Simon the Sorcerer (part 2)
Peter rebuked Simon sharply, saying, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God" (Acts 8:20). Peter recognized that Simon’s request revealed that his heart was far from a true, transformed faith. His belief, while outwardly acknowledging Christ, was not yet accompanied by repentance or the willingness to let go of selfish ambition.
Peter continued, urging Simon to repent: “Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity” (Acts 8:22-23). Peter’s words pierced to the core of Simon’s issue. Simon wasn’t just trying to buy power; he was still bound by sin and selfishness. His actions showed that his heart had not yet fully surrendered to the lordship of Christ.
Simon’s response to this rebuke was revealing. Instead of taking responsibility for his own sin, he asked Peter and John to pray for him: “Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me” (Acts 8:24). This shows that Simon still didn’t fully grasp the depth of his need for repentance. He sought a way out of the consequences of his actions but did not demonstrate a true willingness to change. His request seemed to be more about avoiding punishment than genuinely turning from his sin.
Simon's story presents a warning. While he believed in Jesus and was even baptized, his faith was not one that led to a changed life. Like Satan and the demons, Simon believed the truth about Jesus, but his belief did not lead to repentance or a heart change. It’s possible to acknowledge the facts of the gospel and even perform outward acts like baptism, but unless the heart is transformed, those actions are empty. True saving faith is more than just believing in the facts—it involves surrendering to Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to change the desires of the heart. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23, "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter."
Simon’s story challenges us to examine the nature of our own faith. Is our belief merely intellectual, or has it led to a true transformation in our hearts? Are we seeking the power of God for His glory, or are we trying to use it for our own gain? True faith leads to a life surrendered to God, not to a pursuit of power, fame, or personal benefit. We must remember that God’s grace is not something to be manipulated or controlled—it is freely given to those who come to Him in repentance and faith.
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Fifty years ago, I committed my life to serving the Lord. I hold an associate degree in Christian Education and a bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling. I live by 1 Corinthians 9:16, Ephesians 3:7-8, and Colossians 1:28-29. In my retirement, I focus on studying and teaching God’s Word. Besides writing this Blog I maintain 3 Facebook pages dedicated to spreading the Word of God. Email: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com
“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.”
I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.