Aug 10, 2014
Acts 8:9-25
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Let’s quickly recap where we are in the flow of Acts 8:5-8, “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city.”
Philip came “to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.”
This great awakening occurred because what the people “heard” and “saw” aligned.
Luke tells us as a result “there was great joy in that city.”
While happiness is an inner emotion created by an outside stimulant, joy is an inner state that yields an outward manifestation. The result of this moving of God was that a real joy that transcended circumstance existed in the lives of these new believers.
I think it’s tragic that Christians have developed a negative perception as being relatively grumpy people when we should be known by our joy! May I ask… What should be the fundamental driver of your general attitude… The souring politics of the day, the daily ups and downs you experience at work, the Dawgs - Falcons - blundering Braves, or should the driver be a supernatural joy produced from the indwelling Spirit of God?
Acts 8:9-13, “But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.”
In the midst of this incredible awakening in Samaria Luke singles out and focuses his attention on an interesting character known historically as “Simon the Sorcerer.” He’s introduced as that Simon who “previously practiced sorcery in the city…”
The Greek word “sorcery” is “mageuô” meaning “to be a magician or to practice magical arts.” While some have presumed that Simon was nothing more than an “illusionist” the etymology of this word might indicate he actually practiced black magic.
“Mageuô” comes from the ancient word “magos” which was “given by the Babylonians, to the wise men, teachers, priests, physicians, astrologers, seers, interpreters of dreams, soothsayers, and sorcerers.” It seems likely that Simon might have even practiced some of the evil mystical arts of the ancient Babylonians.
Whether his magic was real or not Simon was so compelling at his craft that beyond being “astonished” people perceived him to be “the great power of God.” Since this phrase had what some believe to be Messianic overtones it’s evident Simon had used his power to develop a great standing among the people of Samaria.
In many ways Simon was what we’d Biblically call an antichrist (not in opposition to Christ, but rather in place of Christ); however, once the people heard and accepted Jesus as the real Messiah, Simon’s influence immediately dissipated. The easiest way to expose a counterfeit is to compare it with the original.
Luke tells us in the midst of this mass revival among the Samaritans produced by the preaching of Philip even Simon “believed, was baptized,” and “continued with Philip.”
This word “believed” is the Greek word “pisteuô” which is the same word we find in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Not only does it appear Simon genuinely converts and becomes a follower of Jesus, but Simon chooses to be baptized (an outward demonstration of an inward transformation) and proceeds to be mentored by none other than Philip.
Acts 8:14-17, “Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”
Once word of this incredible work reached the Apostles who had remained in Jerusalem, Peter and John are promptly sent to Samaria to check things out. It would seem that after a quick evaluation it became immediately clear these new Samaritan believers “had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” and needed to “receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them.”
On one aspect we know that since these Samaritans “believed” the issue of concern was not their salvation. Jesus said in John 3:36 that “he who believes in the Son has everlasting life.” Instead what seemed to be lacking boiled down to an interaction they had yet to experience with the Holy Spirit.
First, we know they had already experienced the “para-ministry” of the Holy Spirit. This Greek word “para” or in English “with” meaning “to come alongside of” describes the work of the Spirit convicting the world of sin in order to draw men to Jesus.
Secondly, we know the issue couldn’t have been the “en-ministry” of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word “en” or in English “in” meaning “to come within” describes the work of the Spirit indwelling the believer at the point of conversion for the purpose of salvation.
It would therefore appear the issue of concern was this final “epi-ministry” whereby the Holy Spirit comes “upon” the believer for the purpose of power. If you notice… What concerned Peter and John was that the Holy Spirit had not yet “fallen upon them.”
Back in the first few verses of Acts 1 Jesus commanded His disciples not to depart from Jerusalem because He knew they really could do nothing effective for the Kingdom of God until the Spirit came “upon them” for empowering!
This passage now reinforces the reality that there is a noticeable difference between a “follower of Christ” and a “Spirit-filled follower of Christ” with the distinction coming back to the power in which a person is attempting to follow Jesus… Self or Spirit!
In his book “Christ Indwelling and Enthroned” J. Oswald Sanders wrote concerning this 3rd ministry of the Holy Spirit, “You are not asking God to give you the Holy Spirit as a Person, for He has already done that. You are asking Him, in response to your absolute surrender, to impart His fullness, so that you may have Him dwelling in you in the full and unhindered exercise of all His divine attributes.” He later writes, “God desires your whole being to be placed entirely at His disposal. Not your time, your talents, your money, but you, your whole self.”
You see being Spirit-filled is not a title to be awarded, but rather a condition to be experienced through a continued interaction with the Spirit of God.
