Acts chapter 8
Syncretism is the attempt to reconcile or combine opposing principles and practices in philosophy and religion. In the New Testament, one of the earliest examples of this appears in the account of Simon Magus in Acts 8. Simon tried to combine Christianity with his former occult practices and worldly ambition.
The word simony comes from Simon Magus. It refers to the sinful practice of buying or selling spiritual offices, ecclesiastical privileges, or divine gifts. The attempt to purchase spiritual authority with money traces directly back to Simon’s actions when he sought to buy the power of imparting the Holy Spirit from the apostles.
Whether Simon Magus was truly converted has been debated for centuries. Many modern commentators suggest that Simon was genuinely saved but later fell into serious error. However, many older Christian writers viewed him as a false convert, and I tend to agree with that older position.
Justin Martyr wrote that Simon used demonic powers to imitate Christianity and reported that he performed wonders through demons in Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius (AD 41–54).
Irenaeus stated that Simon was the source of many heresies and connected him to early Gnostic errors. Early church writers often viewed him as a counterfeit believer and even as a type of antichrist.
Peter’s rebuke in Acts 8 is severe. Simon asks Peter to pray for him, saying:
“Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.”
This is the last mention of Simon in the New Testament. If Simon had truly repented and become a faithful believer, it seems likely that Scripture would have given some evidence of genuine fruit.
Compare this to those in Ephesus who had practiced magic and openly demonstrated repentance:
“Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.”
—Acts 19:19
Their repentance was visible and costly. Simon shows no such evidence.
Sorcery is the pursuit of supernatural power through demonic means. It was practiced in ancient times and continues today.
Pharaoh’s magicians in Exodus practiced occult arts. King Nebuchadnezzar’s wise men and sorcerers are mentioned in Daniel. Paul lists sorcery among the works of the flesh and warns that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:20–21).
Sorcery is entirely opposed to Christianity. It is rebellion against God and participation with demonic influence.
Simon used sorcery to astonish the people of Samaria:
“But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great…”
—Acts 8:9
The people said of him:
“This man is the great power of God.”
—Acts 8:10
Simon enjoyed influence, admiration, and power. He had built a reputation around spiritual deception.
Then Philip came preaching Christ:
“But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself also believed…”
—Acts 8:12–13
The text says Simon believed and was baptized, but belief in itself does not always mean saving faith. Scripture records false professions elsewhere. Simon’s continued fascination with miracles suggests that he was more impressed by power than transformed by grace.
He saw that the power of God was greater than his sorcery, and this captured his attention.
When Peter and John arrived and the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of hands, Simon responded not with worship, but with greed:
“Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
—Acts 8:19
He offered them money.
Peter’s response was sharp:
“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 8:20–21
Peter did not comfort him—he confronted him.
He exposed the root problem: Simon’s heart was wrong before God.
Simon wanted power, not holiness. He wanted spiritual influence, not repentance. He wanted the benefits of religion without the death of self.
Peter continues:
“Repent therefore of this your wickedness… For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”
—Acts 8:22–23
This language is serious. Peter describes a man still enslaved by sin.
His pride had likely been fed for years by public admiration. He was known as a great man, and now he wanted apostolic power for selfish purposes. Instead of denying himself and following Christ, he sought to use spiritual things for personal gain.
This connects with the warning of Deuteronomy:
“Beware lest there be among you… a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit.”
—Deuteronomy 29:18
And Hebrews echoes the same warning:
“See to it… that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble…”
—Hebrews 12:15
Sorcery did not disappear with the ancient world. Revelation shows that it remains part of humanity’s rebellion against God.
“They did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”
—Revelation 9:21
“For by your sorcery all the nations were deceived.”
—Revelation 18:23
“But as for… sorcerers… their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur…”
—Revelation 21:8
“Outside are dogs and sorcerers…”
—Revelation 22:15
God takes sorcery seriously because it is tied to idolatry, deception, and demonic influence.
The Greek word often translated “sorcery” or “witchcraft” is pharmakia, from which we derive the English words pharmacy and pharmaceutical.
This includes occult practices, but the term also points to the use of substances associated with mind alteration, spiritual deception, and manipulation. Many people think only of illegal drugs, but the issue can also involve dependency on mind-altering substances more broadly.
This does not mean all medicine is sinful. Medicine can be a mercy from God when rightly used. But dependence on drugs apart from wisdom, self-control, and necessity can become a spiritual issue.
Some people refuse to discipline their bodies, change destructive habits, or pursue biblical self-control, and instead rely entirely on substances to manage life. That should cause serious reflection.
Paul writes:
“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
—1 Corinthians 9:27
Christians are called to sobriety, self-control, and holiness—not bondage.
Simon Magus stands as a warning to the church.
A person may profess faith, receive baptism, admire miracles, and still remain unchanged in heart.
He wanted power without repentance, religion without surrender, and spiritual gifts without the Giver.
That is the danger of false conversion.
Sorcery, whether ancient occultism or modern spiritual deception, remains a serious sin before God. The answer is not religious fascination, but true repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
The gospel calls us not to purchase power, but to die to self and receive grace freely from God.
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