Simon th Magician | Acts 8:4-25

Introduction

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Last week we witnessed the martyrdom of Stephen. A Martyr is someone who is killed for their faith.

And Stephen was the first. But certainly not the last. A young Pharisee named Saul was inspired afterward to lead the persecution of Christians. Dragging them out of their homes, beating them, imprisoning them, and putting them do death.

Because of this, the community of believers scattered out from the capital of Jerusalem and into the neighboring territories.

Text

Acts 8:4–5 ESV

Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.

First of all, who is Philip?

There is a Philip who was a disciple of Jesus and is now an apostle, and this is not him. The apostles are still in Jerusalem.

This Philip is one of the deacons that was recently appointed along with Stephen to help manage the community of believers.

And in the scattering, He goes to Samaria.

Where is Samaria?

Samaria is a territory within Israel’s boundaries, but it is filled with a group of people who are separate from the Jews.

In fact, The jewish and Samaritan people despised each other.

They claimed to worship the same God, but Samaritans only believed in the first five books of the Bible that Moses wrote, from Genesis to Deuteronomy.

The jewish people consider them the same as foreigners.

But the Samaritans shared the belief that a savior would come for them. Since Moses himself said a prophet like him would come!

In fact, Jesus had encounters with Samaritans and some saw that He was the savior!

Now, as Philip arrives, they are going to hear all about it from him.

Acts 8:6–8 ESV

And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city.

The powerful ministry continues.

But notice that the most important thing is still the word that is being preached?

The healings, miracles, and the driving out of demons, that is secondary, they are not the main thing. they simply serve to demonstrate the truth of the Gospel.

But as they hear the good news of Jesus and see power of the Spirit, they celebrate!

One character in particular pays very close attention to Philip. Let’s meet him.

Acts 8:9–11 ESV

But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.

We’ve heard this wording before “he said he was somebody great”

When Peter and John are on trial, the elder Gamaliel gave a few previous examples of people who said they were somebody great and had a following.

This phrase is given to people who are believed to be the savior.

And with His magic he had all the samaritans convinced.

Here’s what we need to know about Magic:

Simon does not perform miracles by God’s power. So then, by whose power? Satan.

We’ve seen this before in Exodus as Pharaoh’s Magicians try to replicate Moses’ miracles.

in both these cases it is clear, there is real power in this sorcery, but it is not God’s power.

Those still exist. most are fakes, but fortune tellers, mediums, tarot cards, you name it. if anyone can do something, but they charge money and don’t preach Jesus, it’s not from God.

In the Bible, magic is distinct from miracles.

Miracles testify to the power of God and affirm the Gospel.

Magic pulls people away from God and distracts them.

do you think it’s a coincidence that Philip shows up and starts puling demon after demon out of these poor people?

Miracles are done to show God’s glory.

Magic is done for the glory or profit of the person performing it.

These people were all led astray by Simon.

But things change when Philip comes

Acts 8:12–13 ESV

But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

Philips preaching of the true savior loosens the stranglehold satan has on these people. they believe, they are baptised, they are saved!

And what’s that? Simon too?

This is the turn around of the century. I would have assumed they would have to face off and fight to the death, or that Simon would have persecuted Philip.

But Simon genuinely believes. More than just a bag of tricks, Philip preaches the Word of God that has the power to kill the old sinful self and give new life!

After his baptism, Simon is glued to Philip. He follows and observes him obsessively because He was enamored by his powerful miracles. Compared to his magic, He sees that this is the real deal.

And this ministry is so successful and so celebrated, in Samaria out of all places, that soon enough apostles in Jerusalem find out about this amazing development.

Acts 8:14–17 ESV

Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

What’s this? they hadn’t received the Holy Spirit?

Don’t we see and read and teach all the time that those who are baptised receive God’s Spirit that dwells in their hearts?

Then why don’t these people have it???

Well, they do! They are baptised, they have faith, they are saved, and they have the Holy Spirit.

But, the spirit has not been poured out on them like it did at pentecost. So they can’t heal, and drive out spirits, and do miracles.

So The apostles Peter and John go on a sort of diplomatic mission. They pray for them, lay on hands, and they receive the outpouring of the spirit as well.

Did God forget to do this beforehand? NO!

