The flesh's desire might be lustful, jealousy or plain pride. In many cases, it is the quest for more powers to manipulate situations to one's own advantage. The evil one has repeatedly used man's preference for self to adventure into the occult. Sorcery is an Evil Work of the Fleshįirst of all, we should acknowledge that behind the desire to explore the world of darkness is often a quest to manipulate things to one's own advantage. They conclude that because the scripture asserts that sorcery is of the flesh then it is not at all connected with evil powers. The flesh will not only use sorcery but sensuality, hatred, immorality and other things to get its own way. Galatians 5:19-20 speaks powerfully about how the flesh (the old heart) tries to satisfy its own desire even at the cost to others. We agree with the fact that the flesh indulges in sorcery if it can. 682).Ĭourson, Jon (2003), Application Commentary, New Testament.Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife. John wrote his first epistle, in part, to counter the threat of Gnosticism within the early church” (Courson, 2003, p. “What happened to Simon? Tradition says he went insane and buried himself alive-but not before he introduced the heresy of Gnosticism, which among other things, stated that, matter being evil and spirit good, God could not have created the world out of matter, nor could Jesus have become Man and died for our sin. He just wanted to be protected from the consequences of his sin” (Corson, 2003, p.682). He said ‘Pray that these things won’t happen to me.’ He wasn’t interested in having his life corrected. Jon Courson (2003) says “When Simon was called on the carpet he didn’t say ‘Pray that my heart will be changed’. A “baby Christian” would have listened to Peter’s words and taken heed to repent and pray to God. During the time that had elapsed since his “believing and baptism” Simon should have had a relationship with God. Simon’s heart of “bitterness and iniquity” had been exposed. Peter once again offered this to Simon when he said “Repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you”. If Phillip taught the words of Jesus to the Samaritans then Simon had already heard that Jesus died so that he could repent and be forgiven of his sins. Others believe that his rebuke was a merciful attempt to save Simon, truly save him. Peter saw that Simon’s heart was “not right in the sight of God” (Acts 8:21).
Peter saw straight into Simon’s heart and rebuked him. He wanted to go from “baby Christian” to “Apostle” in one day.
He offered money so that he could be an authority also. Luke did not tell us that upon seeing all of this Simon humbly asked for prayer that he might also receive the Holy Spirit. He offered money to Peter so that he might also have this power. When Peter and John arrived, Simon “saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given” (Acts 8:18). Perhaps Phillip continued to teach the new Christians. We do not know what took place during this time. Some time must have passed as Phillip sent word to Peter and John and they arrived on the scene. ‘Your faith must affect the way you live, for faith without works is dead’ (James 2:17)” (Courson, 2003, p.681). But if faith is not in your heart, you are in no better shape than the demons in hell….…That is why James points out the fallacy of intellectual faith. Courson continues “You can believe in your head intellectually. But they are not saved” (Courson, 2003, p.681). James 2:19 says that even the devils believe in God and they tremble. Jon Courson, in his Application Commentary (Courson, 2003) says that “Simon believed, but he was not a born-again believer. He decided to believe also and be baptized. Simon observed as his “God-ness” was fading into the background as the people believed in Jesus Christ and were baptized. The people were amazed at the miracles and healing, but also listening to the words of Phillip as he spoke of “the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 8: 12). He was named “A Great Power of God” by the Samaritans. Imagine Simon, a sorcerer for many years in Samaria, amazed. Was Simon a “new Christian with a transformed life, needing discipleship” or was he using his “Christian Belief” for selfish purposes?Īfter “Even Simon himself believed” (Acts 8:13a, NAS) he was baptized and followed Phillip around and “observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed”. Into the Word: Read Acts 8: 4-24 Simon the Sorcerer
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