![]() ![]() Simon reminds me of a guy I saw in a movie he was wearing around his neck a Cross, Star of David, a Buddha, an Islamic Half Moon, and several other religious symbols-he wasn’t taking any chances. It’s easy for new believers to make mistakes when their overall knowledge of Scripture is weak. I wonder how much Simon understood about Christianity beyond the basics. Verse 13 tells us, “Simon believed and was baptized.” Did he exercise real faith, or did he “slip into” the church to gain access to power? What was the basis for his faith-the teaching of the disciples, or the miracles they performed? Did Simon have faith in God, or faith in faith, the “power of belief”? Decide for yourself, for scholars don’t agree and the text is not definitive on this point. He heard the Gospel proclaimed and saw many signs and wonders. The big question over this passage is whether Simon had genuinely converted. Dynamic cult leaders and other false teachers claim special power and insight, deceiving many. Whenever a ministry is focused on a self-exalting personality instead of Christ, there’s a serious problem. Simon boastfully called himself the “Great Power” (vs 10). The big difference between Simon and the disciples is that they gave Christ the credit and attention, not themselves. But when Philip and Peter came to the city, he encountered real power-unmistakable miraculous healings and speaking in tongues, which caught his attention. Simon the Sorcerer amazed the people of Samaria with his impressive tricks and dynamic personality. People are attracted to entertainment with dazzling special effects. Above all, do not let bitterness gain a foothold in your life it will corrupt you and others.Conversions in the Book of Acts> “Simon the Sorcerer” Acts 8:9-24 Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts If you see it in others, gently seek to restore them to the humility of Christ ( Galatians 6:1-2). Repent and plead for God's mercy before it is too late. Where such wickedness lies in us, we need to take this passage to heart. Bitterness lurks beneath the surface of so many people who go to church: it is a bad disease which spreads. And yet self-motivated spiritual celebrities need to hear Peter's rebuke. We do not know whether or not he repented. When Simon realised that the possibility of God's judgement was real ( Acts 5:1-11) Simon asked the apostles to intercede with God on his behalf. Whatever relationships or events in his background may have fomented bitterness, the only remedy for wickedness is repentance and God's mercy. Peter discerned its source as the enslaving grip of bitterness, which is a spiritually contagious disease which is able to destroy fellowship and hinder the gospel ( Deuteronomy 29:18 Hebrews 12:15). Simon's desire to control people was not described as 'enthusiasm', 'misunderstanding' or 'immaturity' but 'wickedness'. Although Simon wanted to be part of the apostolic team, Peter bluntly told him that he could have no part in their ministry because his heart was not right before the Lord: and both Simon and his money would perish. Peter rebuked Simon strongly for his self-centred desire and for insulting God who gives His Spirit freely to those who repent ( John 3:34). ![]() His motive was exposed when he offered payment to the apostles so that he could buy their power ( Acts 8:18-19). Simon claimed to believe in Jesus, but really wanted to be a spiritual celebrity. As they laid hands on the new believers, Simon saw manifestations of God's power, and he wanted to have that sort of influence over people. ![]() It came to light when Peter and John came from Jerusalem, teaching that all who believed in Jesus should also welcome His Holy Spirit ( Acts 8:14-17). But there was something wrong in the heart of this man who craved public recognition, presumably making money from his 'magic powers' ( Acts 8:4-11). As people believed, they were baptised Simon among them. Philip the Evangelist was preaching the gospel in Samaria, when Simon the Sorcerer was attracted to hear what he had to say. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |