1. Called, Simon the Canaanite by Matthew ( 10:4) and Mark ( 3:18); Simon Zelotes by Luke ( 6:15; Acts 1:13). 2. Simon Zelotes meaning, "Simon the Zealot," likely a member of the Zealots, the last great Jewish party arising in resistance to Roman rule who were mostly responsible for the eventual destruction of their nation and fall of Jerusalem, with the infamous fall of Masada being an example of their nationalistic extremism (Josephus - Antiq. xviii.1,6; Wars). 3. Simon the Canaanite. Canaanite, a mistranslation into the English KJV, corrected in the RV. Better translated, Cananaean = Hebrew for "jealous," which is the same meaning and word Zealot in Greek. Hence, Simon the Zealot, or, Simon the Cananaean. 4. Not to be regarded as the bridegroom in Cana of Galilee at the miracle of the wine as some have supposed. ( Jn.2:9) 5. Thus identified to distinguish this disciple from Simon Peter. 6. It should be noted here the choice of Jesus to include two Jewish men so diametrically opposite in response to Roman rule, the one hated by the other -- Simon, a nationalistic fanatic, totally resistant to Roman rule, and Matthew (Levi), a publican or Jewish tax collector for Rome. These, Zealots (later called Sicarii, or more commonly, Assassins) made it their sworn duty to assassinate! So, Simon, like Peter with his sword, had to give up his assassin's way for the way of the Cross. (See the implications here of Jesus bringing together in brotherhood men of opposite walks of life, likely harboring hatred for one another, to be reconciled in His love to love each other! Jesus really is a saviour to all and a bridge between broken relationships of each! 7. Tradition places Simon in Africa, Egypt, and Great Britain, who along with Jude, were opposed by magicians in Persia where they were slain by a murderous mob in Suanir, choosing martyrdom over denying Christ.