NT Characters: Simon the Sorcerer

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/ssmp3/">website</a>.</p><p><strong>Background</strong></p><ul><li>There are at least 8 <i>Simons </i>in the Bible, not to mention several men named <i>Simeon</i> (a related name).</li><li>Simon received the epithet <i>Magus, </i>which means magician / sorcerer. Technically speaking, a <i>magus</i> (pl. <i>magi</i>) was a Zoroastrian astrologer. Whether or not this was Simon's religious background, he did make certain claims to esoteric knowledge / power, and thus could be considered a magician or sorcerer. For more on the Magi, refer to the upcoming podcast.</li><li>He is presumably a Samaritan, although it is possible he was a Jew operating in Samaria.</li><li>The fact that Samaritans were heterodox in their doctrine, and perhaps thought to be gullible, enhances the power of their conversion. And so, barrier by barrier, <i>the walls come tumblin' down...</i></li><li>The gospel is in its second phase of expansion, penetrating Judea and Samaria (Acts 1:8)</li></ul><p><strong>Scriptural study</strong> (I was reading from the NASB.)<br /> </p><ul><li>Acts 8:4-24 is the only text where Simon the Sorcerer makes an appearance.<ul><li>This man is fascinated with the dramatic and the impressive.</li><li>One is reminded of both Pharaoh's magicians (Exodus 7:11) and Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:21-23)</li><li>Simon seems to have been genuinely converted.</li><li>When he realizes the apostles' hands in some way imparted something miraculous to his former fans, he covets such power. (Note: something supernatural had taken place. At each of four major moments in salvation history [Acts 2, 8, 10, and 19] the Holy Spirit makes a point as the gospel moves into new territories/situations. For more, please read <i>The Spirit.</i>)</li></ul></li><li>We may quickly lean towards doubting Simon's conversion, yet there is evidence it was genuine. (It's probably a moot point.)<br /><ul><li>The incident reminds us of Jeremiah 34:12-16.</li><li>The