There is no apostle or disciple named Simon Iscariot in the Bible. This name is a common confusion between two distinct biblical figures: the apostles named Simon (such as Simon Peter and Simon the Zealot) and Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus Christ. The name ‘Iscariot’ is exclusively linked to Judas, whose father was also named Simon (John 6:71).
While studying the Bible’s profound narratives, we occasionally encounter names that spark questions or confusion. One such name is “Simon Iscariot.” The Scriptures provide every truth essential for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3), but it’s natural to seek clarity when a name doesn’t align with familiar biblical figures. As followers of Christ, we are called to diligently study God’s Word, rooting our understanding in its infallible truth and divine authority.
At Just Jesus Time, we are committed to presenting the unvarnished, scriptural truth about Jesus Christ and our faith. This article directly addresses the curiosity surrounding “Simon Iscariot” by carefully examining the biblical texts. We will untangle the different figures named Simon in the New Testament and provide a clear, God-honoring profile of who Judas Iscariot was, as revealed by the Word of God. Our goal is not just to inform, but to build your faith and deepen your conviction in the clarity and authority of the Holy Scriptures.
Join us as we turn to the Bible to illuminate this topic. We will ensure every answer is grounded in the eternal truth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who gave His life for our sins and rose victoriously from the grave. Let us begin by exploring the individuals who truly bear these names, clarifying any misconceptions and upholding the integrity of God’s revealed Word.
Who is Simon Iscariot in the Bible?
Clarifying the Confusion: Simon vs. Iscariot
While the name “Simon Iscariot” can cause confusion, the Bible does not present a single individual with this exact name. Instead, it features two separate, prominent figures: Simon, who became known as Peter, and Judas, who carried the epithet “Iscariot.”
Understanding this distinction is crucial. “Simon” was a common name during Jesus’ time, borne by many individuals. “Iscariot,” on the other hand, was not a given name but a descriptive term. It specifically identified Judas, distinguishing him from the other disciples.
Most scholars believe “Iscariot” means “man from Kerioth,” a town in Judea. This designation points to Judas’s origin and clearly links him to his specific identity in Scripture.
Therefore, it is essential to understand that no apostle or direct figure in Jesus’ ministry was named “Simon Iscariot.” The Scriptures clearly differentiate between the various Simons and the singular figure of Judas Iscariot.
The Biblical Account of Judas Iscariot
Judas Iscariot holds a unique and tragic place in the Gospels. As one of Jesus’ twelve chosen apostles, he was called to follow, teach, and heal others.
Despite his calling, Judas is primarily known for his ultimate betrayal of Jesus. He agreed to hand Jesus over to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16), an act that fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.
Furthermore, the Bible notes that Judas managed the disciples’ money bag but was also a thief (John 12:6), a detail that foreshadows his later actions.
Jesus knew of the impending betrayal and even identified his betrayer during the Last Supper (John 13:21-27), demonstrating His divine knowledge and sovereignty.
Consumed by guilt following his betrayal, Judas returned the money to the chief priests before his despair led him to take his own life (Matthew 27:3-5). His story serves as a somber warning about the dangers of covetousness and turning away from God’s grace.
The Apostles Named Simon
Among Jesus’ twelve disciples, two men bore the name Simon. These were distinct individuals who played very different roles in Jesus’ ministry, and it is important to distinguish them from Judas Iscariot.
The two Simons among the apostles are:
- Simon Peter: Arguably the most prominent apostle, this Simon was a fisherman from Bethsaida whom Jesus renamed Cephas, or Peter, meaning “Rock” (John 1:42). Jesus declared that He would build His church upon this rock (Matthew 16:18). Although his faith sometimes faltered, Peter became a leader among the disciples and, later, a foundational pillar of the early church.
- Simon the Zealot: Mentioned less frequently, the Gospels identify this Simon as “the Zealot” (Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13). This epithet suggests a connection to the Zealot movement, a political-religious group that opposed Roman rule in Judea. His inclusion among the apostles highlights Jesus’ ability to unite diverse individuals under a single divine purpose.
Crucially, neither Simon Peter nor Simon the Zealot had any association with the name “Iscariot.” As faithful followers of Jesus Christ, their lives stand in stark contrast to the tragic path taken by Judas Iscariot.
Is Simon Peter and Simon Iscariot the same person?
The Identity of Simon Peter, the Rock
Simon Peter is a pivotal figure in the New Testament. Originally a fisherman from Galilee named Simon, his life was transformed when Jesus gave him a new name, signifying a crucial role in God’s plan. His brother, Andrew, was also one of Jesus’ disciples.
Jesus gave Simon the new name Peter, which means “rock” or “stone” (John 1:42). This renaming foreshadowed his future leadership, which Jesus confirmed by declaring, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18). This statement established Peter as a foundational leader among the apostles.
As a prominent spokesman, Peter often voiced the disciples’ thoughts and questions. Though he had human failings, such as denying Jesus three times, he was powerfully restored (John 21:15-17). Ultimately, Peter’s life is a story of transformation, faith, and unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ.
The Identity of Simon the Zealot
Among the twelve disciples was another man named Simon, known as Simon the Zealot (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15). It is important to distinguish him from Simon Peter.
The title “Zealot” likely indicates his past association with a Jewish nationalist movement that vehemently opposed Roman rule and sought to establish an independent Jewish state. After joining Jesus, however, Simon’s intense zeal was redirected. He channeled his passion toward serving God’s kingdom, and his loyalty shifted from a political faction to Jesus Christ. Simon the Zealot remained a faithful follower throughout Jesus’ earthly ministry.
Why Neither Simon is Judas Iscariot
Although they share the first name “Simon,” the Bible makes it clear that neither Simon Peter nor Simon the Zealot is Judas Iscariot. The lists of the twelve apostles in Scripture consistently distinguish between these three men.
Consider the apostolic lists in the Gospels:
- Matthew 10:2-4 lists “Simon, who is called Peter… Simon the Cananaean [Zealot]… and Judas Iscariot.”
- Mark 3:16-19 similarly names “Simon He surnamed Peter… Simon the Cananaean… and Judas Iscariot.”
- Luke 6:14-16 includes “Simon, whom He also named Peter… Simon called the Zealot… and Judas Iscariot.”
These passages explicitly identify three distinct individuals. Furthermore, Scripture clarifies that Judas’s father was named Simon, referring to him as “Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son” (John 6:71). This means Judas was the son of a different Simon, not Simon Peter or Simon the Zealot.
Ultimately, their destinies could not be more different. Simon Peter became a pillar of the early Church, and Simon the Zealot served faithfully. Judas Iscariot, in stark contrast, betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). The biblical accounts carefully delineate the unique identities, roles, and fates of each of the twelve disciples Jesus chose.
Who is Simon Iscariot father?
The Father of Judas Iscariot: A Man Also Named Simon
Many people wonder about Judas Iscariot’s family, and the Bible provides a clear answer in the Gospel of John: his father was also named Simon.
Two specific verses confirm this paternal connection. John 6:71 refers to Judas as “the son of Simon Iscariot,” while John 13:2 describes him as “Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son.”
It is important to differentiate this Simon from other prominent figures in the Gospels, such as Simon Peter or Simon the Zealot. The Bible offers no further details about Judas’s father, identifying him only by his connection to the town of Kerioth. His sole significance in the narrative stems from his son’s infamous role in salvation history.
Understanding the Name ‘Iscariot’
The name “Iscariot” is a crucial part of Judas’s identity but is often misunderstood. It is not a surname in the modern sense but rather an identifier that likely indicates his place of origin.
Most scholars believe “Iscariot” derives from the Hebrew phrase Ish Kerioth, which translates to “man of Kerioth” [1]. As Kerioth was a town in Judea, the name essentially means “Judas, the man from Kerioth,” rooting him in a specific geographical location.
This identifier served a practical purpose, distinguishing Judas from the other apostle named Judas (also known as Thaddeus). Likewise, it differentiated his father, Simon Iscariot, from Simon Peter. By using this designation consistently, the Gospels provide clarity to the narrative and highlight the specific individual who would betray Jesus.
