That None Should Perish

June 1, 2026

Biblical Mentions

Because his name only appears in the lists of the 12 disciples, scholars rely on a few specific verses: [1]

• The Lists of Apostles: He is listed in Matthew 10:4, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15, and as a witness to the ascension in Acts 1:13.
• Simon the “Cananaean”: In Matthew and Mark, he is referred to as Simon the Cananaean rather than the Zealot. This is not a reference to Cana or Canaan, but an English transliteration of the Aramaic word qan’an, which literally translates to “the zealous one”. [1, 2, 3]

The Meaning of “Zealot”

• A Political Rebel: In the first century, the Zealots were a radical Jewish political party dedicated to violently overthrowing Roman rule and driving the occupiers out of the Holy Land. [1, 2]
• A Passionate Devotee: Some biblical scholars believe the title simply refers to a man who was passionately zealous and strict about his adherence to the Mosaic Law. [1, 2]
• A Transformed Perspective: Regardless of his initial political or religious leanings, Simon’s inclusion among the Twelve alongside Matthew—a former Roman tax collector—highlights Jesus’ mission of unity. The two men went from opposite sides of the political spectrum to working together to advance the early Church