In Acts 8, the account of “Simon the Sorcerer” (introduced in the previous article) might have just been a historical footnote if he had humbled himself and listened better before he said anything. However, we learn that he had to go and open his mouth.
When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 8:18-19 NIV
While you may have heard or read the rest of this account, if we step back and put ourselves in Simon’s sandals at this point, there are contexts in which his request might – sort of – make sense. That is, Simon’s request was still wrong (as we can see in the following verses), but it at least could have had some logic behind it.
For instance, if Simon had been faking things – practicing as an illusionist to trick people – perhaps he had purchased so-called “magic tricks” from others in his industry, much as illusionists purchase boxes and saws (i.e., to make it look like they can cut people in half) from a magic shop. It makes sense that he might be used to buying things that gave him notoriety, even as he encountered the real deal (i.e., the actual power of God that was accompanied by the good news about Jesus Christ).
Regardless of how Simon had practiced “magic” in the past, if he had seen how excited the people were to receive this power, he might have wanted to maintain his popularity by being able to do the same thing.
However, in Acts 8:20-23, Peter shuts this down: quickly and emphatically. Still, Peter doesn’t condemn Simon to Hell and walk away. Instead, we have an example of what I see as a form of church discipline. Let’s look at the components of Peter’s reply:
The sin is identified. Trying to buy access to God’s power is wrong. Simon’s silver (which perhaps he had a lot of, as a result of his previous lifestyle) is cursed, because it is being used for evil. Unlike those who set money at the apostle’s feet to support the church (see Acts 4:32-37), Simon is trying to use his money to get something for himself…something that is not for sale.
The root cause is identified. Simon’s heart isn’t right. He may have accepted the message about Jesus as the Messiah, but he still has a lot to learn. It appears that there’s still some of the “old Simon” sticking around, where he was able to impress people and they followed him (see Acts 8:9-11). We might say that Simon still has some sanctification to experience, and that he needs to develop some selflessness.
The solution is identified. Peter doesn’t just leave Simon in a hopeless state, though. Simon isn’t abandoned forever simply because he made a bad decision, but he needs to take some action. He is obliged to repent and ask for forgiveness.
The problems in Simon’s heart are identified. Peter calls out what is holding Simon back from doing the right thing. Perhaps his bitterness was because Simon was no longer the star, and part of him still wanted to be. Regardless, Simon is trapped – “captive” in the NIV – by sin. (Commentators Reese and Gaertner reference Deuteronomy 29:18 as a possible context for the bitterness cited here.)
Let’s have compassion on those who are still learning, and be loving when we correct those who are “believers in error”. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus outlined what I see as a “four-step process” to address when someone sins, and I think that this is a good practice for the church today. And, if we have made some bad choices in our lives (which we have), may we be encouraged by the offer of forgiveness and restoration that God offers to us.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for October 22, 2023
References:
- The Lookout, October 22, 2023, © 2023 Christian Standard Media.
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.
- New Testament History: A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Acts, by Gareth L. Reese. © 1976, College Press Publishing Company.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Acts, by Dennis Gaertner. © 1993 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 