[Biblemat] A) SIMON THE SORCERER

[J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com]

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  A very good Thursday
morning to each and everyone.  May God bless you and yours.
Here is a article from my recent files:

SIMON THE SORCERER

     "But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before-
time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people
of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To
whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, say-
ing, This man is the great power of God.  And to him they had
regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with
sorceries" (Acts 8:9-11).

     Luke, "the beloved physician" and only Greek writer in the
New Testament, tells us about a fellow who would have known about miracles, 
this Simon the Sorcerer.  The reveal-
ing thing about Simon was that when he saw the miracles
done by Philip, he became a believer.  He did not challenge
Philip's miracles, because he surely knew the difference be-
tween his magic and the signs performed by the man of God.
After his baptism Simon did, however, try to buy miraculous
powers from the apostles Peter and John.

     Peter's response is instructive for anyone interested in
the part miracles play in salvation.  "Thy money perish with
thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be
purchased with money.  Thou hast neither part nor lot in this
matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.  Repent
therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps
the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.  For I perce-
ive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of
iniquity" (Acts 8:20-23).

     To belittle, misuse, or corrupt miracles in some way does
not receive approval from the Scripture.  Miracles have to do
with belief, confirmation of the Word, and salvation (Heb. 2:3,
4; Matt. 28:12).  Commentators and students of the Word
should take the subject seriously.   ----- George Hutto inTidin-
gs, Vol. 21, No. 12, Dec. 2006.

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