Simon(zelotes)
“Hearing, or a contraction of Simeon”
Summary
A common name in the New Testament period, borne by several significant figures including Simon Peter, Simon the Zealot, Simon of Cyrene, and Simon the Magician.
☩Simon Peter
The most prominent Simon was Simon son of Jonah, whom Jesus renamed Peter ('Rock'). Originally a fisherman from Bethsaida, he became the leading apostle, spokesman for the Twelve, and recipient of special revelation about Christ's identity. Despite his famous denial of Jesus, Peter was restored and commissioned to feed Christ's sheep. He preached the Pentecost sermon, opened the door of faith to Gentiles at Cornelius's house, and became a pillar of the Jerusalem church.
☩Simon the Zealot
One of the Twelve Apostles, called 'the Zealot' (or 'Cananaean' from the Aramaic equivalent), indicating either membership in the revolutionary Zealot party or simply zealous temperament. His presence among the apostles alongside Matthew the tax collector demonstrated Christ's power to unite political opposites. Nothing specific is recorded of his ministry, though tradition associates him with various mission fields.
☩Simon of Cyrene
A man from Cyrene in North Africa who was compelled by Roman soldiers to carry Jesus' cross to Golgotha. Mark identifies him as the father of Alexander and Rufus, suggesting these sons were known to the early church—possibly the Rufus mentioned in Romans 16:13. His conscription became a providential encounter with Christ in His darkest hour, apparently leading to his family's conversion.
☩Simon the Magician
A Samaritan sorcerer who had amazed the people with his magic, claiming to be 'someone great' and called 'the Great Power of God.' When Philip preached in Samaria, Simon believed and was baptized, but later attempted to purchase the power to confer the Holy Spirit. Peter's stern rebuke—'May your silver perish with you'—gave rise to the term 'simony' for buying or selling spiritual offices. His story warns against confusing genuine faith with desire for spiritual power.
☩Other Simons
Simon the Leper hosted Jesus at Bethany where Mary anointed Him with costly perfume. Simon the Pharisee hosted a dinner where a sinful woman anointed Jesus' feet, prompting the parable of the two debtors. Simon the tanner of Joppa hosted Peter when he received the vision leading to Cornelius's conversion. Simon was also the name of one of Jesus' brothers and the father of Judas Iscariot.
Related Verses71 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Simon," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Simon," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 3.George Morrish, "Simon," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).