Simon the Canaanite (also called Simon the Zealot) is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ mentioned in the New Testament. The epithet "Canaanite" may mean "of Cana" or "zealous one," pointing to his association with the Zealots, the movement that sought to free Judea from Roman rule.
He appears in the apostolic lists of Matthew (10:4) and Mark (3:18); the Gospel of Luke (6:15) calls him "Simon the Zealot" — a hint of an active political stance and a longing for national liberation. As one of the Twelve he followed Jesus and took part in his ministry, witnessing many of his miracles and teachings.
After the Resurrection Simon, like the other apostles, went on preaching and spreading Christianity; tradition has him carrying the gospel through various regions, Syria and Persia among them. Tradition likewise holds that he died a martyr for his faith, though the precise circumstances of his death remain unknown. He is venerated as a saint in the Christian tradition, his memory kept in the Orthodox Church on 28 October (New Style). Simon the Canaanite stands as an emblem of devotion and zeal in the service of God, and his life continues to inspire many believers.