Simon Peter and More…
In the last post, we talked about the disciple Simon, who Jesus named Peter. I only know of one person called Peter in the Bible, but there are several guys named Simon in the Bible.
- Simon Peter (the disciple)
- Simon the Zealot (another disciple, which may be why Jesus called the other Simon, Peter)
- Simon the brother of Jesus (his other brothers were James, Joseph, and Judas)
- Simon the leper (the owner of the home where Jesus’ head was anointed with oil)
- Simon from Cyrene (who carried Jesus’ cross)
- Simon the Pharisee (the owner of the home where Jesus feet were washed with perfume)
- Simon Iscariot (father of Judas Iscariot)
- Simon the sorcerer (who asked to buy Holy Spirit power)
- Simon the tanner (who Peter stayed with in Joppa when Cornelius sent for him)
I would have never guessed there were this many guys named Simon in the Bible (in addition to three guys named Simeon).
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Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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33 replies on “Nine Guys Named Simon in the Bible”
Why do people always assume that these 9 Simons are different people rather than 9 personal attributes of the same person–the Rock?
Linda, thanks for stopping by. You ask an interesting question, but given the cities where they lived and what they did, it’s hard to assume they are all the same Simon.
I was visited by Simon in a dream. Not sure which one. He did not answer my questions regarding the Trinity or Buddism. He spoke to my wife ,a Buddist Christian, in a language I did not understand. His answers to me were through his expressions as if to say I know the answers. I was elated with the visit! In morning reading Simon the leper was mentioned! Any idea what this is about?
Duane, this is interesting, but I can only guess at the answer to your question. But if the dream came form God, ask him what it means. I’m confident he will answer. May it be so!
You forgot Simon, son of Jacob, in the book of Genesis.
I think Jacob’s son’s name is Simeon, not Simon.
Prophet Simon you missed. Luke 2. 25
Anna and Simon
Michael, alas, his name is slightly different: Simeon, not Simon. Thanks for commenting.
Great and brief teaching.
Thanks, Debebe! Have a blessed day!
Not nine
Jose, how many do you count?
Sir,
I counted 11 ,
Addional
1) LUKE 2:25
2) GENESIS 29:33
but on further verification
it is cleared that they are Simeon
not Simon. So. …Thanks
Jose Richard
Jose, you are correct! Thanks for the additional information.
Thanks again and pray for me.
Jose, I am honored to pray for you. May God bless you in all you do. May he provide to you the desires of your heart.
AMEN GOOD MESSAGE
I did a preached a sermon on this about ALL the different names of Simon, YEARS ago.
Diamond, that is so cool! I’m sure it was most interesting.
I need evidence bible verses with nine different men and why?
Nswa, here is a link to all Bible verses that mention Simon: https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=simon&qs_version=NIV
The evidence comes from the text.
Is Simon in Luke 4:38-39 Peter or someone else?
And where it is written in the bible to not not to go alone for the ministry, but always visit a home along with another person/friend preferably wife.
I am from India and learning to know Bible.
Dr. Aryan, thanks for reading this post (and signing up for my newsletter.) I view this Simon as Simon Peter, given the context. Also, some versions of the Bible, such as The Amplified Bible, identify him as Simon Peter.
As for your other question about not going alone in ministry, I don’t recall any place where the Bible says that. However, Jesus did send out his disciples in pairs (Luke 10:1) and Ecclesiastes 4:10 talks about the wisdom of having a friend to help you if you fall. Last, Peter did take his wife with on occasion (1 Corinthians 9:5). I hope that helps.
May God bless you on your journey with him!
Thanks, failed to keep timely track due to internet connection issue.
I thought Simon the leper and Simon the Pharisee were the same man? What makes you think they are different. I am preach in a sermon on Simon of Cyrene. Thanks.
Rev. Thangasamy you ask a great question.
If we take Luke’s account of a woman anointing Jesus’s feet as being the same account Mark and Matthew describe of a women anointing Jesus’s head, then Simon the leper is likely the same as Simon the Pharisee.
However, I think that Luke describes a different event than does Matthew and Mark. That removes any linking of Simon the leper and Simon the Pharisee being the same person.
(In a couple of weeks, I’ll post an excerpt from one of my books that looks into the four account of a woman who anoints Jesus.)
Thanks for asking! May your message on Simon of Cyrene go well!
Thanks for taking the time answer my query Dr. DeHann. I will wait for your other article before I preach on Simon of Cyrene. When I mention all other Simons in the NT, I want to be careful not to make a mistake. Thanks and may God bless the great work you are doing.
Robert
It makes an interesting question from a layperson to a Rabbi ” Where is the name Simon in The Old Testament?”. The name is so practical more than David or even Jesse. It has a Hebrew sound like Saul or Samuel.
Judy, there are no men named Simon in the Old Testament, but there is a Simeon! See https://www.peterdehaan.com/bible/simeon-in-the-bible/
The thought came, thanks to the Lord, of why there were so many Marys in the New Testament. The answer is that the mount on which Abraham was led to sacrifice Issac was call Moriah. A variant of Moriah is Mary or Maria. Mind blowing, right?! So then the thought came of why there were so many Simons. I have not been able to find that answer. While searching i stumbled upon here. Would you be able to give some insight or direction to this question?
Juan, at this point, I have no explanation. But if the Holy Spirit gives me any insight, I’ll let you know. Thanks for asking.
Hello, I am Alvin Chua from Malaysia. I am deaf. One more is Simon Magus (magician), is it right?
Great question!
I understand that Simon Magus is another name for Simon the Sorcerer, also known as Simon the Magician.
Thanks for asking. 🙂