Conversions in Acts, Part 2

Introduction

The next conversion listed in Acts is that of the Lame Man in Acts 3. However, since we thoroughly covered his conversion in the miracles’ series, we’ll move to the next one found in Acts 8:5-25.

This takes place after the martyrdom of Steven in Acts 7 when we are introduced by a man named Saul. He, later, becomes the apostle Paul and we’ll look at his part in Steven’s death, as well as, his conversion in a later article.

Steven’s death caused the dispersion of disciples to travel; either back to their home of origin or somewhere away from the chaos in Jerusalem. The apostles had remained in Jerusalem to keep things going there.

We follow Philip in the next two conversions. He is of Greek ethnicity; one of the seven chosen as seen in Acts 6:5-6. He went down to Samaria to preach. Keep in mind that the Jews despise Samaritans but there were Jews living in the region. At this time, they weren’t preaching to gentiles, just the Jews.

A Brief History of Samaria

When the 12 tribes of Israel were divided (1 Kg. 12-14) into two kingdoms; the Northern kingdom consisted of 10 tribes and was called, Israel. The Southern Kingdom consisted of 2 tribes and was called, Judah.

The Kingdom of Israel was carried away into captivity by the Assyrians. The people were dispersed and the kingdom, more or less, cease to exist. When the Babylonians carried away Judah, the Babylonian Empire consisted of the descendants of those who were carried away by the Assyrians.

After the 70 years, Judah returned to the land. During all that time, those who were in Assyrian captivity intermarried with the people of the land. So, in essence, there was Jewish blood mixed in with those of Samaria which is why, most likely, the Jews loathe the Samaritans more than your “garden-variety” gentile. After 400 years of silence, between the testaments, also fueled that problem.

The Preaching Continued—Acts 8:5-7

Although the death of Steven might have rattled many people, it didn’t stop the spread of the gospel. Disciples, like Philip, used that incident as an opportunity to get out and preach Christ (Mt. 28:19-20) to other towns and villages.

Any dark cloud situation would have the proverbial silver lining. It’s just a matter of looking for it. Philip saw that very lining and made his way out of Jerusalem.

Even though Philip wasn’t an apostle, he was still able to perform miracles which proved that what he was teaching was the truth (Mk. 16:20; Heb. 2:3-4). He would have obtained the miracles by the laying on of an apostle’s hands (Acts 8:14,17). Since he was unable to pass on the miracles, Peter and John were sent to Samaria to pray and lay on of hands to them (Acts 8:14-15).

Great Joy in that City

In verse 8 we read, And there was great joy in that city (Acts 8:8). Now, some might say, what’s the significance of pointing out this verse? As was shown in the previous article, we pointed out Act 2:41 which stated, Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

These people were free from their infirmities: disease, blindless, lame, palsy, mute, etc. Plus, ALL were free from their sins because they heard the gospel preached and were baptized.

This will come up again in the next conversion and I’m building up to a discussion concerning the conversion of Saul in chapter 9. It involves exactly when Saul became a Christian according to some beliefs out there.

Simon The Sorcerer

In the next few verses, we meet a man named Simon. 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, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. 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; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done (Acts 8:9-13).

Simon was nothing more than a magician much like Harry Houdini or David Copperfield. There is nothing inherently evil about their performances, or magic in general. Whereas, the magicians of today would admit that they use sleight of hand and misdirection, Simon claimed supernatural powers to do his feats. Verses 10 and 11 prove that he was deceiving the masses with his trickery.

However, when Simon saw Philip perform the God-given miracles, he knew that he couldn’t compete with such a one. He, too, believed and was baptized. Fascinated by what he had seen, and heard, Simon continued to travel with Philip. The disciples rarely traveled alone and, as a new convert, it’s easy to understand why Simon joined him.

Peter and John arrived on the scene (verse 14) and they laid on hands to certain ones; giving the Holy Spirit to them. This suddenly became a fascination to Simon as we see here, 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.” (Acts 8:18-19)

Simon backslid into his old life when he saw how the gifts were bestowed, he felt he just had to have this power too. It wasn’t the gifts themselves he was after, but the ability to bestow those gifts onto others. This was something that even Philip couldn’t do, just the apostles themselves! Once a great man with “supernatural” ability, now a greater man with the ability to bestow powers to others. Not only that, he even went so far as to offer money!

There are some who state that Simon was no longer saved as he committed sin. Others state that his conversion wasn’t genuine as he wasn’t sincere when he was baptized. Both of these beliefs are totally wrong. Those who say you can’t fall from grace haven’t read what the apostle Paul wrote, You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace (Galatians 5:4).

To say he was never really saved in the first place is similar to saying, that when a man, involved in a car accident, has his arm severed, his arm wasn’t attached to him in the first place. You see how absurd that sounds?

Simon’s faith was genuine as he gave up his great status, as one with “supernatural” powers, to humble himself, be baptized, and washed free of the sinful nature of deceit. If either of the two above statements were true, the scriptures would have said so.

Peter’s Rebuke

In the next few verses, we see Peter’s response, 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.” (Acts 8:20-23)

Peter’s outrage was the fact that Simon trivialized God’s gift into something that could be purchased with money. Just like many other miracles found in scripture, people want to debunk their miraculous nature into something more common.

Peter knew that if Simon didn’t change his heart, he was bound for an eternity in Hell. Repentance was very important if Simon wanted to continue to serve God and His son, Jesus. Repentance is very important for all Christians alike. The longer you put it off, the more your soul is in danger.

Simon’s Request

We find Simon’s response in the next verse, Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” (Acts 8:24) Not surprising, there are some who believed that Simon didn’t pray himself but, rather, asked the apostles to do it for him. This is nonsense as it’s your sin and you need to do the work to put it right!

His request for them to pray was in addition to his own prayer. Sometimes asking others to pray for you aids in the repentance or, in some cases, help with other matters; strength for the coming week, help in overcoming an obstacle in your life, recovering from an illness, etc.

Paul writes, For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. (2 Corinthians 7:10) Simon’s salvation was genuine and his sorrow for the sin he was committing was also genuine. He knew he was wrong and needed to change.

Conclusion

Sometimes it’s difficult to humble ourselves and do the right thing. We have such confidence in ourselves that we are blinded by what others can plainly see. We need to pause and reevaluate our life before it’s too late.