Simon the Sorcerer The Magus

Some common words in the English language are actually named after people, words like “jacuzzi,” “leotard,” and “silhouette.” One is even derived from Scripture.

Simon lived in the city of Samaria during the early Christian church. His practice of the dark arts had elevated him to the status of a god, if not the Messiah Himself (Acts 8:10).

But when Philip, one of the church deacons, arrived, Simon was no longer the center of attention. Crowds flocked to hear and see Philip (vv. 6, 7). Philip, unlike Simon, did not promote his own greatness and his own prowess. No, Philip instead told the story of the true Messiah, Jesus, of His love and sacrifice for the human race. Many hearts were touched, including Simon’s. He and many others were baptized into the faith (vv. 12, 13).

But Simon also had a love for fame and glory. The miracles that Philip performed fascinated him. What could he do with that kind of power?

A short time later, the apostles Peter and John came to Samaria. As the two apostles prayed and laid hands upon the believers, those whom Philip had baptized were now baptized with the power of the Holy Spirit (v. 17)—but not Simon. He merely watched, awestruck. Why, these two men had even more capabilities than Philip!

Eagerly he rushed forward, thrusting money at the apostles. “Give me this power also,” (v. 19) he demanded. But you cannot pay for what is freely given; and what could be bought already had been bought by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Thus was Simon’s name etched into history with the audacity of his filthy trade. The word “simony,” the sale of ecclesiastical or sacred things, bears his sad moniker.

“Repent,” was Peter’s reply. “For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity” (vv. 22, 23).

But Simon did not see what Peter saw. His response spoke volumes: “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me” (v. 24). He felt no horror of his own black heart, only a horror of the consequences of having one.

Perhaps most tragic were the multiple opportunities Simon had to turn to God. But after his initial profession of faith in baptism, he chose only to continue in sin.

Reflect: How do you know if you are truly repentant for your sins? Carefully study God’s law and you will be led to Christ.

Key Bible Texts

For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. (Proverbs 24:16 KJV)