Was Simon Iscariot Jesus’ brother?
The Brothers of Jesus Mentioned in Scripture (Mark 6:3)
The Bible confirms that Jesus had siblings. For instance, Mark 6:3 asks, “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?”
These brothers are named as James, Joseph (also called Joses), Judas, and Simon. The verse also mentions that Jesus had unnamed sisters. While these family members were initially skeptical of Jesus’ ministry, some, like his brother James, later became prominent leaders in the early church [2].
Crucially, the Simon mentioned here as Jesus’ brother must be distinguished from others with the same name in the Gospels. He has no connection to the name “Iscariot.”
No Biblical Connection to an ‘Iscariot’
There is no biblical evidence linking any of Jesus’ brothers to the name “Iscariot.” Scripture consistently presents the family of Jesus as entirely separate from the family of Judas Iscariot.
The name “Simon Iscariot” refers specifically to the father of Judas Iscariot, as noted in John 6:71. This Simon is never identified as Jesus’ brother. The Bible’s genealogies and narratives define each figure within their own distinct family context, leaving no room for such a connection.
Therefore, the idea that Simon Iscariot was Jesus’ brother stems from a misunderstanding of the biblical text. For accurate information about Jesus’ family and disciples, we must rely on the clear and unwavering truth of God’s Holy Word.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Apostles
Was Simon Iscariot a disciple?
While the Bible does not identify Simon Iscariot as a disciple, it clarifies that he was the father of Judas Iscariot (John 6:71). His son, Judas, was one of the twelve apostles personally selected by Jesus Christ to be in His inner circle.
As an apostle, Judas was given significant authority and duties, such as managing the group’s money (John 13:29). His selection into this trusted position, despite his future actions, highlights God’s sovereignty and perfect plan.
Despite this position of trust, Judas ultimately betrayed Jesus, leading to the crucifixion. The fact that Jesus chose Judas, knowing he would be betrayed, is a profound testament to God’s love and unwavering justice.
Which apostle was boiled alive?
The Bible does not detail the specific ways most of the apostles died, as Scripture focuses on their lives and teachings. Information about their deaths comes primarily from church tradition and early, extra-biblical historical accounts, which describe how many suffered martyrdom for their faith.
According to a prominent tradition, the Apostle John was plunged into a vat of boiling oil in Rome during a period of persecution under Emperor Domitian. He miraculously survived and was subsequently exiled to the island of Patmos, where he received the vision recorded in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 1:9). [Source: Tertullian, *Prescription Against Heretics*, Chapter 36; popularized in works like Foxe’s Book of Martyrs]
Therefore, while many apostles suffered greatly, the specific account of an apostle being boiled in oil points to the Apostle John’s miraculous survival, not his death. The stories of their martyrdom, however, serve as a powerful testament to their unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ, even unto death.
Who was the black disciple in the Bible?
The Bible does not specify the skin color or ethnicity of the twelve apostles. Instead, the scriptures focus on their heritage, their call to follow Christ, and their spiritual identity, emphasizing a message that transcends all national and ethnic boundaries.
Reflecting God’s love for all humanity (John 3:16), the early church was diverse from its very beginning. Scripture clearly shows people from various backgrounds becoming followers of Christ. For example, the New Testament mentions several prominent believers of African descent:
- Simon of Cyrene: From North Africa (modern-day Libya), Simon was compelled to carry Jesus’ cross (Matthew 27:32), showing a person of African descent directly involved in Christ’s Passion.
- The Ethiopian Eunuch: An important official to whom Philip shared the Gospel (Acts 8:26-40). The eunuch’s belief and baptism mark a significant early conversion from Africa.
- Simeon called Niger: A prophet and teacher in the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1), his name “Niger” means “black,” indicating an African background.
These individuals demonstrate the inclusive nature of the Gospel, which welcomes people from every tribe and nation (Revelation 7:9). This unity is affirmed in Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Our shared identity in Christ is paramount.
Ultimately, the focus of the Christian faith is on the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the Son of God who died for our sins and rose again, He offers salvation to all who believe, regardless of their background.
