Scripture: Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city.
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. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 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. Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.
Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”
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.
Acts 8:4-25 ESV [Click here to read the entire chapter.]
Observation: Recapping Yesterday’s Daily Focus, Luke tells us that Stephen’s stoning sparks severe persecution against the Jerusalem church that consequently scatters the fellowship throughout Judea and Samaria. But the apostles brave it out in Jerusalem. Luke adds that devout men buried Stephen and grieved over his loss. Meanwhile, Saul goes on a rampage, barging into homes and dragging Christians off to prison.
Today’s devotion continues the story of the spread of the Gospel in Samaria. Like Stephen, Philip (one of the seven deacons appointed to oversee food distribution to the widows) transitions to heralding the Gospel. With the influx of refugees to Samaria, Philip travels to its capital city, which bears this region’s name. While proclaiming Christ, Philip casts out evil spirits and heals the lame—stirring much excitement. But a magician named Simon, who amazes the Samaritans with his magic, notices the Samaritans shifting their attention to Philip, who is baptizing those responding to the Gospel. So Simon also seeks baptism and follows Philip.
Hearing the news of the rapidly growing number of converts under Philip’s preaching, the Jerusalem apostles send Peter and John to investigate. Upon arrival, they pray and lay hands on the converts to receive the Holy Spirit. Amazed, Simon approaches Peter and offers money to obtain this authentic power Peter and John possess. But Peter rebukes Simon for thinking he can buy the Holy Spirit, pointing out that his heart is not for God but for selfish gain. Peter adds that Simon is imbittered and bound by iniquity. So he challenges Simon to repent and receive forgiveness. Fearful of Peter’s prophetic words, Simon asks Peter to pray to his Lord to rescue him from Peter’s curse: that Simon’s silver would perish with him (v.20).
Luke concludes this vignette of the church’s expansion through Samaria with the notation that Peter and John returned to Jerusalem preaching the Gospel to the many Samaritan villages they passed along the way.
Takeaway: In the second-century writings of the church, Justin Martyr (also a Samaritan) chronicles that Simon the Sorcerer’s peers revered him as the highest god (Apology 1.26; Dialogue 120). Irenaeus adds that Simon was the father of Gnosticism and founded the sect of the Simonians (Contra Haereses 1.23). Moreover, third-century historian Hippolytus records that Simon buried himself alive in Rome, predicting he would rise from his grave on the third day (Refutation of All Heresies 6. 2–15), which, to no surprise, he didn’t. Simon’s pathetic ending reflects his sad mortal existence. Simon saw his value in impressing others and winning their attention and adoration.
In contrast, Philip, Peter, and John matured in their sense of worth, placing it in being chosen by God to proclaim the Good News of his Son and kingdom wherever the Holy Spirit led them. And in this instance, the Spirit led them to Samaria—its half-breed people being an anathema to devout Jews. Thus, Samaria became the first step toward welcoming Gentiles into the fold of Christ.
Our takeaway? Like Simon and the younger versions of Peter (Galatians 2:11-14) and John (Mark 10:35-37), we can quickly become consumed by our importance, which seduces us down a path of compromise and disappointment in our feeble attempts to feed our souls with others’ admiration. So how do we avoid this slippery slope that leads us to self-destruction? Like Philip and the maturing versions of Peter and John, we must single-mindedly pursue a loving relationship with Christ that fosters obedience. Indeed, the older and wiser John reminds us that fear conjoins with punishment but cannot abide with perfected love (1 John 4:18). Simon feared the loss of his people’s admiration and Peter’s curse. As history warns us, such a self-consumed ego will lead to madness if left unchecked.
Moreover, Simon’s story proves that saying the right words and even being baptized will not change the heart. But love will. Our reciprocating love for the Father and Son, who first loved us (1 John 4:19), will compel us to submit to the lead of the Holy Spirit and become world-changers who glorify them and grow their kingdom.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for your Son, who perfectly loved you and always obeyed you, even unto death by crucifixion. And we thank you that Peter and John matured in their faith and left us the legacy of our treasured Gospel, founded in and proliferated by love that compels obedience. Still, we struggle to nurture our loving relationship with your Son and you. So would you please help us open our hearts to your love and reciprocate, particularly when our sins are exposed or we face persecution and suffering? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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