Scripture Notes: More Covenant Curses (Acts 8)

Simon the magician was a popular figure in Samaria. People flocked to see him do his tricks, and they were amazed, saying that Simon must have the power of God. Simon likely basked in their praise and probably in their financial contributions as well. 

But Philip the deacon was not impressed by Simon. Philip came to Samaria preaching the truth, the real power of God found in Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God and the New Covenant. Philip, too, could and did perform great deeds, but he never claimed they were by his own power. Rather Jesus was working in and through him to reveal the truth of the Gospel. 

Simon didn’t see it that way, though. He saw another magician in Philip, a more powerful magician who might be able to teach him some tricks. Yet something in Philip’s message drew him, and he did come to a certain belief in Jesus, even receiving baptism. And in so doing, he entered into a covenant with God. Did Simon understand what that entailed? It doesn’t seem so considering what happened next.

Upon hearing of Philip’s success in evangelization, Peter and John came to Samaria and offered what is now called the sacrament of Confirmation. They laid hands on the newly baptized Christians, who subsequently received an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, strengthening them to live their faith in a deeper, more powerful way.  

Simon the magician was all the more impressed when he saw what Peter and John were doing, and perhaps he even received the sacrament himself. But he still lacked the proper mindset; he was still thinking of these Christian leaders as magicians, just like him, and he wanted what they had. In fact, he wanted it so much that he was willing to pay for it. He offered Peter and John money for the “skill” they displayed.

Peter was horrified and declared, “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.” Peter also told Simon in no uncertain terms to repent right now and to “pray the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.” Otherwise, Simon would remain “in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” What did Peter mean by “if possible”? Couldn’t God forgive Simon? Yes, but only if Simon wanted it and truly repented of his sinful ways. 

Did Simon repent? He asked Peter to pray for him so that none of the bad stuff would fall upon him. But he never apologized, never said he was wrong, never acknowledged his sin. Early Church tradition tells us that Simon did not repent; rather he continued his pursuit of magical powers and became the leader of a heretical sect. We don’t know, of course, if he repented before his death; only God knows. But if he did not, then Simon would have experienced the final covenant curse, the loss of eternal life with God, and that would have been the greatest tragedy of all.