Simon the Zealot
· To distinguish him from Simon Peter he is called Simon the Zealot, because of the zeal he showed for the Jewish law.
· Simon is thought to have come from Cana, but it is believed that in actuality he was from Galilee.
· Some historians believe that he was called Simon the Zealot even before becoming an Apostle, thinking that perhaps he was a member of a particular sect of Jews known as the Zealots. Their name is derived from the zeal they possessed for the honor of God and the purity of religion. However, there is no proof that any such party existed in Jesus’ time.
· Where he preached the Gospel is uncertain. According to the Greeks, he preached on the Black Sea, in Egypt, Northern Africa, and Britain. Some thought he was crucified after preaching the Gospel in Samaria; others believed he was martyred in Persia. According to one historian, he was martyred in Iberia; and yet another claims he was sawn in half in Suanair. His place of burial is unknown.
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