These small group Bible studies of Acts 8:9-25 contain commentary, discussion questions, and practical application. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group.
Acts 8:9-25 Bible Study Guide – Lessons from Simon the Magician
Outline
I. Simon the magician believes (9-13)
II. The Holy Spirit comes to the Samaritans (14-17)
III. Simon the magician seeks to buy the gift of the Spirit (18-25)
I. Simon the magician believes (9-13)
Discussion Questions
• What type of person was Simon?
• What do you see about his actions?
• What do you see about his character?
• What do you think it means that he was a “magician?”
• How did the people view him?
• How did Simon react to the signs he observed?
• What does Simon’s reaction show us about the power of the Holy Spirit?
• What is the difference between saving faith and non-saving faith?
Cross-References
Exodus 7:22 – But the magicians of Egypt did the same by their secret arts. So Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the Lord had said.
Exodus 8:19 -Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the Lord had said.
Ephesians 6:12 – For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
2 Corinthians 11:14 – And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. Simon’s magic –
Acts 8:9 – 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. ESV
But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one. KJV
The Greek word describing Simon’s actions can be translated as magic or sorcery. There is a range of meanings, which is why different translations translate this word slightly differently.
The word is related to the word in the Old Testament that we translate as “magi.” This was a class of people who were astronomers and scientists. We are most familiar with this word being used to describe the visitors who followed the star and came to worship Jesus as a baby.
Wizards and sorcerers sometimes took this title as well. Was Simon’s power real or fake? It was likely some of both. He likely had some ability in illusion, deception, and tricking people. Most magicians nowadays are very good at tricks and illusions.
However, we also know that Satan and his demons have supernatural powers. Their power is nothing compared to God’s, but it is beyond our own.
The priests who opposed Moses appear to have also practiced the black arts (Exodus 7:22). Those sorcerers used power from Satan to mimic some of God’s miracles. But finally, they gave up the contest, admitting that they were no match for God and that His power was real.
Exodus 8:19 -Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.”
Therefore, the best conclusion is that Simon was in league with Satan and channeled demonic power in order to deceive the people and gain a reputation. Many people today still get involved in the occult.
Reflect– Why are people attracted to the occult? Do they know it is evil?
2. Simon’s reputation –
Simon “amazed the people of Samaria.” (Acts 8:9)
Acts 8:10 – They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.”
His performances attracted their attention. They were astonished at his abilities. He surely did many things which they could not explain. They saw power in his actions and their conclusion was that Simon did these things by the power of God. The people glorified Simon. Later, we will see that Simon had money. He likely did these things to get money from the people. There are many ways that he and people now use the occult to enrich themselves.
• He could charge for shows.
• He could charge for lucky or auspicious items such as charms, amulets, and jewelry.
• He could charge for casting spells, blocking curses, or blessing items, homes, or people.
• He could even charge for touching babies to impart power to them.
Once he had a following, it was easy to exploit them.
Jesus warned His disciples that performing miracles is not conclusive evidence that a person is a follower of God.
Matthew 24:24 – For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
In the end times, followers of Satan will perform many signs to deceive the world.
Revelation 13:13-14 – It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived.
Reflect – How can you discern whether a person who practices signs and wonders is from God or the devil?
• Look at their message (1 John 4:2-3)
• Look at their character (2 Peter 2)
Application – Be careful that you are not deceived. Do not be wowed by signs but dig deeper. Test the spirits (1 John 4).
3. Simon’s character –
Acts 8:9 – [Simon said] that he himself was somebody great.
Simon was not some innocent bystander. He used the power of demons to build up his own reputation and to profit. Simon viewed the people as existing to serve him. He had no problem with standing on their backs, raising himself up higher and them lower.
Sadly, many deceivers today follow in the footsteps of Simon. Even infiltrating the church, they build up a following all while claiming to be a bigshot, a “man of God.” After setting themselves up as something great, they enrich their coffers at the expense of their followers. The “church” services they hold are one plea for support after another. Many of these pastors charge money to pray for people or to bless items. They sell “holy” water, oil, and prayer cloths. Some get so rich that they own multiple private jets and fleets of luxury cars.
Reflect – What would Jesus say to them?
He might say something like He said to the Church of Laodicea in Revelation.
Revelation 3:17-18 – For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.
A discerning believer could see through their façade. Look at their character and actions. Their lives do not demonstrate love, humility, empathy, or compassion. They do not follow Jesus’ example of serving or Paul’s example of not being a burden to the churches he ministered to.
