Our daily reading takes us to the book of Acts and includes some very interesting information. Take a moment and read Acts 8:1-25. Now, take a marker and highlight the things that you were surprised by and the things you had confirmed for you. (if you are a believer in marking in your Bible, otherwise don't do this)
The chapter begins with the fulfillment of the command given in Acts 1:8. (Jump back there and read) Jesus had told his disciples that they were to go and teach the good news, yet we find them hanging around Jerusalem until the 8th chapter. What changed? Well, it got pretty uncomfortable to be a Christian in Jerusalem about this time. Did God bring about the persecution to scatter the disciples? I don't know, but it got the job done! From this point forward the message of Jesus begins to be preached everywhere. So, for you and me this is a pretty important day in the history of the church.
Next we read about a man named Simon, Simon the Sorcerer. (sounds like a Disney movie) Philip makes his way to a little town called Samaria and begins to preach the great news of our Savior. He performs miracles to prove his authority and people respond to his message. Just as all the others we have read about that become Christians, they believe and are baptized. Let's take a read...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. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. (v 12-13) Clearly, the teaching that is described as "things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ" included the command to be baptized and the people obeyed. (Matthew 28:18ff, Acts 2:38ff)
The next tidbit of information is very interesting. Simon witnesses Phillip (the Apostle) laying his hands on people so that they could receive the gifts of the Spirit (ie. the ability to perform miracles) and he wants that power. He had been used to getting the attention, after all he was a "sorcerer". But now he saw the real thing, no magic tricks... the real deal! And he wanted this ability. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” (17-19) Want to know why miracles are not around today... there is your answer. Only the apostles had the ability to pass on the miraculous gifts. When they died, so did the ability to give these gifts. And... when those that they gave gifts to died, then miraculous gifts ceased to exist.
What occurs next is very important, so pay close attention. Simon seeks to purchase this ability from the apostles. Remember Simon had been saved back in verse 13. He makes his request to purchase this ability and the response from Peter is swift and to the point. But Peter said to him, “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. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” (20-23) Do you understand what just happened? Peter tells Simon that because of the intent of his heart, he was going to perish. He was lost! He was saved and then he was lost.
Peter's response to Simon's problem... Repent of your wickedness and pray for forgiveness. What does a Christian do when they fall, when they find themselves in sin... repent (change direction, stop the sin) and pray for forgiveness. Simon responds by asking Peter to pray for him also. Peter's rebuke cut to his heart and Simon didn't want to stay in that condition. What a great example for us. When we find ourselves caught in a sin, repent of it, pray and ask others to pray for us also and God will forgive our transgression.
The story of Simon, his sin and his recovery is important for us. Obviously it is, God included it for a reason! It gives us assurance that when we fall, we have a way back to a right relationship with the Father. I am thankful for His love and the security that we find in Him. Amen? Amen!
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