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2. Simon the Sorcerer and the Work of Peter and John in Samaria (Acts 8:9-25)
ACTS 8:9-13
9 But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practice sorcery in the city, and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some great one, 10 to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is that great power of God.” 11 They listened to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed.
At that time, the region around Nablus was being overshadowed by an unjust spirit. Besides the Samaritans deviation from the truth of the Law, whose religion was a mixture of different religions, many evil spirits possessed them. Their houses were filled with these spirits, who had moved in to subjugate their minds. Samaria, in particular, was controlled by these demons, where an evil spirit had taken control over Simon, a well-known sorcerer, as well as his followers. But when the good news of the gospel came, the bonds of darkness fell from many, for the word of Christ releases those that are bound. The light of heaven drives away the darkness of the devil; Christ is the Victor, even today.
The sorcerer, who had exercised dominion over many people through his powers, claimed he was someone great. Those who followed close behind him called him the power of the great God. From this it appears, once again, that the essence of Satan’s spirit is pride, haughtiness, and dominion. On the other hand, Christ is gentle and lowly in heart. He gave all glory and honor to His Father, and died in the form of a criminal, taking our place.
When Philip entered this dark city as an apostle of humility in the power of Christ, the light of the gospel began to shine. Many people were enlightened, and those who had closely followed Simon the sorcerer now raced to Philip, believing his word. They did not seek salvation from their sins at first, nor was there great repentance. Instead, they marveled at the miracles being worked in Christ’s name, wishing to participate in His power and protection. They began being baptized in droves. In truth, however, their faith in Christ was not an abiding faith, but mere belief in and admiration of what Philip had said and done.
Such belief is not true spiritual faith. Multitudes raced to Philip, the powerful evangelist, but they were not converted. This superficial reaction also manifested itself in Simon the sorcerer, who felt the great power of God in Philip. He apparently submitted to the messenger of Christ, and was baptized as a sign of mental acceptance. Yet his heart remained hard, and his spirit remained stony, for he was still filled with a lower spirit. He faithfully played the hypocrite, holding fast to Philip, but not to Jesus. He had observed Philip, and wished to learn from this man of God the mystery behind his power and joy. He became even more astonished when he saw the power of Christ flowing out from Philip. Yet he was not in a state to grasp it.
From this revival in Nablus, brought by the hand of Philip, we learn that neither the reception of the word of God by the masses nor the flowing forth of the power of God necessarily lead to sincere repentance, true faith, conversion, and salvation. All people are generally religious by nature. They are ready to believe in spiritual wonders, applaud inspiring speeches, and submit to attractive, appealing news. They are not, however, committed to the crucified and risen Christ, nor are they willing to deny themselves. Have you, dear brother, been planted in Christ, or are you a spy within His church?
PRAYER: O Lord, we thank You, for Your gospel is the power of blessing that drives out demons and releases many to believe. Help us not to be inactive in our hometown, where we were born, but to go forth into our surroundings and preach Your name, so that evil spirits may come out in Jesus’ name, and individuals may repent and be regenerated by your Holy Spirit. Amen.
QUESTION:
- What was Simon’s sin? How did Peter tell him to overcome it?