Once again Sanders writes, “If your business is to prosper, it must ever be kept in mind that you are dealing, not with an influence or a law, but with a Person, a Partner with whom you can have intimate fellowship and communion.”
If the individuals who make up the church aren’t experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit, the church itself becomes nothing more than a spiritual nursing home who’s principle purpose becomes caring for dying, powerless, cranky people as opposed to being a spiritual base camp whereby spiritual warriors come to check in, chow down, and gear up so that they might head back into the battle. We desire C316 to be the latter.
Charles Spurgeon provides this stark warning we should all consider, “A church in the land without the Spirit is rather a curse than a blessing. If you have not the Spirit of God, Christian worker, remember that you stand in somebody else's way; you are a fruitless tree standing where a fruitful tree might grow.”
Though Peter and John “laid hands” on these Samaritan believers and “they received the Holy Spirit,” Jesus tells us in Luke 11 how easy it can be for you and I to experience this unique ministry of the Holy Spirit.
He said, “Your heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Understand, a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit is simply a matter of the believer “asking” and then “receiving.”
Note: While we will see that there was indeed some type of supernatural manifestation taking place as the Holy Spirit came upon these Samaritans, it should be pointed out the “gift of tongues” is not specifically mentioned as it is in Acts 2, Acts 10, and Acts 19.
Contrary to what some extreme factions in the Pentecostal movement might believe, the “gift of tongues” is not the singular evidence of salvation nor of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. (More evidence can be found in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 29-30.)
Before we move on we should consider why Philip didn’t initiate this process prior to Peter and John’s arrival? While it’s difficult to say with complete certainty and few scholars take the time to address this particular question… I’ve come up with two basic theories:
1. Philip wanted a delegation of Hebrew Apostles to initiate and witness this special act so that the Samaritan’s conversion would be seen as authentic.
In Acts 11 Peter will reference to the “outpouring of the Holy Spirit” among the household of Cornelius as evidence for the genuineness of their conversion.
2. Philip hadn’t initiated this work because the Samaritans hadn’t asked for it.
Understand, while the Apostles explained what these believers were lacking, the passage never claims they forced the Holy Spirit upon any of them as if it were some kind of involuntary act. The entire concept behind the “laying on of hands” indicated a type of solicitation made by the Samaritans themselves.
Please keep in mind that while I (or one of our Elders) can pray with you and even act as a connecting point for your faith we cannot ask for the Holy Spirit to come upon you. This is a request only honored by God when the individual believer asks and then receives.
Acts 8:18-23, “And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”
While the flaw in Simon’s request was quickly diagnosed by Peter… “You thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money…” the deeper sin was equally evident to the Apostle… “Your heart is not right in the sight of God.”
In thinking this power could be purchased, Simon’s inward intentions were publicly exposed. Peter pinpoints the core issue by saying he was “poisoned by bitterness.”
Simon was used to being the big dog in town. He loved the power that came with his notoriety. And yet, since Philip had arrived peaching Jesus, all of that had vanished. After encountering the real Messiah people no longer saw him as being anything great.
It appears over time Simon grew bitter and green with envy. While it’s admittedly uncertain if he held a distain for this work of God, it’s clear he resented the way in which God was using Philip. Simon was no longer the center of attention. He lost his worshippers.
On a side note… It is a dangerous thing for a Christian to grow envious of the work God is accomplishing in and through another believer or for that matter another church.
Well because of this bitterness that had taken root in his life, Peter continues by saying that Simon was also “bound by iniquity” or literally he was “in the bonds of iniquity.”
Simon was not interested in the person of the Holy Spirit, instead he saw the power of the Spirit as being a potential means to an end. It was a way he could compete with Philip. Simon saw the work of God as a way to further the influence of Simon.
It’s a sad inditement of today’s church, but many people only see the Spirit as a means to an end. They covet power, but are not as interested in the Person behind the power.
Since human conflict and Biblical rebuke is a natural part of life (even Christian life) there is much we can learn from the way in which Peter deals with Simon the Sorcerer.
1. Peter wisely diagnosed the core issue in Simon’s life.
While Peter didn’t allow the surface issue of trying to purchase the “gift of God” to go unaddressed, he wisely moved beyond the present problem in order to point out the deeper issues in Simon’s life that produced such an outlandish request.
In many instances the immediate issue is never the core problem. As Christians we need to use wisdom in handling such situations so that we can avoid the distraction of constantly dealing with withering limbs instead of addressing the rotting trunk.
2. Peter boldly spoke to the heart behind these core issues.
While Peter pointed out the rotten fruit in Simon’s life (bitterness and iniquity), he boldly told him that his “heart was not right in the sight of God.” The Greek word “right” is “euthys” meaning “straight, level, true, or sincere.”
