Philip and Simon the Sorcerer in Samaria

Those who were scattered by persecution went everywhere preaching the word, including Philip who went down to the city of Samaria to preach Christ to them (Acts 8:4-5). The people there gave heed to Philip because they heard him and saw the miracles he performed, which included casting out unclean spirits and healing those who were paralyzed and lame. There was a certain man named Simon who had previously practiced sorcery in the city and amazed the people, claiming to be someone great. The text does not say what specific magical acts he performed, only that the people regarded him as the great power of God because he had bewitched them for a long time (Acts 8:9-11).

When the people believed Philip's preaching regarding the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Simon himself also believed and was baptized, after which he continued with Philip and wondered at the miracles and signs being done. When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. Upon arrival, the two apostles prayed for the new believers that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for the Spirit had not yet fallen upon any of them (Acts 8:14-16).

Peter and John laid their hands on the believers, and they received the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money to obtain this power for himself. Peter rebuked him, stating that Simon's heart was not right in the sight of God and that he was in the gall of bitterness. The text does not say whether Simon truly repented, but he asked the apostles to pray to the Lord that none of the things they had spoken would come upon him. After testifying and preaching, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem (Acts 8:20-25).