Acts 8:9-24 - Simon - The Samaritan Sorcerer

Aug 25, 2026

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Acts 8:9-24 introduces Simon, the sorcerer of Samaria, warning that spiritual deception can look powerful and attract widespread attention. The passage contrasts God’s Spirit working through Philip with Simon’s occult practices, including sorcery and claims to be great. Simon seeks worship and recognition, described as fraud-like influence that performs wonders while demanding adulation. The message emphasizes discernment and a biblical view of human nature and salvation through Christ.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryReligion & Spirituality

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Simon - The Samaritan Sorcerer

Simon’s practice

Simon’s pronouncement

Simon’s power

The Sorcerer Acts 8:9-24 Introduction My three-year-old Charity, watched some of the movie The Wizard of Oz a few weeks ago. Her older sister and brothers made sure she did not see the really scary parts with the Wicked Witch of the West. The other morning, she announced to me that she was Dorothy and I was the Tin Man. So now, she is wearing around the house, and even to my office on one occasion, her older sister’s red shoes! The only problem is that her three-year-old tongue is having a hard time saying “W’s”. She keeps calling The Wizard of Oz,“The Lizard of Oz”! If you have seen that classic movie, you undoubtedly enjoyed the moment when Dorothy and the others are finally granted entrance into the great hall of the awe-inspiring lizard, or wizard. Fire and smoke billow from either side of a large screen where the wizard’s face is projected as he speaks to Dorothy and the others in a menacingly powerful voice. Then, you may remember, Dorothy’s dog, little Toto, goes over to a nearby booth and pulls back a curtain that reveals a rather small man, operating controls at a feverish pace. It is the wizard, whose image is simply being projected on the screen. Then, as he realizes he has been exposed as a fraud, he still carries on for aline or two, saying,“I am the great wizard.” The great wizard, who had the entire population of Oz under his sway, was a fraud. This morning, I want to introduce you to another wizard – only this time, it is not make believe. This man is a real live wizard, or sorcerer, who had held the people of Samaria under his magical sway for many years. And he is about to meet his match. Simon – The Samaritan Sorcerer Turn to Acts, chapter 8, where we are introduced to Simon, the sorcerer of Samaria. As you are turning, I want to warn you that this passage is not only very enlightening, but frightening as well. The warnings that emerge from Simon’s story are to betaken very seriously. Simon’s practice Let us begin with verses 4 through 9. This will set the stage for the dramatic series of encounters between the power of God’s Spirit and the power of this Samaritan sorcerer. Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them. The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing. For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. So there was much rejoicing in that city. Now there was a man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great; The word for “magic” refers to sorcery. There were men who practiced occult arts in order to impress people and gain a following. Their magic included conjuring demons, conversing with the dead, influencing the gods, providing charms for healing, divination, stargazing, psychic prophecies, and the like. So, Simon was followed by people he dazzled with his occult powers. Simon’s pronouncement The fact that Simon wanted worship and adulation from the people, in addition to their money and praise is implied in the next verse. Look at verse 10. and they all, from smallest to greatest, were giving attention to him, saying,“This man is what is called the Great Power of God.” According to church history, Simon was one of the founders of a heretical group known as the Gnostics. Among other things, besides denying the deity of Jesus Christ, they taught that there was aspark of the divine in every man. Jesus was no more divine than you are – you need to live up to your deity. Does that sound familiar? There are a long list of false prophets and prophetesses today who encourage their following to recognize their own godhood. They teach that the answers are within you. According to the Bibl

FAQs

What role does Simon play in Acts 8:9-24?

Simon is presented as a sorcerer in Samaria who amazes people with occult practices and claims to be something great.

How does the text describe Simon’s occult power and its effects?

Simon’s practices are described as sorcery and related occult arts that draw followers, including the ability to perform wonders that captivate the crowd.

How does the passage contrast Simon’s activity with God’s work in Samaria?

Philip’s preaching and signs are described as God’s Spirit at work, while Simon’s “wonders” are portrayed as deceptive and seeking worship rather than true truth.

Aug 25, 2026

Upload by Liam