The Spirit of Simon the Sorcerer
Robert Wurtz II
And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” (Acts 8:18–23 NKJV)
I selected this passage to demonstrate how easy it is for the enemy to infiltrate the church if leaders are undiscerning. Simon was a popular sorcerer with such demon powers that people in his community revered him as a god. However, when Phillip came preaching the Gospel and moving in signs and wonders, the people who followed Simon — turned to Phillip. Upstaged and impressed, Simon joined the crowd, “believed the Gospel,” and was baptized in water.
Believed But Had Not Received
Phillip knew that the people who responded to his message lacked the Holy Spirit, so he sent for the apostles Peter and John to come and lay hands on them to receive. During this process, Simon the Sorcerer observed something remarkable that captured his attention. Although the specifics of what he witnessed are unclear, it intrigued him instantly. Despite being a demonized sorcerer who moved in the supernatural, Simon had never encountered such power before and was eager to be part of it. Satan was influencing Simon to infiltrate the churches early on to destroy it from within.
It’s important to note that Simon previously charged people for the use of his demonic powers and believed he could buy the power of God. Consequently, he approached Peter, asking if he could purchase the ability to lay hands on others so they could receive the Spirit. Peter’s response is chilling, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.” (Acts 8:14-16)
The “gift of God” is the living water that Jesus spoke of when He conversed with the woman at the well. This event, commonly called the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, is what joins a person to Christ and brings them into the fullness of the New Covenant. But unfortunately, because his heart was not right with God, Simon did not qualify to receive this gift — much less administer it by laying hands. So, again, in the words of Peter, “You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.”
Baptized in Water — Still Demonized and Damned
Simon believed in Jesus and was water baptized; nevertheless, his heart was not right in the sight of God. In other words, he never repented of his sin, especially greed and control. Peter told him, “your heart is not right.” the Greek word for, “right” is a word used of John the Baptist ministry when he was called to, “make His paths straight.” John the Baptist focused on peoples attitude towards their possessions. Why? Because you can’t serve money and God or be greedy and loving at the same time. But this has never stopped the Simon types from attempting it.
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There was no sign of genuine repentance in Simon’s life. Instead, he attempted to blend Christianity with his previous demonic lifestyle, planning to continue exploiting the vulnerable for profit—this time with a new and more potent power source. It’s akin to switching your cell phone provider from AT&T to Verizon. The fact that the Holy Spirit inspired the record of this story shows that God expects us to be on the lookout for the “Simon the Sorcerer” types or what I’m calling “The Spirit of Simon the Sorcerer.”
Demons at the Door
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Simon’s confession and Baptism did not fool God, but it could have fooled everyone else. Jesus would never give this man the Holy Spirit while his heart was not right, demonized, and in the gall of bitterness. He attempted to become a “Christian” while still serving God and Mammon at the same time. It’s impossible, but he tried.
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Simon’s greed made him an idolator and useful to Satan similarly to Judas. He was greedy and exploited the vulnerable rather than being generous and charitable. Fortunately, Peter discerned this man’s heart condition preventing the Devil and his demons from inserting themselves into the church. But, I’ve often wondered, what if they laid hands on Simon and he started spitting out unintelligible words and doing weird manifestations? Would somebody have claimed, “He’s got it! He’s got the Holy Ghost!” But as they were busy boasting that one more had been filled with the Spirit, he had actually received a different spirit than the Holy Spirit. (2 Cor. 11:4) This was a real possibility and would have fooled most people despite the fact that he was still in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity.
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If the leaders lacked the discernment to know the difference between the Holy Spirit and an unclean spirit, they might have rejoiced that this man was “saved, baptized, and filled with the Holy Ghost.” He would’ve been called to testify and may have been asked to sing or preach! In time, he might have moved into ministry as a pastor or some other leader. He may have “read peoples’ mail” or “prophesied.” How horrifying! Think of the implications of that. It makes sense that Jesus said many in that day will say, “Lord, Lord, in thy name have we not cast out devils and done many wonderful works.” Only to hear, “Depart from me, you worker of iniquity, for I never knew you!”
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Carnal Christians become Carnal Leaders
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What if this happened in our times? Would we recognize the Spirit of Simon the Sorcerer types? If a person comes to Christ to have the power and the money, they are deceived. Why did Simon the Sorcerer want power? Was it to glorify God, or was it to promote himself and his magic business? His heart was not right with God. This man hadn’t even repented of his sins. He had no desire to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2). He was like the devil who wanted to ascend higher and higher through “power.” During his life, Simon tried to gain a following by impressing people with power. He couldn’t comprehend the words of John the Baptist, “I must decrease, and He (Christ) must increase.”
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There are no insignificant details in the scriptures. The story of Simon is given to us for our learning. It teaches us that it is possible to believe, be water baptized, and never repent of your sins. But, unfortunately, it is also possible to desire the gifts of the Spirit and be bound to iniquity. The gifts are for love not the furtherance of a person. Yet, in modern times, it’s easy to infiltrate the kingdom of God by simply being gifted. The question is, has the person truly renounced all sin? Have they turned from all darkness and iniquity? Are they covetous idolaters? Do they have a desire for God? Are they yielding the fruit of the Spirit? Do they love the people of God? Are they moving in brotherly love?
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An Agent of Satan
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Simon the Sorcerer appeared on the surface to be doing everything right, but he gave himself away when he asked to buy the Holy Spirit. Once God exposed him we realize that had all the markings of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Peter didn’t overlook the warning signs, and neither should we. Had Simon the Sorcerer made it into the church, he would have torn many sheep to pieces and scatted the rest. He would have been an agent of destruction like no other.
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Once Simon the Sorcerer secured his place in the church, he would have wielded the charm and charisma characteristic of a serpent. He would present what seemed like the gifts of the Spirit, but in reality, these would be demonic manifestations. Other discerning leaders would recognized the deception when he lacked a shepherd’s heart and genuine love for the flock. Instead, he would shred people to pieces without any pain of conscience and making the devilish actions appear spiritual.
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By the time it became clear that someone was ensnared in the gall of bitterness and bound by iniquity while still in a position of leadership, it would be far too late for intervention. This is precisely Satan’s strategy. Once Simon had embedded himself in the church, any attempt to confront him would have been futile. The only recourse for the saints would be to endure patiently, hoping for God to intervene and strike him down. Therefore, prevention is the only viable solution. Never overlook UnChrist-like qualities in others, and refrain from giving anyone the benefit of the doubt when you discern they are operating in iniquity and evil. As one secular poet put it, “When they show you who they are, believe them.”
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