Day 1057: Magic and miracles - Acts 8 vs 9 - 19

9-11 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practised magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12-13 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

14-17 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18-19 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:9-19 English Standard Version

Today's reading gives a picture of the clash of two kingdoms – the Kingdom of God, which Jesus brought into the world, and the kingdom of Satan, who Jesus called 'the ruler of this world'. (John 16:11) One way in which that ruler promoted his kingdom was through sorcery. The Greek word for the craft of Simon, which so amazed the people of Samaria, is 'mageuo', hence our English word 'magic’. Much of the magic we see these days is just extremely clever sleight of hand. But is this always true of sorcery and magic?

The Bible teaches that there are real powers of evil at work in the world. The apostle Paul described a Christian's warfare as being against “evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, and against mighty powers in this dark world.” (Ephesians 6:12) The magicians of Egypt, for example, were able to imitate the first few miracles that Moses did. There were many people indwelt by demon spirits who tried to resist Jesus during His ministry. Even today, witchcraft plays a big part in many cultures across the world. We must never underestimate the reality of Satan and the ways in which some people are able to practise sorcery and magic to amaze others, and to blind them to the truth of God's kingdom. But what was the outcome of this clash of kingdoms we see in today's reading? (vs 12-13)

Philip's ability to expel demons out of people, and to heal those who were paralysed (as described earlier in vs 7-8) showed Simon that there was a greater power than his. God’s miracles were greater than Satan’s magic. And there was more to come! What happened in vs 14-17?

It seems that the Holy Spirit made His presence known in a similar way to what He did when He had come to the disciples on the day of Pentecost. When they had begun preaching, people of different nations had heard the message in their own language. Because of the centuries old division between Jews and Samaritans, it's very likely that God used the apostles to bring the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Samaritans so that everyone would know this was one and the same message. There wasn't one gospel for Jews, and another for Samaritans!

This part of the Bible is a unique event. It's not teaching that some Christians need to look for a further experience. Yes, believers will certainly desire to know Jesus more, and to grow more in His love. We certainly want our experience of His grace to be deeper, richer and fuller. But we are not to base this on seeking some experience, but rather on growing through the words Jesus gave to His disciples to pass on to those who would believe the gospel. What is one of the dangers of making some 'experience' the thing we must run after? (vs 18-19)

It opens us up to terrible exploitation. Simon thought if he could have what the apostles were doing, what power it would give him! Did he believe it was something worth paying money for because it could make a lot of money as well? I don't know what was in his heart, but it does show yet another way in which Satan seeks to sidetrack or obstruct Christians. And we do see this happening in our generation.