Saint Simon the Apostle
- Born:
- Date and Place of Birth Unknown (likely Galilee)
- Died:
- Date and Place of Death Unknown (various traditions exist, including Persia and Britain)
- Nationality:
- Jewish
- Profession(s):
- Apostle, Missionary
Early Life and Calling
- Details of Saint Simon the Apostle's early life are not recorded in the New Testament.
- He is distinguished from Simon Peter, another apostle.
- Identified as "Simon the Zealot" or "Simon the Cananean," potentially indicating association with the Zealot movement, although interpretations vary.
- He was called by Jesus to be one of the twelve apostles.
Career and Major Achievements
- Simon accompanied Jesus throughout his ministry, witnessing his miracles and teachings.
- He was present at the Last Supper and the Pentecost.
- After Pentecost, he is believed to have preached the Gospel in various regions.
- Tradition suggests missionary journeys to Egypt, North Africa, Persia, and even Britain, although concrete evidence is lacking.
Notable Works
As an apostle, Saint Simon's primary "work" consisted of preaching the Gospel and establishing Christian communities. No writings are directly attributed to him.
Legacy and Impact
Saint Simon the Apostle is venerated as a saint in various Christian denominations. He is remembered for his dedication to Christ and his role in spreading the Christian message. The sparse information available about his life highlights the challenges of reconstructing the biographies of many early apostles, but his place within the apostolic college remains significant.