The
Samaritans had been following for years a sorcerer named Simon.
But when Phillip came on the scene they believed him and his message and were baptized.
I would propose that this was more of a new 'fad' or ritual to the Samaritans rather than a conversion.
Peter and John arrived to provide greater depth and meaning to their belief and baptism.
As a result, the Samaritans received the Holy Spirit and were truly converted and changed.
Simon, on the other hand saw this as a trick or power that could be purchased.
In our present day, if a stage magician performed an 'illusion' it wouldn't be unreasonable for a fellow magician to offer to 'buy the trick.' That's all I see Simon doing here -- he simply thought the gifting of the Holy Spirit -- was a trick.
But when Phillip came on the scene they believed him and his message and were baptized.
I would propose that this was more of a new 'fad' or ritual to the Samaritans rather than a conversion.
Peter and John arrived to provide greater depth and meaning to their belief and baptism.
As a result, the Samaritans received the Holy Spirit and were truly converted and changed.
Simon, on the other hand saw this as a trick or power that could be purchased.
In our present day, if a stage magician performed an 'illusion' it wouldn't be unreasonable for a fellow magician to offer to 'buy the trick.' That's all I see Simon doing here -- he simply thought the gifting of the Holy Spirit -- was a trick.
Was
Simon an illusionist or did he possess 'real' power?
I don't know, but one thing we do know for certain is that in Moses' day, Pharaoh's magicians were able to duplicate many of the signs and miracles that God did through Moses and Aaron.
So if a trick can be purchased or a miracle duplicated, how do we keep from being deceived?
The answer is in whether or not the miracle is constructive or destructive.
For example, Exodus 8:5-15 describes the plague of frogs that God placed upon Egypt.
Pharaoh's magicians were actually able to duplicate this miracle -- Egypt had a problem with frogs and they made it worse.
Understand they couldn't stop it or make it go away -- only God could do that -- therefore the ability had a destructive nature not constructive or positive nature and purpose.
I don't know, but one thing we do know for certain is that in Moses' day, Pharaoh's magicians were able to duplicate many of the signs and miracles that God did through Moses and Aaron.
So if a trick can be purchased or a miracle duplicated, how do we keep from being deceived?
The answer is in whether or not the miracle is constructive or destructive.
For example, Exodus 8:5-15 describes the plague of frogs that God placed upon Egypt.
Pharaoh's magicians were actually able to duplicate this miracle -- Egypt had a problem with frogs and they made it worse.
Understand they couldn't stop it or make it go away -- only God could do that -- therefore the ability had a destructive nature not constructive or positive nature and purpose.
Questions
to Ponder:
We
all want and seek the big and showy demonstrations of God's power -- the
healings, a plague of frogs against our adversaries, the parting of the Red
Sea, etc.
This same desire is what makes us susceptible to deception.
Are you impressed with so called miracles or demonstrations of power?
Do you assume someone's unusual ability or talent has a 'Divine' origin and makes them more Godly? Have you been deceived in the past?
How can you protect yourself from such deceit?”
This same desire is what makes us susceptible to deception.
Are you impressed with so called miracles or demonstrations of power?
Do you assume someone's unusual ability or talent has a 'Divine' origin and makes them more Godly? Have you been deceived in the past?
How can you protect yourself from such deceit?”
“That we should
no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine,
by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive,
but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ..” Eph. 4:14, 15 NKJV
“But the wisdom
that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full
of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17 NKJV
“For whatever
things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience
and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort
grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that
you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ.” Rom. 15:4-6 NKJV
"When
Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he
offered them money and said, 'Give me also this ability so that everyone on
whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." Acts 8:18-19
From The New Testament League Pocket devotions 12/29/11
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