Turn in your bible to the eighth chapter of Acts, and we’re going to consider these verses this morning that deal with Simon the Sorcerer who illustrates faith that does not save – faith that does not save. Not only do we sense that from the song but even from our scripture lesson this morning when we see a man who looks so good on the outside, but when the truth was known the inside was not right with Thee.įather, may nobody in this place leave today who is not right with Thee in their hearts. Yet deep spirituality is rooted in a Christ-like character, purified by suffering, evidenced in perseverance through loving ministry.Father, we thank You that it is true that man looketh on the outward appearance, and God looks on the heart. He was concerned with the appearances of things. Simon’s problem wasn’t that he was too deep (profound or esoteric), but that he was shallow.Am I moved by hype and glitz, or by heart and truth? Do I consciously or even unconsciously hope to impress others by my story (Colossians 2:18-19)? (Rebaptism isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.) Not so quick to judge people’s repentance.For more, please weigh my comments in my podcast on Harry Potter. On the other hand, there is a difference between black magic and innocent fantasy. Stay away from sorcery, which we are warned about in both testaments (2 Kings 9:22 2 Chronicles 33:6 Isaiah 47:9,12 Micah 5:12 Galatians 5:20 Revelation 9:21, 18:23).Later traditions about a show-down between Peter and Simon Magus appear in polemical texts among various patristic writers (Epiphanius, Hippolytus, Irenaeus, Justin Martyr), and also in apocryphal documents like The Acts of Peter (late 2nd century).Or make a list of figures in the Bible who failed to give glory to God. All three had reached impressive levels in their ability to wow the crowds. You might also want to explore the parallels between Simon the Sorcerer and Jannes and Jambres, the magicians of Pharaoh (and to whom a pseudepigraphal work was attributed).This perverse practice was current in the Middle Ages. Learn about the sin of simony, the sale of clerical office.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).You can download the full audiobook recording on qobuz or amazon or itunes. ![]() R4E130909 – Simon the Sorcerer (New Testament Character Study) by Douglas Jacoby
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