Philip’s ministry in Samaria in Acts 8 included an encounter with a man named Simon. According to verse 9, Simon practiced magic or sorcery in the city. In fact, the early church fathers referred to this individual as Simon Magus (Simon the magician). He was not what we would refer to as an illusionist, but a sorcerer, meaning someone capable of exercising control over nature and people by means of demonic or Satanic power. He was described as boastful – claiming to be someone great – and as popular among all the people with the nickname: The Great Power of God (v. 10). Simon obviously welcomed the fame and gain he received as a result of his demonic powers. Spiritual counterfeits of this sort have been with us all through history. One of the more recent manifestations is the New Age movement which we do not hear about much anymore, but sadly is alive and well. Popular television hosts still promote New Age practitioners from time to time.
It is instructive to compare and contrast the “ministries” of Philip (vv. 5-8) and Simon (vv. 9-12). Both performed miracles; however, Philip’s were by divine power – Simon’s by demonic power. Both were given attention by the people of Samaria. Philip proclaimed Christ, and his powerful signs affirmed his message (v. 6); in contrast to Simon who boasted and welcomed self-acclaim for his acts of power. That matches the results of their respective ministries: in the case of Philip, people were converted to Christ-followers; whereas people were amazed at Simon’s magic and became his followers. These are our clues to the many “spirits” in our day who contest for our allegiance. This is why the apostle John exhorts us (1 Jn. 4:1) Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. Do their words and works point to Jesus and His Deity and greatness; or do they point to their own greatness and power?
In an amazing turn-around, verse 13 says: And even Simon himself believed (Philip’s message of Christ); and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip; and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed. He had practiced Satan-magic…but even he was able to see that there was a difference between God-miracles and Satan-magic.