Acts 8:11
And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Simon Magus became a significant figure in early church history and anti-heretical literature. Church fathers identified him as a proto-Gnostic, allegedly founding a heretical sect. His attempt to purchase apostolic power (Acts 8:18-19) gave rise to the term 'simony'—buying or selling spiritual office.
Sorcery and magic flourished in the Greco-Roman world. Samaritans' heterodox Judaism may have made them vulnerable to syncretistic spiritual practices. The lengthy duration (of long time) indicates Simon's established influence, making the Samaritans' conversion to Christ even more remarkable—demonstrating gospel power over entrenched spiritual bondage.
Questions for Reflection
- How can believers discern between genuine spiritual power and deceptive spiritual manipulation?
- What characteristics distinguish true gospel ministry from false teachers who 'bewitch' through impressive displays?
- In what ways do modern spiritual movements repeat Simon's pattern of amazing people without transforming them?
- How does the gospel liberate those enslaved to false religious systems?
- What responsibility do church leaders bear to protect congregations from spiritual deception?
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Analysis & Commentary
And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. Simon Magus had maintained spiritual authority over Samaritans through occult practices, demonstrating how false religion enslaves through deception and manipulation.
The phrase had regard indicates respect, attention, and submission. Simon's influence resulted from his bewitching—Greek existēmi, meaning to amaze or astound through extraordinary phenomena. Yet his power derived not from God but from demonic sources or skilled deception.
The contrast with Philip is stark: Simon bewitched (enslaved through deception), while Philip proclaimed truth that liberates. False religion offers spectacular displays that impress but don't transform; true gospel offers grace that saves. Reformed theology emphasizes discernment—not all supernatural phenomena originate with God.
This warns against evaluating spiritual authority solely by external displays of power. True apostolic ministry produces genuine conversion, not mere amazement. The Samaritans' long captivity to Simon's sorcery shows how false teaching establishes deep roots, requiring gospel truth's liberating power.