Philip was preaching in Samiria and, “…UNCLEAN SPIRITS, crying with a loud voice, CAME OUT OF MANY who were POSSESSED (echō: possession of the mind); and many who were paralyzed, and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city.” (Acts 8:7-8)
“But there was a certain man called SIMON, who previously PRACTICED SORCERY (mageuō: to practice magical arts, witchery) in the city and ASTONISHED THE PEOPLE of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, to whom THEY ALL GAVE HEED, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God. (they were GREATLY DECEIVED)” (Acts 8:9-10) Simon had great deceptive power over the people, “Then Simon himself ALSO BELIEVED; and when HE WAS BAPTIZED, he continued with Philip, and WAS AMAZED, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.” (Acts 8:13)
OK, so what do we do with a man like this who was greatly involved in SATANIC PRACTICES AND WITCHCRAFT? Do we work closely with him or just trust that all will be alright? When the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, “…they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT.” (Acts 8:14-15) I believe they also came down to see about Simon because the Bible says “And they HEEDED (prosechō: hold or cleave to a person) Simon because he had ASTONISHED THEM with his sorceries for A LONG TIME.” (Acts 8:11)
“Then they (Peter and John) laid hands on them (those who just got saved), and they received the Holy Spirit. And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, HE OFFERED THEM MONEY, saying, “GIVE ME THIS POWER ALSO, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 8:17-19) The Holy Spirit prompted Peter to say, “Your money PERISH WITH YOU, because YOU THOUGHT that the gift of God could be PURCHASED WITH MONEY! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for YOUR HEART IS NOT RIGHT in the sight of God. REPENT therefore OF THIS YOUR WICKEDNESS and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are POISONED BY BITTERNESS AND BOUND BY INIQUITY.” Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord FOR ME, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” (Acts 8:20-24) MAKE SURE OF YOUR SALVATION!!!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham