Simon the Zealot

Designated 'the Zealot' (or 'Canaanite,' from Aramaic qanana, meaning zealous), Simon possibly belonged to the Zealot party—Jewish nationalists opposing Roman rule. His transformation from political revolutionary to spiritual ambassador demonstrates grace's power.The presence of both Simon the Zealot (a nationalist) and Matthew the tax collector (a Roman collaborator) among the Twelve illustrates the gospel's power to unite those formerly divided by irreconcilable political positions.