The purpose of these signs, wonders, and miraculous events was to confirm the gospel that was being preached throughout the world (Mark 16:20 Heb. Miracles existed for a specific purpose and when the purpose for which they were given was completed, then their use was no longer necessary. Evidence is abundant that this passage was fulfilled in the first century (Acts 3:6-7 13:9 28:2-5). Jesus said in Mark 16:17-18, "And these signs shall accompany them that believe: in my name shall they cast out demons they shall speak with new tongues: they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them, they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." Notice that the passage reads that when they laid hands on the sick, "they shall recover" not they might re-cover. These type of "miracles" also do not explain the many fatal car crashes, miscarriages, or deaths due to cancer. While we should be thankful for such happenings, these do not represent true miracles, signs, and wonders. Survival from a car crash, the birth of a child, and recovery from cancer have all been pronounced miraculous by some. They have been deceived concerning what constitutes a real miracle and then led astray by believing that extraordinary events that cannot be readily explained are miraculous in nature. Today, many people are defrauded by would-be miracle workers. They were events that suspended the laws of nature. He recognized that the signs and wonders accompanying Philip's preaching were not cheap imitations or frauds. Simon, being a sorcerer and one that had tricked many people for years with his sorceries, was imminently qualified to discern between real and fraudulent miracles. What did Simon learn about the salvation of his soul from the teaching of Philip and the apostles?įirst, Simon learned the reality of genuine miracles and that these supernatural events had a purpose far greater than just the miracle itself. Peter then told him that he had sinned and urged him to repent and pray to God for forgiveness (Acts 8:20-23). This so impressed Simon that "he offered them money, saying, `Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit"' (Acts 8:19). Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit" (Acts 8: 14-17). They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. The apostles heard about the conversions in Samaria and the text says, "Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. Simon was also among this number (Acts 8:13). Those who obeyed the gospel in Samaria continued with Philip as he preached the word of God. Jesus said in Mark 16:16 that "he who believes and is baptized will be saved." Simon was now a child of God having been born into the Lord's kingdom by water and the Spirit (John 3:5). Simon also witnessed the miraculous confirmation of the gospel and he believed and was baptized (Acts 8:13). The difference between genuine miracles and pseudo miracles was easily recognized by those who had been deluded for years and they responded in a positive way to the gospel. However, when Philip came to Samaria preaching Christ and working true miracles to confirm the Lord's message, "the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip" and "both men and women were baptized" (8:6, 12). He was evidently very good at his trade for many people heeded him for a long time (8:10). Simon was a man who practiced sorcery and he used this device to delude many people into thinking he was some great one (Acts 8:9). There are many lessons to be learned from all the conversions, but we want to notice a few important ones from the conversion of this sorcerer. The conversion of Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8:9-24 is one among many chosen by the Holy Spirit to be recorded for all time in the inspired word of God.
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