biography.
The term is often connected with resistance to Roman rule, but the organized movement known by this name is described more clearly in later historical sources.
How it appears in the Bible
The title identifies Simon among the Twelve and suggests strong zeal, while leaving its precise social meaning unstated.