Think about it. Making Peter and John go makes one thing very clear. The Church of the Jewish Christians is the church of the Samaritan Christians. It is the same Jesus they have faith in and the same Holy Spirit who gives them faith and power.

So now these churches of very different people are united! And this sets the stage for when the Gospel goes out to all the nations. Al Christians are part of the same church!

But back to Simon the magician.

While all of this is happening, Simon sees the laying on of hands and the Spirit being poured out. And something happens inside him.

Acts 8:18–19 ESV

Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

Simon changed. He believed. He was saved.

But in one moment, it all changes.

He sees that this power isn’t just visible, but it can be bestowed!

He connects the dots and is dragged right back into his old ways of thinking.

perhaps HE can have this power too. This is much better than his magic ever was.

Even better, He can bestow it as well and be in control of Samaria again. if you want the power of the Spirit, you have to go to Simon.

For a while, Simon traded being Somebody great and submitted to Jesus.

But now He wants to be somebody great again.

And worst of all, he tries to buy this power.

Acts 8:20–21 ESV

But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.

Trying to buy the power of God means that Simon has no idea how the power of God works.

All of it is free. Salvation, forgiveness, the Holy Spirit. But is is all for God! and it comes through faith, not money!

It becomes clear quickly what Simon wants. He does not want to serve God. He does not want to spread the Gospel.

He wants to be “THE MAN”.

Whereas Jesus’ disciples all say “I’m not the man, Jesus is!”

But Simon wants power and recognition for himself.

So Peter curses him.

“You are as good as dead. Keep your silver so it dies with you.”

Harsh, but Peter is simply calling out that by this request, Simon has lost his salvation. Simon chose himself over Jesus. He is a dead man walking.

What is Simon to do?

Acts 8:22–23 ESV

Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.”

If possible? Can the Lord forgive this? of course he can.

Is it possible for Simon turn away from His sin and evil? Peter is unsure.

When he looks at Simon He sees bitterness. Not in an angry sense, but bitter like water from a poisoned well. from which others drink.

He is a slave to his selfish and evil ways. He saw the power of the spirit, was lured by a selfish desire, and was pulled in when he went to buy it.

Simon’s response is specific.

Acts 8:24 ESV

And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

Not, “forgive me”, “help me change”, or “i was wrong”

He’s trying to avoid consequence, not return to the Lord.

And Luke, who wrote acts, leaves His fate ambiguous. We do’t know if he ever repented or was forgiven. But the early church writings seem to believe he never came back to the faith.

But the apostles move on.

Acts 8:25 ESV

Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

The apostles head back to Jerusalem and affirm Philip’s preaching. The real Gospel of the real Savior has reached Samaria.

So in all this, The church has taken the next step towards carrying out Jesus’ words:

Acts 1:8 ESV

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Application

There are plenty of people like Simon these days. And we should be careful to recognize them.

People who use Christianity for power or influence or profit.

scroll on any social platform and you’ll see Christian influencers who just want your attention. Who either has the perfect life and family that you’re so jealous over, or has the messiest, most relatable walk with Jesus. And they just happen to get paid the more you watch them.

and they lead you away because they make you think that Christianity is about fitting into a cookie cutter life like theirs.

Politicians who just want your vote.

Why don’t we tweak this stance or that policy, that’ll get the Christian vote.

Why don’t we show up at a church once in a while so we don’t lose the segment before the midterms.

But in the end of the day, the name of Jesus is used to serve them. that’s backwards.

Pastors who want your money.

the prosperity gospel is still preached by popular pastors. they’ll tell you that the more you give, the more faith you show, and God will reward that faith by paying it back tenfold.

the only problem is that God doesn’t say that anywhere. and instead of you getting back tenfold, the so-called pastor gets a private jet.

You. So much of our own faith is centered on us. what we can get, what God can do for us, how we can become somebody great.

But you not the man, you’re not the woman.

And this life is not about you. It’s about Jesus.

John 1:6–8 ESV

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

And when we do make a mistake, when we do shove ourselves in in front of God. When we live ike we’re number one. Don’t make Simon’s mistake. Confess your sin and turn from it, and God’s free gift of forgiveness is yours.

So like John, like Peter, like Philip. Stop wasting your life trying to be somebody great. Jesus has already made you God’s child. Spend your life pointing others to the greatness of Jesus.

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Confession