Simon Magus wowed the crowd again, performing his magic before the crowd’s astonished eyes.  Jaws dropped, cheers erupted, and the people of Samaria hailed him as an unparalleled magician.  His fame had spread far and wide, drawing throngs to witness his every performance. The crowd proclaimed, “This man is the power of God that is called Great!” He was extraordinary—could anyone surpass him?

Then a man arrived, bearing a message that resonated deeply with many. Unlike Simon, he performed no sorcery—no black magic, no white magic, no gray magic. Instead, he worked signs and wonders, delivering a message of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Philip, the newcomer to Samaria, captured the attention of everyone in the land, including Simon himself. Following the example of Jesus, Philip’s ministry likely included remarkable acts such as healing the lame, restoring sight to the blind, and opening the ears of the deaf, all while boldly proclaiming the good news of Christ. The crowd recognized their spiritual emptiness. Each person realized their profound need for God in their lives. Crowds began to believe in Jesus—even Simon Magus himself believed! People were baptized in water, and even Simon was baptized. But here’s an important note: Simon Magus was a believer—but not a true believer! How? Read on…

Peter and John came to Samaria to pray for new believers. As Simon witnessed the signs and great miracles unfolding before his eyes, he was overcome with amazement, excitement, ambition, and a thirst for power.  Seeing how the Holy Spirit was bestowed upon believers through laying of hands increased his desire to acquire this authority selfishly.  Eagerly, he offered Peter money, seeking the same power to lay hands and confer the Spirit.  He coveted this sacred priesthood. After all, he was wealthy—surely his money could buy anything! Or could it?

Peter, perceiving Simon’s corrupt intent, rebuked him sharply:

“May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” (‭‭Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭20‬-‭23‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Tragically, Simon’s response to Peter’s rebuke was disheartening: “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.” (Acts 8:24)   His words revealed fear of earthly consequences rather than a concern for his eternal destiny.  Simon showed no interest in how Jesus could transform his life through repentance, turning away from sin, and following Him in obedience. He underestimated the Holy Spirit’s power, presuming his worldly wealth could buy it.

The Holy Spirit is sacred. No amount of money could ever purchase it!

The spiritual bondage wrapped around Simon Magus was real. Though he professed belief in Jesus, his attempt to purchase the power to lay hands and impart the Holy Spirit revealed a profound misunderstanding of salvation’s true meaning.  His desire for this authority was not rooted in faith but in a quest to bolster his reputation. After all, he was Simon Magus, the so-called “Great,” wasn’t he? He yearned to reclaim that title and recapture the crowd’s adulation he once commanded.

REALITY CHECK

Do you realize that spiritual bondage can lead to spiritual blindness? It’s a dangerous path to assume you’re fine when, in truth, you’re not. As the saying goes, “It’s okay to not be okay,” but in this special case, is it really okay to think you’re okay when salvation is at stake? Though Simon Magus professed faith in Jesus, his heart remained captive to his old ways, clinging to them without even realizing it.

A life fully surrendered to God abandons old habits, sinful behaviors, and prideful attitudes, turning to the Lord in repentance. Only through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and—not through sorcery, fame, or any human effort—can you be made new. This is the essence of true surrender to Christ.

Perhaps at some point, you found yourself trapped not even knowing you’re in spiritual bondage—a pit that feels nearly impossible to escape. I hear you! But difficulty does not mean impossibility. Only through sincere repentance and the power of the Holy Spirit can one be freed from the devastating grip of spiritual bondage. When things get tough, seek help from a Pastor, ask prayer from a true believer, get immersed and involved in Church activities and fellowship. These, of course, are not replacement to true repentance. Our Lord is loving and patient, and as He promised, He provides us with the Holy Spirit, our helper, to get through our struggles. Never stop seeking for His presence!

Bible Verse

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:6-9)