In our current Christian culture we have tragically warped the meaning of Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:1 when He said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Many believe that it is not the place of any human to judge the heart of another.
However, if this is the case, how do you explain the actions of Peter, or the Biblical exhortation to beware of evildoers and false prophets, or avoid those who practice evil, or Jesus’ admonishment in John 7:24 to “judge with a righteous judgment?”
In this case Peter had the boldness to bluntly point directly to Simon’s bitterness and iniquity as evidence that his heart was not in right-standing with God. We might say that in observing the fruit being produced from Simon’s life Peter was simply judging the type of tree the man really was (Jesus’ teaching in Luke 6:44)!
Understand, when it comes to making these type of judgments Jesus cautions against making uninformed or worse hypocritical judgments. We should always handle such matters with love and grace; and yet, if you see another believer in sin, it is your Christian duty and responsibility to confront that individual.
3. Peter swiftly administered immediate consequences.
Even before giving Simon a chance to repent, following his judgement, Peter swiftly administered an immediate consequence. In telling Simon that he had “neither part nor portion in this matter” Peter was making it clear that Simon would not be allowed the privileged of enjoying any type of spiritual leadership in the church.
Because Simon’s motivations were based in envy and a selfish desire for power and influence, he would not be afforded the opportunity to act upon these impulses. While the consequence was measured and immediate it oozed wisdom.
4. Peter graciously presented a path for restoration.
Peter tells Simon to “repent and pray” for forgiveness. While Simon had shown his true colors and there were unavoidable consequences for his behavior, Peter still provided him a path to be restored. All Simon needed to do in order to experience the grace of God was repent and ask for it! Sadly, he does neither.
Acts 8:24, “Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.”
Because this is hardly a cry of repentance and in some ways highlights the full extent of Simon’s misunderstanding of the Christian experience, the great question theologians have wrestled with is whether or not Simon was actually a genuine believer.
On one side there are those who argue that Simon was indeed a believer who simply made a mistake. They point to the reality Simon responded to the preaching of Philip with a belief in Jesus, took his faith public by then being baptized, attended church faithfully, and was mentored by Philip - all evidence of a genuine conversion.
Others believe Simon never genuinely converted. Their contrary argument points to Peter’s handling of Simon’s request. They reason… Can a man “bound by iniquity” who’s “heart is not right with God” really be considered a born-again believer?
Proponents of this position believe Peter was skeptical of Simon which is why he handled him in such a heavy-handed way! Peter’s statement “your money perish with you” indicates his belief that Simon was actually headed towards destruction.
Warren Wiersbe, who takes this same position, writes in his commentary on Acts 8, “This episode only shows how close a person can come to salvation and still not be converted. Simon heard the Gospel, saw the miracles, gave a profession of faith in Christ, and was baptized; and yet, he was never born again. He was one of Satan’s clever counterfeits; and, had Peter not exposed the wickedness of his heart, Simon would have been accepted as a member of the Samaritan congregation.”
Others seeking to reconcile the two positions claim that while Philip was convinced of Simon’s genuineness he had been deceived by a man playing a long-con. Still others speculate that while Simon may have initially been a believer he was now in danger of loosing his faith or at least walking away from it.
As to the ultimate answer as to whether or not Simon was a believer or pretender I’ll leave it for you to decided. I take this position not to dodge an issue of controversy but because in the end I don’t think it really matters. For clarity it’s always important to consider the reason why Luke includes the things he does in the Book of Acts…
I believe this story was written in such a way so that the reader was left contemplating the important issue of repentance as it pertained to Simon specifically. Though the passage doesn’t tell us what happened to Simon, Luke may have left off a resolution because most within the church were already aware of what became of him.
Most historical accounts (dominant in the writings of the early church fathers) claim that Simon the Sorcerer went on from this encounter with Peter to form a new counter-movement to Christianity known as Gnosticism (which was a blending of Christian themes with pagan ideas and practices - sounds a lot like Simon).
While we understand why Philip taking the Gospel into Samaria was a significant moment that demanded inclusion in the narrative of Acts, I am convinced Luke pens this story in order to set the record straight about Simon, his interactions with Peter, and the ultimate origins of Gnosticism (a refusal to repent and a greed for power).
One narrative of particular and related interest claims that in order to demonstrate his greatness and instill trust in his followers Simon had his disciples burry him alive claiming that three days later he would emerge from the grave resurrected. Without surprise three days later Simon failed to emerge and his body was found putrefying.
Here’s the lesson we can take from Simon’s life… When a person refuses to repent there is no extent to which he will go to justify his wicked actions and in the end this very resistance to the work of God will become his very undoing.
Acts 8:25, “So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.”