It’s a common question that arises when reading the Gospels: Are Simon And Peter The Same Person? Confusion around biblical names isn’t uncommon, and sometimes misconceptions can become quite widespread. One such idea is that figures in the Bible had their names changed by divine decree to signify a major life transformation. While this concept can be appealing and seem to highlight God’s transformative power, it’s not always accurate. Let’s delve into the question of Simon and Peter, and also touch on another figure often associated with a name change – Paul – to clarify these points.
Understanding Simon Peter: More Than One Name
Yes, Simon and Peter are indeed the same person. You’ll find him referred to by both names throughout the New Testament. To understand why he has two names, and to dispel any notion of a name change in the dramatic sense, we need to look at the cultural context of names in biblical times.
Simon, or Simeon (Symeon in some Greek texts), is his original Hebrew name. Peter, on the other hand, is a name derived from the Greek word “Petros,” meaning “rock.” This name “Peter” is directly linked to an Aramaic name, “Cephas,” which also means “rock.” All three names – Simon, Peter, and Cephas – refer to the same apostle of Jesus.
A stained glass depiction of Saint Peter, highlighting his role as a key apostle in Christianity.
The key passage that often leads to questions about Peter’s name is found in John 1:42. Here, Jesus meets Simon and says:
“You are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).
This verse highlights the connection between Cephas and Peter, explicitly stating they are equivalent names. It’s important to note that this encounter happens early in Jesus’ ministry, long before some interpretations suggest a significant “name change” might occur.
Further emphasizing the “rock” association, in Matthew 16:18, Jesus famously says to Simon Peter:
“And I tell you, you are Peter [Petros], and on this rock [petra] I will build my church…”
Here, Jesus is using a play on words with Peter’s name. While “Petros” in common Greek referred to a small stone or pebble, “petra” referred to a large rock or bedrock. The distinction in ancient Greek wasn’t as rigid as often interpreted later. Regardless, Jesus is clearly emphasizing the meaning of Peter’s name – “Rock” – in relation to Peter’s role and confession.
Throughout the Gospels and the book of Acts, we see both “Simon” and “Peter” used interchangeably to refer to this apostle. Even in his own epistle, the apostle identifies himself as “Simeon Peter” (2 Peter 1:1). This self-identification as Simeon Peter would be unusual if his original name had been replaced entirely by a new one.
Therefore, the situation with Simon Peter isn’t a name change in the sense of replacing one name with another to signify a radical transformation. Instead, Simon had multiple names – Simon, his Hebrew name, and Cephas/Peter, names meaning “rock” in Aramaic and Greek respectively – all used to refer to the same individual. The “change” Jesus mentions in John 1:42 is more accurately understood as Jesus bestowing or emphasizing the name “Cephas/Peter” upon Simon, highlighting his destined role.
Debunking the Name Change Myth: The Case of Paul
The misconception of a dramatic name change is often mistakenly applied to the Apostle Paul as well. Many believe that Saul, the persecutor of Christians, became Paul, the apostle, and that Jesus changed his name on the road to Damascus as a symbol of this transformation. However, this is also inaccurate.
The truth is, Saul and Paul were two names for the same person from the beginning. Saul was his Hebrew name, rooted in his Jewish heritage and tribal affiliation with Benjamin (like King Saul of the Old Testament). Paul, derived from the Latin surname Paulus, was his Roman or Greek name, common in the Hellenistic world of the time.
An artistic representation of the Apostle Paul, emphasizing his role as a key figure in spreading Christianity to the Gentiles.
Acts 13:9 provides a crucial insight:
“But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit…”
This verse explicitly states that Saul “was also called Paul.” It doesn’t say Saul became Paul, but that he was also called Paul. This indicates that he had both names concurrently.
Consider these points that argue against a name change event for Paul:
- Jesus addresses him as “Saul, Saul” on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:4). There’s no indication in the narrative that Jesus then changes his name.
- Ananias calls him “Brother Saul” after his conversion (Acts 9:17). He is still referred to as Saul even after his transformative experience.
- The Holy Spirit calls him “Saul” before his first missionary journey (Acts 13:2). This would be peculiar if Jesus had already changed his name.
- He is called “Saul” 11 more times in Acts after his conversion (excluding Paul’s own recounts of the Damascus Road incident).
- The shift to primarily using “Paul” in Acts occurs when he begins his Gentile-focused ministry (Acts 13:13 onwards). It’s Luke, the author of Acts, who predominantly uses “Paul” from this point, not Jesus who changes the name.
The shift from using “Saul” to “Paul” in the book of Acts appears to be a narrative choice by Luke. As Paul’s ministry expands to primarily Gentile, Greek-speaking regions, Luke likely begins using his Greek name, “Paul,” more consistently. This makes sense in the context of communicating with a broader, Hellenistic audience and emphasizes Paul’s mission to the Gentiles.
Paul himself, when recounting his conversion in his letters and in Acts, mentions being addressed as “Saul” and refers to himself as Paul throughout his writings. There’s no indication from Paul’s own words that he understood his name to have been divinely changed.
Dual Naming Was Common
Having two names – one Hebrew/Jewish and one Greek/Roman – was a common practice for Jews living in the Hellenistic world during the time of the New Testament. It was a way to navigate both cultures. Paul, born in Tarsus (a Greek-speaking city) but educated in Jerusalem, would naturally have both names.
We see similar examples of dual names in the New Testament:
- Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus (Acts 1:23)
- Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (Acts 4:36)
- Simeon who was called Niger (Acts 13:1)
- Thomas (called Didymus) (John 21:2)
These examples further illustrate that having multiple names was not unusual and did not necessarily signify a divine name change.
Why Accuracy Matters
While the idea of a dramatic name change symbolizing transformation can be a compelling illustration of God’s grace, it’s crucial to base our understanding on accurate interpretation of Scripture. Drawing theological conclusions from misconceptions, even if well-intentioned, can ultimately undermine faith when these inaccuracies are discovered.
It is far more enriching and beneficial to engage with the Bible as it is, understanding the historical, cultural, and linguistic context. In the case of Simon Peter and Paul, understanding the common practice of dual naming provides a richer and more accurate understanding of their identities and roles in early Christianity.
A depiction of open Bible pages, symbolizing the importance of studying and understanding scripture accurately.
Instead of relying on simplified or inaccurate interpretations, we should strive for a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the Bible. This includes recognizing cultural practices like dual naming and carefully examining the scriptural evidence to avoid perpetuating misconceptions. By doing so, we build a stronger and more informed faith, grounded in the solid foundation of accurate biblical understanding.
In conclusion, Simon and Peter are indeed the same person, with Peter being a bestowed or emphasized name related to his role, not a replacement of his original name Simon. Similarly, Saul and Paul were always the same individual with two names reflecting his cultural context, not a name change symbolizing conversion. Clarity on these points allows for a more accurate and richer appreciation of the biblical narrative and the lives of these key figures in Christian history.
