Reference: SIMON MACCABAEUS
Watsons
SIMON MACCABAEUS, surnamed Thossi, son of Mattathias, and brother of Judas and Jonathan. He was chief prince and pontiff of the Jews from A.M. 3860 to 3869, and was succeeded by John Hyrcanus. For the particulars of his life and transactions, see 1 Mac. 2:65; 5:17; 10:74-82; 12:33, &c; 13:1, &c; 14:4, &c; 15:1. &c.
2. SIMON, the Canaanite, an Apostle of Jesus Christ. It is doubtful whether the name of Canaanite was derived to him from the city Cana in Galilee, or whether it should not be taken according to its signification in the Hebrew, by deriving it from the root kana, "to be zealous," and this is the opinion of some learned men. See Lu 6:15; Ac 1:13, where he is surnamed Zelotes; see also Mt 10:4; Mr 3:18.
3. SIMON, brother of our Lord, Mt 13:55; Mr 6:3; that is to say, his cousin-german, being son of Mary, sister to the holy virgin. He is thought to be the same with Simeon, bishop of Jerusalem, and son of Cleopas.
4. SIMON MAGUS. Of this heretic, or rather father of heresy, Dr. Burton gives the following account: