… with many other words

Aggressive and passionate men were among the chosen disciples. Simon Peter was one. Another was also called Simon. Perhaps it was to distinguish between them that Luke identified the latter as Simon the Zealot. There was surely something in his character or behavior that caused Luke to tag him with the moniker. The other synoptic gospel writers identify this Simon as “the Canaanite.” Literally, it is Cananean, probably a transliteration of the Aramaic word for “zealot.” John does not identify the disciples individually but refers to “the twelve” on several occasions.  

Throughout this time of history, from the Maccabees until the destruction of Jerusalem, there were extreme individuals who joined together to plot the overthrow of the Roman oppressors. Some were so passionate in their zeal for nationalism that they resorted to violent actions against the occupying forces. Some became assassins, intent on destroying the leaders of their opposition (Acts 21:38). The Zealots were not identified as a political group until around AD 68 according to Josephus. These were leaders in the defense of the temple in Jerusalem which was destroyed two years later. 

The use of the word “Zealot” to identify this Simon probably indicates his zeal for God’s honor and not extreme nationalism. Simon would likely have been passionate before the call to be a disciple, but now the cause for his passion was redirected. As he heard the teaching of Jesus he learned the principles of loving the enemy, submitting to God’s authority, and showing mercy to others. He also learned that he could channel this fervent drive to share the Gospel with others and appropriately face the opposition to the “good news” of peace. No longer would he dream of overthrowing Roman dominion, but now he could set out to defeat the kingdom of darkness as he proclaimed the message of light.

Passion is a valuable quality and zeal is an admirable attribute, but misdirected passion can destroy a legitimate cause. Untempered zeal can endanger a righteous movement. Extreme anti-abortion activists, who slay doctors and deface clinics in their zest for justice, do more damage to the cause than they do to advance the pro-life agenda. Paul spoke of those in Israel who had “zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” (Romans 10:2). Teaching and understanding brings wisdom to our fervor and power to our passion.

If we can learn the lessons of the master teacher we may be able to focus our passion to His righteous cause and advance the Kingdom of
God more effectively. Through discipleship we are not dismissing zeal and dissolving passion, but directing these God given talents to a positive expression. Paul wrote of Epaphras who had a “great zeal” for the Colossians. He said he is “always laboring fervently for you in prayers” (Colossians 4:12-13). May we be likewise passionate for the advancement of God’s kingdom in our day!

The world is drastically different than it was in the time of Christ. Social evolution from an agrarian culture to the industrial revolution and finally to the information age has radically transformed society. Communication in ancient times consisted of verbally transmitted messages, or hand-carried writings, delivered by a messenger. The messenger walked, ran, or rode a beast in a caravan over difficult paths. During the Persian Empire elaborate road systems were first developed. Even with such improvements it took three months to cover the 1,600 miles from their capital of Susa to the city of Sardis (in present day Turkey).[1]

This stands in stark contrast to today’s instant transmission of a multitude of information sources daily available in print, by the media, or on the Internet. Contact with people in other nations and remote regions of the earth is now possible instantly with the accessibility of a phone line and a modem. Millions of bits of information in the form of electronic mail (E-mail) are transmitted daily around the world with the click of a key on a personal computer. Satellite transmission makes live video available immediately from anywhere in the world.

In the face of such changes in our modern world contrasted with the Biblical and ancient world, it is reassuring to know that the Gospel is as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. Perhaps even more so, there has never been more need for the “good news”! Faith transcends all ages. However, the challenge for the church in our present society is to contextualize the truths of the Bible to people who live in a very different age. We must successfully relate an age-old gospel to a new-age culture!

[1] Ralph Gower, The New Manners and Customs of Bible Times, (Chicago: Moody Press, 1987), 230.