Bootleg Belief

Pastor Phil Pagliari

Acts 8:9-25

“Bootleg Belief”

God is concerned with authentic faith not bootleg belief!

Attraction doesn’t always lead to the proper action. (v.9-12)

Acts 8:9–12 “9 A man named Simon had previously practiced sorcery in that city and amazed the Samaritan people, while claiming to be somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least of them to the greatest, and they said, “This man is called the Great Power of God.” 11 They were attentive to him because he had amazed them with his sorceries for a long time. 12 But when they believed Philip, as he proclaimed the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.”

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 8

This man is called the Great Power of God

Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) 3405 μαγεύω

mageuō - Magic - Sourcery.

Sometime people who are concerned about amazing people only come to Christ become they think it will make them more amazing to people. 

1. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD) - First Apology, Chapter 26 (c. 150–155 AD): "And after being cast out by us, Simon Magus came to Rome during the reign of Claudius, and by the aid of demons performed magic wonders, so that he was regarded as a god and honored with a statue inscribed ‘To Simon the Holy God’ among the Romans." Context: Justin, a 2nd-century Christian apologist from Samaria, describes Simon as a Samaritan who gained a following in Rome through sorcery, suggesting he was deified there. The statue reference is now widely considered a misidentification of one dedicated to Semo Sancus, a Sabine deity.

2. Irenaeus (c. 130–202 AD) - Against Heresies, Book I, Chapter 23 (c. 180 AD): "Simon the Samaritan was that magician of whom Luke, the disciple and follower of the apostles, says [in Acts]… This man, then, was glorified by many as if he were a god; and he taught that it was himself who appeared among the Jews as the Son, in Samaria as the Father, and among the other nations as the Holy Spirit… He had a certain Helen, a hired prostitute from Tyre, whom he called the First Thought generated by him." Context: Irenaeus, a bishop of Lyons, expands on Simon’s story, portraying him as the originator of Gnosticism, claiming divine identity and associating him with a consort, Helen, as part of his theology.

3. Hippolytus of Rome (c. 170–235 AD) - Refutation of All Heresies, Book VI, Chapter 7 (c. 222–230 AD): "Simon, therefore, by procuring the assistance of demons, ventured on these practices… He alleged that he was himself the Supreme Power, that is, the Father over all, and that he had appeared in Judea as the Son, and in Samaria as the Father, and among the rest of the nations as the Holy Spirit." Context: Hippolytus, writing just within the two-century mark, accuses Simon of using demonic powers and claiming to be a triune divine figure, reinforcing the view of him as a heretic and sorcerer.

4. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD) - Dialogue with Trypho, Chapter 120 (c. 155–160 AD): "And almost all the Samaritans, and a few even of other nations, acknowledge and worship him [Simon] as the first god; and a certain woman, Helen, who went about with him at that time, and had formerly been a prostitute, they say was the first Thought generated by him." Context: In this work, Justin reiterates Simon’s influence among Samaritans and mentions Helen, aligning with Irenaeus’ account and emphasizing Simon’s perceived divinity among his followers.

5. Irenaeus (c. 130–202 AD) - Against Heresies, Book I, Chapter 23 (c. 180 AD): "This Simon, pretending to be a believer, after he was baptized, continued with Philip for some time… but afterward, having been detected by the apostles as being what he really was, he went forth and taught these things which we have described, leading many astray." Context: Irenaeus connects Simon’s story directly to Acts but adds that he continued his deceptive teachings after leaving the apostles, influencing others into heresy.These quotes reflect the early Christian perspective on Simon Magus within the first two centuries after Jesus’ death (up to 233 AD).

They are drawn from orthodox writers who viewed him as a dangerous figure, often blending historical memory with theological polemic. No writings from Simon himself or his followers survive, so these accounts are filtered through the lens of his critics. Notably, some scholars question the accuracy of these elaborations, suggesting they may exaggerate or mythologize Simon’s role to serve anti-heretical agendas. Nonetheless, these are the primary historical references available from that timeframe outside the New Testament.

Be truthful about why you are following Christ. (v.13)

Acts 8:13 “13 Even Simon himself believed. And after he was baptized, he followed Philip everywhere and was amazed as he observed the signs and great miracles that were being performed.”

Believe in an outward way.

He heard-he “believed”

He was following Philip

Judas followed Jesus

Continue to peruse Christ for all that He is. (v.14-17)

Acts 8:14–17 “14 When the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 After they went down there, they prayed for them so that the Samaritans might receive the Holy Spirit because he had not yet come down on any of them. 16 (They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”

A Second Pentecost - Semeritan Pentacost

Two Stage- Actual Belief from thoes who belived.

The Tention between Jews and Sarmritain

Also in Acts 9 with Cornelio s a Gentle

John - Calling fire down

Don’t think you can earn the gifts of God.  (v.18-20)

Acts 8:18–20 “18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also so that anyone I lay hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter told him, “May your silver be destroyed with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!”

Simony individuals or groups bought or sold spiritual offices, privileges, or sacred things within the Christian church

Pope Benedict IX (11th Century) Benedict IX, who served as pope multiple times between 1032 and 1048, is one of the most infamous examples. He reportedly sold the papacy to his godfather, who became Pope Gregory VI in 1045. Benedict, known for a scandalous lifestyle, allegedly resigned for a large sum of money, allowing Gregory to take the throne. This transaction led to accusations of simony, and the ensuing chaos prompted Emperor Henry III to intervene, deposing both Gregory and another claimant at the Synod of Sutri in 1046.

The Investiture Controversy (11th-12th Centuries) This broader conflict between the Holy Roman Emperors and the papacy saw widespread simony. Secular rulers, like Emperor Henry IV, appointed bishops and abbots by "investing" them with their offices, often in exchange for money or loyalty. For example, Henry IV’s appointments in Germany were frequently criticized as simoniacal by reformist popes like Gregory VII, who sought to end lay control over church offices. The practice was so entrenched that it fueled decades of political and religious strife.

Different ways- on earth and heaven

External participation doesn’t signify your internal transformation. (v.21;23)

Acts 8:21 “21 You have no part or share in this matter, because your heart is not right before God.”

Acts 8:23 “23 For I see you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by wickedness.””

Your heart must be right be right before God.

Simon was baptized he was following he was found to be wanting temporal things not eternal.

Mark 4:14–21 “The sower sows the word. Some are like the word sown on the path. When they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word sown in them. And others are like seed sown on rocky ground. When they hear the word, immediately they receive it with joy. But they have no root; they are short-lived. When distress or persecution comes because of the word, they immediately fall away. Others are like seed sown among thorns; these are the ones who hear the word, but the worries of this age, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And those like seed sown on good ground hear the word, welcome it, and produce fruit thirty, sixty, and a hundred times what was sown.”

The whole man must make the decision before the heart can know any real satisfaction. God wants the whole person, and He will not rest till He gets us in entirety. No part of the man will do.10

A. W. Tozer

47  Faith is believing right here with your head no matter how your heart feels.

Beth Moore

Psalm 78:37 “37 their hearts were insincere toward him, and they were unfaithful to his covenant.”

Forgiveness of sin is given to those who repent to Christ in faith. (v.22)

Acts 8:22 “22 Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, your heart’s intent may be forgiven.”

Fear that Judgemtn would come down on HIm.

Go to the Lord yourself and Go preach the Gospel to others. (24.-25)

Acts 8:24–25 “24 “Pray to the Lord for me,” Simon replied, “so that nothing you have said may happen to me.” 25 So, after they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they traveled back to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.”