Simon the Sorcerer
—Nothing can match the power of Christ
Simon the Sorcerer was one of the great sorcerers of all time (Acts 8:9-24). He was Merlin class. There are still sorcerers, witches, psychics, occultists, and their ilk in the world today.
We look at Simon's story, as well as some similar stories in Acts, to learn four important facts about those who practise the magic arts.
Sorcerers Analysed
1 Showing Amazing Powers
- "Astonishing the people" (Acts 8:9,11).
- "Great signs and wonders" (Matthew 24:24).
- In some cases power is result of demon possession (Acts 16:16-19).
- In some cases there is no power but only deception (2Timothy 3:13)
2 Giving Glory to Self
- "This man is called The Great Power of God" (Acts 8:10).
- Apostles glorified Christ (Acts 3:12-16)
- Example: Paul and Barnabus deny they are gods (Acts 14:8-15).
- While some who practise the magic arts express humility, we must remember that "Satan disguises himself as an angel of light" (2Corinthians 11:14-15).
3 Captive of Evil
- "In the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity" (Acts 8:23).
- Deceived by antichrist —lack "the love of the truth" (2Thessalonians 2:9-12).
4 No Match for Jesus
- Simon amazed the people, but he himself was amazed at apostles' miracles which were beyond anything he could do (Acts 8:13)
- Similar story: Seven sons of Sceva (Acts 19:11-20)
- Another similar story: Bar Jesus [Elymas] (Acts 13:6-12)
- The powers of darkness are no match for Jesus (Ephesians 6:13-14, Revelation 21:5-8).
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