Many people believed and became Christians because of the message and the accompanying signs and wonders. One such person was a local magician who had previously wowed the area with his own ability for the miraculous. His power had previously been attributed to God.
Simon followed Philip around because of these miracles he was performing until Peter and John arrive. All of the new converts in Samaria had not yet received the Holy Sprit. By the laying on of hands they did receive the Holy Sprit and at this point Simon worked out what was going on.
He saw that by the laying on of hands people were receiving the Holy Sprit and amazing miracles were taking place. So he offered to buy this gift from Peter.
Simon, of course, is put in his place by Peter but I believe this is a mistake that is made by many of us before maturity starts to develop in us. Simon had become a Christian yes, but it seems he became a Christian just because of what he could get out it. His heart was not one that was seeking after God but seeking after his amazing gifts. I’m sure many of us have been there from time to time. Also, he did not understand that Gods gifts are free. He attempted to pay for them, and again I think this is something many of us do.
I find Christianity would sit much easier with me if I felt that I had earned it in some way. Of course, no matter what we do we can never earn what gives us. He gives it freely.
This passage this morning was a reminder to me that we should seek God’s face, not His hands and also that when He chooses to give us good gifts (be all means we can and should ask for them) He gives them freely. It doesn’t matter how gifted or talented we think we are, God is interested in the state of our hearts. Simon’s heart was wrong, he was not seeking God, he was seeking to serve himself.
DetailsRob Borley
June 24th, 2005
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