Simon Magus, also known as Simon the Sorcerer or Simon the Magician, was a religious figure whose confrontation with Peter is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. The act of simony, or paying for position, is named after Simon, who tried to buy his way into the power of the Apostles.
Relief of Simon Magus at the gate of the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, Toulouse.
Peter's conflict with Simon Magus by Avanzino Nucci, 1620. Simon is on the right, wearing black.
Illustration of the Simonian philosophy
The death of Simon Magus, from the Nuremberg Chronicle
Saint Peter, also known as Peter the Apostle, Simon Peter, Simeon, Simon, or Cephas, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ and one of the first leaders of the early Christian Church. He appears repeatedly and prominently in all four New Testament gospels as well as the Acts of the Apostles. Catholic tradition accredits Peter as the first bishop of Rome—or pope—and also as the first bishop of Antioch.
Saint Peter (c. 1610–1612) by Peter Paul Rubens, depicting Peter, vested in the pallium, and holding the Keys of Heaven
The Calling of Saints Peter and Andrew, 1603/1606, Caravaggio
St. Peter's Church, Capernaum on north side of the Sea of Galilee; a Franciscan church is built upon the traditional site of Apostle Peter's house.
The Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew (from the Maestà), c. 1308–1311