Application – Christian leaders should not set themselves up as great. Jesus did not act like a pope, all dressed up in fancy clothes and demanding people bow and kiss the ring. He shattered hierarchal ideas by coming as a humble servant (Mark 10:45).
Paul showed an example of Christian leadership in his ministry to the Thessalonians. He shared his life with them. He worked alongside them. He cared for them as a mother and exhorted them as a father. Paul diligently worked to provide for himself so that he would not burden them (1 Thessalonians 1-2). This is what God calls us to do.
If you are a leader, do not raise yourself onto a pedestal. Do not be like Simon and pass yourself as somebody great. Instead, be humble. Sheperd the flock not from some high perch above, but from within. Be in and among the sheep.
The same is true for parents. Children learn from example. Do not set yourself up as somebody great or perfect. Do not just sit around and tell your kids, “Get me the TV remote.” Come alongside your children. Lower yourself to play with them at their level. Befriend them. Then they will have better respect for you and your authority.
4. The Samaritans believed and were baptized –
Acts 8:12 – 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.
Jesus’ command to take the gospel to “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8) was being fulfilled. It is a reminder that the gospel is for everyone. There will be people from every tribe, nation, and tongue worshiping the Lamb in heaven (Revelation 7:9-11).
People who used to think Simon was something great were now properly recognizing God’s greatness. His followers were becoming Jesus’ followers. It doesn’t tell us how he felt about it because Luke only focuses on his actions, not his thoughts.
But we will see in the account that Simon wanted the same power he saw in Philip. It may be that he wanted that power because he was losing his customers. Followers of Jesus have no use for the occult. Because of this Simon likely sought to reshape himself and profit from Christianity.
5. Simon himself believed –
Acts 8:13 – Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.
Outwardly, Simon claimed to believe. He was even baptized.
Reflect – Was Simon a real believer or not?
However, his story shows us that there is a type of belief that does not save.
Below are three examples from Scripture of non-saving faith.
Example 1 – The priests believed that Moses did God’s miracles by the power of God. But there is no evidence that they submitted to God’s authority.
Example 2 – Demons also believe in God. But they do not submit to or follow Him. They hate Him and fight against Him.
James 2:19 – You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!
Example 3 – People believed in Jesus when they saw His signs. But He saw their hearts and knew that their belief was not a saving faith.
John 2:23-25 – Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.
Simon believed in God’s power because of the signs. He was infatuated by the signs. Their power and flashiness attracted him.
An Illustration
“Suppose you have a one-year-old child sitting on your lap and suddenly in the window, there is a beautiful bird and you hold out your hand to point at the bird and say, “Look, look at the bird.” What does the child look at? He looks at your hand and the sign you are making with your fingers. He might even try to imitate the sign by putting out his index finger.
He sees the sign. He is excited because you are excited. He joins in imitating the sign as best he can. But the problem is he never sees the bird. The whole point of the sign is missed. That is what happened to Simon the magician here in Acts 8. He saw the signs that Philip was doing. They were better than his own magical signs. He got excited about them. He followed Philip around and wanted to imitate them. But he never saw the bird in the window. He never saw the ugliness of his own sin, the need for repentance, and the glory of Christ in the gospel who forgives and makes new and clean.” – John Piper
Source – https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/simons-perversion-of-signs-and-wonders
Reflect – What first drew you to Christ? What is the difference between saving faith and non-saving faith? Is your faith saving faith?
Signs and wonders are good. God uses them many times to draw people to Himself. But they are a means to an end, not the end. If people are amazed by signs but not amazed by God then those very signs which should draw them too God become an obstacle. Signs should point us to God.
Application – Don’t be distracted by the flashy.
Imagine a man who went to his wedding, and it was spectacular. The cooking was world-class. The cake was ten tiers tall. One of the top bands in the world came to play live music. He rented the Taj Mahal in India for the ceremony. The flowers, food, music, and décor were perfect. But there is one problem. His bride didn’t show up.
This man was defrauded of the prize. No amount of decorations, no matter how pretty, can cover up for the fact that the wedding is meaningless without the bride.
Similarly, we are defrauded when we shift our focus away from Christ to other matters that sound important.
Don’t be distracted by the flashy. Don’t be distracted by things that seem very spiritual. The prize is Christ.
Colossians 2:17 – The substance belongs to Christ.
II. The Holy Spirit comes to the Samaritans (14-17)
Discussion Questions
• How did the apostles react to the news that the Samaritans were believing the gospel?
• What truth do we learn in this passage of God’s love for the world?
• How did they receive the Holy Spirit?
• Do we receive the Holy Spirit like this today? Why or why not?
