Simon the Magician

…there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria…

Acts 8:9-24

Here, we have the story of a famous man, a magician, among the Samaritans who had a thriving practice of magic in Samaria. He amazed all strata of the people of Samaria. No doubt, Simon made a nice living in his practice. But, Philip arrived with a message far better than Simon’s magic. Luke writes, “Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.” This all sounds wonderful for Simon. But, not all is as it seems. For Peter and John came to Samaria to see the results of Philip’s works and to pray for and to lay hands upon the believers to receive the Holy Spirit. They already had been baptized as Jesus had commanded in the Great Commission. When Simon observed all this, he asked for and offered to pay for the power he had seen in Peter and John. This very new Christian displayed the worldliness of his sinful nature thinking that he could buy his salvation from the Apostles. When we look at Simon the magician, we may think how foolish he was in that day. But, are some like that today with their desires to heal people, to bring a “second blessing of the Holy Spirit” to others, or to ask people to send their hard earned money to this or that endeavor in order to receive back 2 or 3 fold what they “invested?” There are many “magicians” today who will dupe people into believing this or that alleged doctrine or non-biblical tenet. Peter challenged Simon right away saying, “…your heart is not right before God.” Peter told Simon to repent and pray to God that He may forgive him of his sin. To that, Simon asked Peter to pray to the Lord for him that none of what Peter said would occur. Scripture has no more to tell us of this Simon the magician. The message is clear from Peter’s mouth that believers are to turn from the world, its systems and, its influence upon people. The human nature does not want to do that! But, praise God the Holy Spirit is fully capable of achieving that in the regenerated soul of the Christian. Through His work in us and our believing in Christ, we can accomplish much. Read, pray, study and, seek God for in these, you will find Christ.

Source: S C Ball June 14, 2023