“But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.” Acts 8:9–13
Sometimes very unlikely people come to faith in Jesus. Sometimes it’s the last people that you would ever think would repent and trust Jesus who actually do! God is so good to show us that salvation is all of grace and not based on works. Sometimes the vilest of sinners awake to their need for a Savior.
We meet someone like this in today’s text. Simon was a magician. We don’t know for sure what that means. His abilities could have been supernatural and empowered by the devil, or it could simply have been tricks that he played on people. Either way, he was driven to win their marvel and honor.
God hates pride. Why do you think that is?
God hated the pride of Simon, and he hates the pride that can easily swell up in our hearts. Pride says to God, “I don’t need you. I am good all on my own. I’ve got this, and if that changes, I’ll let you know. But as of right now, I can manage my life all by myself.”
Thankfully God’s Spirit was more powerful than Simon’s magic, and he drew Simon to himself. God can even save prideful people who think they don’t need God. If God could save Simon, do you think there is anyone that God can’t save?
This should give us great confidence in evangelism. We simply share the good news and then pray for God to draw people to himself by his Spirit.
Read
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:44
- Why is this verse a comfort for us when we share our faith like Philip?
- Who do you know appears to be the type of person who will not repent and trust Jesus? How could this verse inform how you pray for them?
Prayer
Father, thank you that you are not paralyzed by our prideful resistance. Thank you that we can trust you to do the work in people’s hearts as we share the good news. May you save people like Simon. Please do it for Jesus’ sake. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
This devotion is adapted from the Acts Study Guide: Chapter 6–11. Pick up a copy today for only $9.99. The Study Guide includes an 11-week curriculum with small group studies, group inductive studies, as well as 55 daily devotions for your personal or family worship.
