City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

⁹ But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. ¹⁰ They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” ¹¹ And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. ¹² But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. ¹³ Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

¹⁴ Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, ¹⁵ who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, ¹⁶ for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁷ Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. ¹⁸ Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, ¹⁹ saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” ²⁰ But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! ²¹ You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. ²² Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. ²³ For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” ²⁴ And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.” –Acts 8:9-24 ESV

⁴ Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? –Romans 2:4 ESV

Aisha’s Analysis

Today’s verses tell the tale of Simon the Magician. While it is absolutely deplorable to seek to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit, one can almost sympathize with Simon based on his ignorance and background in the black arts. 

Simon was a performer of wondrous acts himself, and when he witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit, he was amazed (v. 13). However, instead of trusting in the Holy Spirit to show him a new way of life, he wanted to control the situation through his own means. 

Peter immediately dispelled the thought of obtaining the gift of God with money and called out the wickedness in Simon’s heart (v. 20-23). Simon believed in the signs he saw on the surface, but it appears he did not allow the truth of the Gospel to sink deep into his heart. This shows us we can be in close proximity to God’s works of power and still be far from Him in our hearts. 

Before the apostles came to Samaria to preach the word of God, Simon was highly sought after and was thought to be somebody great: The people of Samaria were amazed with him saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great” (v. 10). He was used to earning a living through his performance of magic. Now, when he encountered the matchless power of God, instead of simply receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, he wanted to buy it and distribute it, so to speak. His walk with God was transactional instead of relational. It seemed he wanted God and the apostles to help him continue his career in magic. Then, when the apostles called him out on this evil intent, he wanted their prayers to save his own neck. Perhaps he believed in the power of God but could not perceive the kindness of God.

However, Peter’s word of correction to Simon gives us hope: “Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.” (v. 22). The prayer of repentance brings possibility and shows us God’s heart of mercy and grace towards sinful humanity.

Application

Have you ever admired someone’s accomplishment, but had no idea who was behind it? This would be like reading your favorite book without knowing the author, or listening to a beautiful song and never knowing the artist. The wonderful thing about God is He shows us His works, but He also gives us the opportunity to know Him up close and personal. And knowing Him is so much more than seeing His works. Knowing Him transforms our lives. 

When Peter realized Simon’s heart was far from God, he encouraged Simon to pray. No matter your stance toward God, whether you’re a “Stephen” or a “Simon” as we’ve been studying in the Book of Acts, make some space in your schedule to pray for the purpose of knowing God. Ask Him to show you who He is.  

Prayer

Father God, how grateful I am to know You as my Lord. You give me the gift of the Holy Spirit as my teacher and lifelong companion. I am never alone because I always have You to guide me into all truth. Purify my heart and show me Your ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.