So many of our Bible studies focus on the outspoken apostles, which makes it easy to overlook the quiet ones. And there are several. Here we have not only another quiet apostle but also one with another popular name. The name Simon occurs several times in the New Testament and refers to a variety of men. Our Simon today is called Simon the Zealot or Simon the Cananaean or Canaanite. (NKJV, AMP)
With so little written about him, what can we learn from or about Simon? Let's see what the descriptors for him tell us.
In some versions he is described as Cananaean or Canaanite. Though he hailed from the Galilee the Canaanite attachment let's the reader know he came from people known to worship other gods. However, I found that in some places it means zealous as well. By definition that means full of zeal, active, devoted or diligent.
Which leads us to the more frequently used descriptor for him . . . The Zealot. Zealots were known to be outspoken for God, stood against the Roman leaders by refusing to pay taxes, willing to use force if needed and take things into their own hands to bring about the kingdom of God. They did not want to sit back and do nothing about Rome occupying their land. For them to do so meant they were abandoning the first commandment. (The Bible Almanac by Packer, Tenney and White. The New Testament Environment by Eduardo Lohse)
So though he didn't speak out enough to have any of his conversations recorded in the gospels, he obviously spoke with zealot-like focus that the others knew where he stood. Hence, he was known as "the zealot".
However, he obviously changed or slowed down some as he listened to Jesus. It appears he put aside his beliefs and actions to follow the one he saw and learned was the true Messiah. He must have adjusted how he had been acting for years in order to follow the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6) He was obedient to the changes Jesus asked of him.
Which is reflective of his name's meanings: 'he has heard' and 'obedient one'. He is our example among the apostles of how we can be on the wrong track even if our reason seems to be for the right purpose. Yet, he demonstrated how we should change our lives and our actions when God redirects us to a different road or path.
I have experienced being on the wrong path for a right reason. I've also charged ahead on a path before checking with the Lord if it was the right timing. How about you? Do you ever feel you are walking against the current? Maybe the timing is wrong. Maybe the timing is right but the place is wrong. As for me, when I feel something is not flowing right and I check with the Lord, Jesus is faithful to stop me in my tracks and get me back where I'm supposed to be. If you find you can relate to this, try calling out to Jesus for a direction check.
As for Simon, tradition holds that he was crucified but no specific location was listed. The apostles are mentioned in Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13, 5:17-42.
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