Study questions and discussion issues:

1. How is this life different from the lives/texts previously covered in this course?

2. Discuss the chronology of Simeon’s life. What significance does it have for this narrative?

3. How are the family issues presented in this text? How is presented Simeon’s filial position? Is he an obedient and loving son?

4. Discuss Simeon’s asceticism. Is it similar to that of the Desert Fathers’?

5. Discuss Simeon’s virtues.

6. Why was Simeon so popular?

7. Discuss the theme of the pillar. What (symbolic) meaning does the pillar have in the text?

8. Discuss Simeon’s miracles.

9. Comment on the miracle of Simeon’s healing of the snake. What does this episode say about Simeon?