This Apostle was one of the Twelve, and was called Simon the Cananite by Matthew, but Simon the Zealot by Luke (Matt. 10:4; Luke 6:15). The word "Cananite" used by Matthew is believed to be derived from kana, which in the Palestinian dialect of Aramaic means "zealot" or "zealous"; Luke therefore translates the meaning of "Cananite." Later accounts say that he was the bridegroom at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, where the Lord Jesus changed the water into wine, making this the first of His miracles (John 2:1-11); according to some, he is called Cananite because he was from Cana (according to others, from the Land of Canaan). Simon means "one who ears."

St. Simon, after his conversion, was zealous for the honour of his Master and exact in all the duties of the Christian religion; and showed a pious indignation toward those who professed this holy faith with their mouths.

After Pentecost, like other Apostles he went on missionary work. Some sources say he preached in Egypt, others, that in Persia with Judas Thaddeus, where they were both martyred, this is most wide spread tradition. Found guilty in overturning statues of idols, their throats were cut.

Later traditions expand on an independent personality for Simon and speculate about his fate. One tradition states that he travelled in the Middle Eastern and Africa. Christian Ethiopians claim that he was crucified in Samaria , while Justus lipids writes that he was sawn in half at Suanir,Persia. However,Moses of Chorene writes that he was martyred at Weriousphora in Caucasian Iberia. Tradition also claims he died peacefully at Edessa. Another tradition says he visited Britain -- possibly Glastonbury -- and was martyred in Caistor, modern-day Lincolnshire. There are various accounts of how and where St. Simon was martyred, though all are unanimous that he was martyred.
In art, Simon has identifying attribute of a saw because according to legend, he was put to death by a saw.

St. Simon, like the other Apostles, is regarded as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Churches, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Eastern Catholic Churches, the Anglican Churches and the Lutheran Church.