Bible Dictionaries
Simon

Holman Bible Dictionary

(ssih' muhn) Greek personal name meaning, “flat-nosed.” Used in New Testament as Greek alternative for Hebrew, “Simeon.” 1. The father of Judas Iscariot (John 6:71 ). 2 . One of Jesus' disciples; a son of Jonah (Matthew 16:17 ) and brother of Andrew. After he confessed Jesus as the Christ, the Lord changed his name to Peter (Matthew 16:18 ). See Peter; Simeon .

3. A Pharisee who hosted Jesus at a dinner (Luke 7:36-40 ). Simon learned valuable lessons about love, courtesy, and forgiveness after a sinful woman anointed Jesus at this event. 4. A native of Cyrene who was forced to carry Jesus' cross to Golgotha (Mark 15:21 ). See Acts 9:43 ) and there received a visionary message from God declaring all foods to be fit for consumption (Acts 10:9-16 ).

6. Jesus' disciple also called “the Canaanite” (Matthew 10:4 ) or the Zealot (Luke 6:15 ). 7 . Brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55 ). 8 . A leper who hosted Jesus and saw a woman anoint Jesus with costly ointment (Matthew 26:6-13; compare 3. above).

9. A magician from Samaria who believed Philip's preaching, was baptized, and then tried to buy the power of laying on hands and giving the Holy Spirit to people (Acts 8:9-24 ).