THE STORY OF SIMON (2 OF 6)
by Scott Maze
Scripture: Acts 8:5-13, Acts 8:17-25
This content is part of a series.
The Story of Simon (2 of 6)
Series: People: A Study in the Book of Acts
Scott Maze
Acts 8:5-13, 17-25
In the early part of Acts, we are introduced to 5 brief biographies that I want to introduce to you now. If you enjoy reading a biography, then you’ll benefit from these short bios. Think of these five men as the Mount Rushmore of the early chapters of Acts, if you will. A week ago we saw the sterling character of Stephen, Christianity’s first martyr and real hero. Girls, he’s the kind of guy you want to bring home to meet your parents.
Today, we meet Simon. Simon was a first century version of David Copperfield or Harry Houdini. Whether he had saffron robes marked with the sign of the zodiac & made theatrical entrances, I’m not sure. Like Stephen, he also works miracles. But unlike Stephen, he doesn’t understand the ways of God. Thinking he could fake it until make it, Simon’s life is a warning for us all. Simon’s heart represents a crossroads where religion & greed collide.
Today’s Scripture
“Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.
9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 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. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptiz ...
Series: People: A Study in the Book of Acts
Scott Maze
Acts 8:5-13, 17-25
In the early part of Acts, we are introduced to 5 brief biographies that I want to introduce to you now. If you enjoy reading a biography, then you’ll benefit from these short bios. Think of these five men as the Mount Rushmore of the early chapters of Acts, if you will. A week ago we saw the sterling character of Stephen, Christianity’s first martyr and real hero. Girls, he’s the kind of guy you want to bring home to meet your parents.
Today, we meet Simon. Simon was a first century version of David Copperfield or Harry Houdini. Whether he had saffron robes marked with the sign of the zodiac & made theatrical entrances, I’m not sure. Like Stephen, he also works miracles. But unlike Stephen, he doesn’t understand the ways of God. Thinking he could fake it until make it, Simon’s life is a warning for us all. Simon’s heart represents a crossroads where religion & greed collide.
Today’s Scripture
“Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.
9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 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. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptiz ...
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