Acts 8:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.

NIV: They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery.

NASB: And they were paying attention to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic arts.

CSB: They were attentive to him because he had amazed them with his sorceries for a long time.

NLT: They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic.

KJV: And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

NKJV: And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.

This sentence could be considered a tragic summary of modern culture. We are naturally drawn to charming people who seem to have abilities we lack. This can apply to politicians, athletes, entertainers, or even scientists and doctors. We often ignore things like the person's moral character, how much they demand from us, or if what they do is helpful or harmful. We like the show.

The Samaritans are no different. A man named Simon has lived in the city for a long time, seducing the residents with his magic (Acts 8:9–10). We aren't told what kind of supernatural miracles he performs; we just know they aren't empowered by the Holy Spirit. Considering how many times Jesus rescued people from demon possession, we know that demonic activity is a real problem at this time. The Samaritans may be thankful for someone who promises to give them relief—not noticing the source of his power is the very thing they need relief from.

The Bible gives us several things to look out for when we're in danger of being seduced by a celebrity. Jesus says to judge people by their fruit. In part, this means if what they do is harmful to others, they're not from God (Matthew 7:15–20). This isn't a comprehensive rule, however; some ungodly people seem to do great things for the world. John says we need to see how they talk about Jesus—if the person admits that Jesus is the Son of God, that's a good sign (1 John 4:15). And Paul says that demonic forces will not claim that Jesus is Lord (1 Corinthians 12:3). They know He is, but they will not worship Him in adoration (James 2:19).

Fortunately, the Jesus-follower Philip has come to Samaria and he is more than willing to talk about Jesus. The people immediately respond. Simon's example proves that while it's hard to con a conman, you can convict him with the truth.

Acts 8:9–25 further describes the apostles' pursuit of Jesus' plan to bring salvation to those He chooses. Simon, a popular and presumably wealthy sorcerer, sees Philip's miracles. He especially notices the way the Holy Spirit comes on people when Peter and John lay their hands on them. Simon offers to buy their power. Meanwhile, Peter and John are in Samaria. The thought of Samaritans following Jesus goes against longstanding Jewish traditions. Yet the Samaritans are accepting Christ, and these messengers of the church are there to see the Holy Spirit come on them. God is not impressed by worldly popularity or wealth but on repentant, submissive hearts.

Jesus told the apostles they would spread the gospel (Acts 1:8) and persecution makes that happen. Upon the death of the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:54–60), a young Pharisee named Saul builds on the momentum to arrest and, if possible, execute Jesus followers (Acts 8:1–3; 26:10). The apostles mostly stay in Jerusalem, but the church members flee, spreading the gospel to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. Important encounters in this passage include a magician named Simon and the conversion of an Ethiopian court official.

Acts 1:8 gives the outline of the book of Acts; Acts 1—7 describes the spread of the gospel through Jerusalem; Acts 8:1—11:18 shows the gospel spreading in Judea and Samaria; Acts 11:19—28:31 sees the gospel spread to the ''end of the earth,'' finalizing in Rome. Ironically, although Paul is the central figure in spreading Jesus' good news to the ends of the earth, his early persecution of the church in Jerusalem is instrumental in spreading the gospel through Judea and Samaria.

The summary of the book of Acts is provided in Jesus' words in Acts 1:8: ''But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'' In Acts 2:1–13, the Christ-followers receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:14—7:60 describes the rapid growth of the church in Jerusalem. Chapters 8—12 find Jewish persecution inadvertently spreading the gospel throughout Judea and Samaria. And in chapters 13—28, Paul and his companions spread the good news throughout the Roman Empire.