Cross-References
2 Timothy 1:6 – For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
1 Corinthians 6:19 – Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.
Ephesians 1:13-14 – In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. Peter and John came to Samaria – The apostles respond to the news that the Samaritans have received the word of God by sending Peter and John.
God’s love for the whole world is clear. His Spirit, Word, and disciples all go to Samaria. This beloved group of people had an opportunity to hear the gospel, repent of their sins, and be part of God’s kingdom. Ever since their ancestors had repeatedly worshiped idols and were conquered by Assyria, they had never again been part of God’s kingdom of chosen people. Now through Jesus, they had that opportunity once again.
2. Peter and John laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit –
God showed His approval by imparting the Holy Spirit to them. This was confirmation that they were accepted by Him.
This passage should not be taken as proof that the Holy Spirit comes upon believers at some subsequent time after salvation.
“This verse does not support the false notion that Christians receive the Holy Spirit subsequent to salvation. This was a transitional period in which confirmation by the apostles was necessary to verify the inclusion of a new group of people into the church. Because of the animosity that existed between Jews and Samaritans, it was essential for the Samaritans to receive the Spirit, in the presence of the leaders of the Jerusalem church, for the purpose of maintaining a unified church.”
Source – John MacArthur Study Bible
III. Simon the magician seeks to buy the gift of the Spirit (18-25)
Discussion Questions
• What was Simon trying to buy?
• What does this attempt show us about his heart?
• What does verse 20 show us about salvation?
• Do you think that Simon was a real believer? Why or why not?
• What was Peter’s counsel to him?
• Why does Peter say that “if possible” this may be forgiven him? Isn’t it always possible to be forgiven if we repent?
• What does it mean to be in the “gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity?”
• What can you learn about Simon in verse 24?
• What does real repentance look like?
• What are some impure motivations a person may have today for being a leader in the church?
Cross-References
Isaiah 55:1-3 – Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.
Psalms 32:5 – I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. Simon offers money to buy the power to impart the Holy Spirit –
Acts 8:19 – “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
Here we see Simon’s heart revealed. He saw this “new religion” as a way to get even more power, control, and wealth. His followers were abandoning him to follow the true God. Simon did not want to be left behind. What would happen to his business? What would happen to his reputation?
God saves whom He wills. He imparts spiritual gifts and blessings to whom He wills. And He does these things without charge. They are a “free gift.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Simon clearly did not understand or accept the true gospel. Neither was he willing to be a genuine follower of Jesus. Much like the rich young ruler Jesus talked to (Mark 10:17-27), Simon was a follower of money.
2. Peter rebukes him –
Acts 8:20-23 – But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.”
It is a strong rebuke that indicates Simon was not a believer. From this example, we can see that it is sometimes necessary to issue strong rebukes. There is a time to be empathetic and gentle and there is a time to be firm and strict. This is one of the latter.
Reflect – When is gentleness necessary and when is a firm rebuke necessary?
Strong rebukes are for people who do not and will not see the error of their ways. Their purpose is to wake up the wayward so that they will see their sin and repent while there is still time.
James 5:20 – Whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
John the Baptist and Jesus both strongly rebuked the Pharisees. When teaching, training, and correction are not enough to bring about repentance, then a strong rebuke is called for (2 Timothy 3:16).
“If possible” –
Peter wasn’t sure that forgiveness was possible for Simon. That could be because he didn’t believe that Simon would actually repent. It could also be that Peter was thinking of the unforgivable sin, the sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:22-30).
3. Simon dismisses Peter’s rebuke –
Simon should have counted himself blessed. The leader of the apostles and the early church talked with him one-on-one. Peter shared God’s truth directly with Simon. Simon therefore had a precious opportunity. He knew the truth. He knew what had to be done. Salvation was right there in front of him. But sadly, Simon threw away the opportunity. While he was used to being the great one, he was not used to taking orders from others.
Simon casually threw Peter’s words back in his face and said, “Pray for me.”
Reflect – Why was this the wrong answer?
Simon’s sin was his own responsibility. No one else could confess his sins on his behalf. Even Peter could not represent Simon before God. His only chance for forgiveness was to himself come before the throne of grace and ask for it (1 John 1:9).
The key lesson here is that every person is responsible before the Lord for their own actions. God has no grandchildren. You can’t be saved through the efforts of your parents, teachers, pastors, or anyone else.
Application – Today is the day of salvation. Today is the day of forgiveness. If there is any sin you need to ask forgiveness for, take it to God and confess. Approach Him and ask for mercy before it is too late.
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