![]() ![]() Revelation 3:19 is instructive: when Christians lose their way, lose their fire, lose their purity of motive, the answer is always repentance–and thus resumption of fellowship with their Lord. rebaptism (there is no thought of that in this passage), but.The solution in such cases is not severe discipline (though the apostolic rebuke was severe), nor.Although before his baptism, as soon afterward, Simon preferred impressing people over fearing God, he responds humbly (it must be admitted) when rebuked by the apostle Peter.We should be wary of defining repentance so strictly that no wavering is possible, or that people are tempted to hide their failings or doubts for fear of being deemed inauthentic.There (as God admits) the people had repented, but later changed their minds.The incident reminds us of Jeremiah 34:12-16.We may quickly lean towards doubting Simon’s conversion, yet there is evidence it was genuine.At each of four major moments in salvation history the Holy Spirit makes a point as the gospel moves into new territories/situations. (Note: something supernatural had taken place. When he realizes the apostles’ hands in some way imparted something miraculous to his former fans, he covets such power.Simon seems to have been genuinely converted.One is reminded of both Pharaoh’s magicians (Exodus 7:11) and Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:21-23).This man is fascinated with the dramatic and the impressive.Acts 8:4-24 is the only text where Simon the Sorcerer makes an appearance.Scriptural study (I was reading from the NASB.) The gospel is in its second phase of expansion, penetrating Judea and Samaria (Acts 1:8).And so, barrier by barrier, the walls come tumblin’ down… The fact that Samaritans were heterodox in their doctrine, and perhaps thought to be gullible, enhances the power of their conversion.He is presumably a Samaritan, although it is possible he was a Jew operating in Samaria.For more on the Magi, refer to the upcoming podcast. Whether or not this was Simon’s religious background, he did make certain claims to esoteric knowledge / power, and thus could be considered a magician or sorcerer. Simon received the epithet Magus, which means magician / sorcerer. ![]() There are at least 8 Simons in the Bible, not to mention several men named Simeon (a related name). LESSON ON SIMON THE SORCERER FULLYou can download the full audiobook recording on qobuz or amazon or itunes. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”Ģ5 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.R4E130909 – Simon the Sorcerer (New Testament Character Study) by Douglas Jacoby 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. ![]() 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. ![]() And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.ġ4 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. 12 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. 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.” 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 9 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. ![]()
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