Simon the Sorcerer

Introduction:

Every generation of people has had to contend with charlatans, con-artists, flimflam men and hucksters.

A century ago they came in the form of rain-makers and snake oil salesmen.

Today, this genre of men often push “religion” as a means of making merchandise of the brethren and “by covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words” (2 Peter 2:3).

One of the greatest stories of conversion in the book of Acts deals with a con-artist called Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:5–13).

“Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 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.

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. 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.” (Acts 8:5–13 ESV)

Prior to his conversion, Simon would have made a good televangelist.

He could have had his own TV show and felt right on home on stage with several noble preachers of our day.

Simon had everything going for him.

His credentials as a “faith healer” would have been impressive.

The early “Church Fathers” wrote much about this man—some of their accounts are highly imaginative.

There is nothing more known for certain about this man other than what Luke wrote about him.

He is known and “Simon Magus” or “Simon the Sorcerer.”

His name “Simon” suggests he was of Jewish or Samaritan origin.

In this lesson we want to notice some of the things about his “religion” and the way many of the Samaritans viewed him.

Simon Made Great Claims

Simon claimed “that he was someone great” (Acts 8:9). Look at the differences between Simon the Sorcerer and Philip:

One preached himself, the other preached Christ.

One man amazed his audience with “sorcery,” while the other man performed genuine miracles by the Spirit of God.

One man had to rely upon gullible people, the other man called for faith in the Son of God.

This really is the difference between the religion of Jesus Christ and the superstitions which the world calls religion.

Philip went into the region of Samaria to preach Christ—to preach that the Messiah had come and to make known his teachings.

The same truths had before been stated in Samaria by our Savior Himself (John 4:3–5).

“he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. And he had to pass through Samaria. So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.” (John 4:3–5 ESV)

Maybe why they gladly received the word (John 4:39–42).

“Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”” (John 4:39–42 ESV)

The field had been prepared by Jesus Himself—He said the fields were “already white for harvest” (John 4:35).

“Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” (John 4:35 ESV)

It is in this field that Philip enters and is blessed in his labor.

Simon made great claims, but he was a fraud!

Simon Drew Large Numbers Of People

The people of Samaria “all gave heed” to Simon (Acts 8:10).

Acts 8:10 (ESV) 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.”

Many people want to be a part of the “mega-ministries.”

Large numbers are not wrong by themselves.

Oral Roberts built the largest hospital owned by any church.

Jim and Tammy Bakker built the third largest theme park in America

Many would be impressed with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:17–22).

“When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is it you, you troubler of Israel?” And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you have, and your father’s house, because you have abandoned the commandments of the Lord and followed the Baals. Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.”

So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel. And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. Then Elijah said to the people, “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal’s prophets are 450 men.” (1 Kings 18:17–22 ESV)

Just because a preacher has a large following does not mean he message is pleasing to God (cf. Matt. 18:20).

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”” (Matthew 18:20 ESV)

Simon the sorcerer had a large following, but he was a thief!

Simon Had Many Influential Followers

Simon’s followers came from all classes of people, “from the least to the greatest” (Acts 8:10).

Some people get real excited when a famous politician or Hollywood star is a member of their church.

God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34–35).

“So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” (Acts 10:34–35 ESV)

Christ did not promise popularity (Matt. 10:22).

“and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22 ESV)

The New Testament church was composed of former prostitutes, drug users, adulterers and homosexuals (1 Cor. 6:9–11).

Jesus rejoiced when sinners came to Him (Luke 15:1–7).

Not many “noble” people will come to Christ (1 Cor. 1:18–26).

Simon had “great” people follow him, but he was a charlatan!

Simon Could Offer Moving Testimonials

The Samaritans said, “This man is the great power of God” (Acts 8:10). If you dared to question the claims of Simon he would have supplied you with a list of folks willing to give personal testimony about his ability. Every witch doctor in Africa and every Voodoo priest in Haiti can supply you with a list of references of people the “healed.” What does it prove? What about his audience? Were they all liars?

God allows Satan to blind the eyes of some (John 12:39–40; 2 Cor. 4:4).

“Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said,

“He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them.”” (John 12:39–40 ESV)

“In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV)

God will allow people to believe a lie (2 Thes. 2:9–12).

“The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:9–12 ESV)

When an honestly mistaken man sees that he is mistaken, he either ceases to be honest or he ceases to be mistaken! Simon could offer you testimonials, but he was a flimflam man!

Simon Could Perform Astonishing Feats

Simon was able to “astonish” his audience with his feats (Acts 8:11).

Simon’s sleight of hand and Houdini-like powers amazed the people.

Like many “faith healers” today, he could probably cure everything from headaches to vertigo (2 Thes. 2:9).

Of course, Simon could not make the lame to walk, the blind to see or raise the dead like the apostles did (Acts 3:6; 9:40).

“But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”” (Acts 3:6 ESV)

“But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.” (Acts 9:40 ESV)

The magicians in Pharaoh’s court imitated Moses (Exo. 7:11).

“Then Pharaoh summoned the wise men and the sorcerers, and they, the magicians of Egypt, also did the same by their secret arts.” (Exodus 7:11 ESV)

“Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds” (2 Cor. 12:12).

“The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.” (2 Corinthians 12:12 ESV)

The Ephesians were commended because they “tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars” (Rev. 2:2).

““ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.”(Revelation 2:2 ESV)

Simon could perform astonishing feats, but he was a huckster!

Simon Had Been A Long Time Resident Of Samaria

Simon was not a newcomer to Samaria, for he had been able to dupe people “for a long time” (Acts 8:11).

Perhaps as long as five to seven years.

Around 27 A.D. Jesus had been to Sychar (near the city of Samaria).

It is possible that Simon arrived in the after just after Jesus left, and finding people still influenced by the Master, he capitalized on their excited feelings for his own purposes.

Some people believe longevity in a town is proof that God is with you.

Some even brag that their church established the town.

Simon was a long time resident of Samaria, but he was an impostor!

Conclusion

Just because a church makes great claims, has a large number of influential members, offers moving testimonials about astonishing feats and has existed in town for 50 years—that is no proof that God is with them.

Simon had all of this and more!

Young people, don’t allow yourself to be influenced by these things.

We are happy to report that when Simon saw the genuine power of God, he, along with many others, gave up on his religious scam (Acts 8:12–13).

“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.” (Acts 8:12–13 ESV)

We are 10,000 miles and 2,000 years removed from the church established in Jerusalem in the second chapter of Acts, but we can become what they were by doing what they did (Acts 2:38–42).

God is not going to force you to obey the truth—He will allow you to believe a lie (2 Thes. 2:11–12).

“Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:11–12 ESV)