Definition

Proper noun * Saint Simon: One of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, also known as Simon the Zealot or Simon the Cananaean, to distinguish him from Simon Peter. He lived in the first century.

Usage

• The term "St. Simon" is used primarily in religious, historical, and academic contexts to refer to this specific biblical figure.
• It is often found in writings about the lives of the Apostles, Christian art, and church history.

Examples

• In a list of Apostles: "The twelve Apostles included St. Simon and St. Jude Thaddaeus, who are often commemorated together."
• In historical context: "Very little is recorded in the Gospels about the life and acts of St. Simon after his calling."

Advanced Usage

• "St. Simon the Zealot": This full title is frequently used to specify this Simon and clarify that he is not Simon Peter. The term "Zealot" may refer to a political faction or signify his zeal for the Jewish law.
• Feast Day: In Western Christian tradition, the feast day of St. Simon is celebrated on October 28th, jointly with St. Jude.

Variants and Related Words

• Simon the Zealot (noun): An alternative name for St. Simon.
• Simon the Cananaean (noun): Another name derived from the Aramaic word for "zealot," used in some Gospel accounts (e.g., Matthew 10:4, Mark 3:18).
• Apostle (noun): A title for each of the twelve chief disciples of Jesus Christ, including St. Simon.

Synonyms

• Simon the Zealot
• Simon the Cananaean

Notes on Meaning

• It is critical to distinguish this saint from Simon Peter (the Apostle Peter), who is a separate and more prominent figure. The qualifiers "the Zealot" or "the Cananaean" are essential for clear identification.
• Beyond his inclusion in the lists of Apostles, specific narratives about St. Simon are not found in the canonical New Testament; later traditions and apocryphal writings provide additional stories about his ministry and martyrdom.

Noun

1. one of the twelve Apostles (first century)