Description: Simon was transformed from a zealous anarchist to a passionate evangelist...thanks to a newfound relationship with Jesus.
Simon had a checkered past. As a student in synagogue school, he was a bully. As a young man, he became a member of the Zealot party which resorted to violence and even murder to achieve independence from Roman rule. Yet Jesus chose him as one of twelve disciples who followed him during his three-year ministry.Simon's relationship with Jesus turned his life completely around. He witnessed Jesus' miracles, heard Jesus' message of love and salvation, engaged with the resurrected Jesus, and watched as Jesus ascended into Heaven. Simon became a leader in the early Christian church, proclaiming the Gospel to Jews and Gentiles alike. Because of his commitment to Christ, Simon experienced persecution for his faith. He dealt with the cruelty of Saul prior to his conversion and later became Apostle Paul's friend and ally. Simon became an administrator of the church in Rome. He witnessed the Great Fire and Nero's persecution of Christians that followed. After returning to Jerusalem, Simon was caught in the siege of the city by the Roman army. His life of service ended with the knowledge that he was forgiven and saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus as his Lord and Savior.