Samaritan Sorcerer
Simon Magus
SY-mun MAY-jus · Also called Simon the Sorcerer
A sorcerer in Samaria who amazed crowds with his magic, converted and was baptized under Philip's preaching, then tried to buy the apostles' power to impart the Holy Spirit — his name became the root of the word 'simony.'
Life and work
Before the gospel reached Samaria, Simon had the whole city convinced he was 'the power of God that is called Great' through his sorcery. When Philip the Evangelist arrived preaching Christ, Simon believed, was baptized, and began following Philip around, astonished by the miracles he witnessed (Acts 8:9-13).
When Peter and John came down to lay hands on the new Samaritan believers so they would receive the Holy Spirit, Simon offered them money for the same power. Peter's rebuke was blunt — 'your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money' — and told Simon to repent of the wickedness in his heart. Simon's reply, asking Peter to pray for him, is the last the text says of him (Acts 8:14-24).
- Occupation
- Sorcerer
- Places
- Samaria.
Questions and debates
Attempting to purchase spiritual authority with money, the act that gave rise to the term 'simony' for the buying or selling of church office.
Extra-biblical evidence
Justin Martyr, First Apology 26; Irenaeus, Against Heresies 1.23 Justin Martyr, First Apology 26; Irenaeus, Against Heresies 1.23
Later 2nd-century Christian writers describe a 'Simon Magus' active in Rome and venerated as the founder of Gnosticism, allegedly traveling with a companion named Helena whom he presented as a divine emanation.
Weight: Disputed and later tradition, not confirmed fact. Scholars are divided on whether this Roman Gnostic teacher is the same Simon from Acts 8 or a later legendary elaboration that absorbed his name; Justin's claim of a statue honoring Simon in Rome is widely thought to be a misreading of an inscription to an unrelated Roman god.
Scripture references
- Acts 8:9-13 — Sorcerer in Samaria believes and is baptized
- Acts 8:14-24 — Tries to buy the apostles' power; Peter's rebuke
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