People & groups
Zealot
A title given to Simon, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles; he is distinct from Simon Peter.
Also called · Simon the Zealot
What it means
Luke 6 names Simon who was called the Zealot, and Acts 1 again lists Simon the Zealot. Peter appears separately in both lists.
The Greek word can describe a person with strong zeal, and Simon’s title has been interpreted in connection with resistance to Roman rule. The title alone does not establish membership in a particular organization or describe his political activities.
How it appears in the Bible
In Luke 6, Jesus prays all night, then chooses twelve disciples and names them apostles. In Acts 1, Simon joins the other apostles, the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Jesus’ brothers in prayer. The selected World English Bible also calls him Simon the Zealot in the lists in Matthew 10 and Mark 3.