The faith of Simon the sorcerer

“Now even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was repeatedly amazed.” (1) Simon himself believed and was baptized. (a) It is not conclusive whether Simon was truly saved. From the subsequent events, his faith does not appear to be genuine. Even when someone claims to believe, there are various shapes of belief. (b) Simon began to follow Philip. Simon’s changed behavior likely had a significant impact on those who had previously followed him.  (2) Simon “observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was repeatedly amazed.” (a) Judaism recognized that sorcerer could perform miracles through the power of demons. (b) However, they also believed that the power wielded by sorcerer was limited. (c) Simon was astonished by the greatness of the power of God manifested through Philip, which was not limited. At this point, two issues remain unresolved: (a) Is Simon’s faith genuine? (b) Will the Jerusalem church recognize the salvation of the Samaritans? These two issues will be addressed next time.

God’s master plan

The salvation of the Samaritans was included in God’s master plan from the beginning. Let’s review the following points: (1) Jesus’ ministry to the Samaritans (John 4:7-42). (a) The Samaritan woman was converted. (b) The Samaritan woman became an evangelist. (c) The townspeople believed. “And they were saying to the woman, ‘It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One truly is the Savior of the world.’” (John 4:42). (2) The healing of the ten lepers (Luke 17:15-18). Among the ten who were healed, only one, a Samaritan, returned to give thanks. (3) Jesus’ mission command (Acts 1:8). (a) Jerusalem and Judea (Jewish evangelism). (b) All of Samaria (Samaritan evangelism). (c) The ends of the earth (Gentile evangelism). It is Philip who crosses the boundary between (a) and (b). It is Peter who crosses the boundary between (b) and (c). Jesus crossed the greatest boundary—the one between God and sinners. Therefore, as believers in Jesus, we also proclaim “the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.”