Magic arts and magic acts astonish the crowd today.  How do they do that?  Have you noticed magicians rarely reveal the how of their magic acts?  People are captivated by a good magician.  Simon was such a magician.  He had astounded the people of Samaria for a long time.  In fact, Simon had top billing as “the Great Power of God”.  (Acts 8:9-11)

  Then Philip came into Samaria.  He had fled from persecution against believers of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. When Philip came he preached the Good News of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.  The crowds believed and were baptized.  Simon the magician also believed what Philip proclaimed and was baptized.  (Acts 8:12-13)

  In fact, Simon followed Philip.  Simon listened to Philip’s preaching and watched him in amazement as he did many miracles of healing and delivering individuals from unclean spirits.  (Acts 8:13)

  Simon knew the “ins and outs” of magic acts.  What he witnessed Philip doing was amazing to him.  How did Philip actually, physically heal people who were clearly paralyzed and lame?  How did Philip actually, physically deliver individuals from the control of unclean spirits?  Simon wanted to know.  Simon followed Philip trying to find out the source of this power. 

  Peter and John were sent from Jerusalem because the apostles had heard the Samaritans had received the word of God and believed.  (Acts 8:14)

  Peter and John came to these new believers who had been baptized in the name of Jesus and laying their hands on them, prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit of God.    Acts 8:15-17

  Simon, not understanding God’s ways, offered these two men money for the power and authority to lay his hands on people to receive the Holy Spirit as Peter and John were doing.  (Acts 8:18-19)

  Peter’s spiritual discernment of Simon was in line with God and His truths. 

(NIV) Acts 8:20-23 “Peter answered, ‘May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!  21You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.  22Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord.  Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.  23For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.’”

  When we become followers of Christ, that is the first step…however, there is the next step, to leave the “old” life and step forward into the new life in Christ Jesus. 

  Repentance is needed every step of the way…that our hearts be right with God. 

Looking like a believer and acting like a believer is not being a true believer.

  The intentions of our inner being: we need to yield to God and His ways.

Followers of Christ, we are to worship God and to do what He calls us to do, without showmanship.  Without the outward clothing of “looking like” a believer. 

  How did Simon respond to such a public rebuke?
(NASB) Acts 8:24 “But Simon answered and said, ‘Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

  Did Simon ever come into true belief in Jesus Christ?  Scripture does not say. 

~ Take it to heart ~

  What about you? 
  Is your faith, Showmanship? 
  Or is it Genuine faith…only you and the Lord God know. 

Categories: The Acts of the Holy Spirit