“Conversions in Acts” — What did they do to become Christians?
Part 3.
In our last study, we examined the conversions of those in the city of Samaria who responded properly to the Gospel as it was preached and presented by Philip (Acts 8:1-12). This week, we will stay in the same chapter (Acts 8) to examine the conversion of a man by the name of Simon, who was a “sorcerer.”
Simon is introduced to us by Luke:
“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” (Acts 8:9-11).
Notice how the people responded to him. They were “astonished” and “gave heed” believing that he possessed the “great power of God.” What is so amazing is the contrast that is brought forth in the very next verse:
“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.” (Acts 8:12).
Here, they were astonished and gave heed to the Gospel which is truly the “great power of God” (Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 1:18)!
While there were many who responded favorably to the Gospel, Simon is specifically mentioned as doing the same thing they did:
“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 8:13).
Since he did what they did and responded the way they responded, what was he? He was a Christian! This is very important to understand and remember as we continue working through this text.
The power of the Holy Spirit (i.e a miraculous endowment) was passed on to others by and through the “laying on of the apostles’ hands” (Acts 8:14-18). When Simon saw this and put it together, he offered the apostles money so he would have that same ability, “saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:19). 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” (Acts 8:20-21).
Only an apostle, by God’s authority, could have that ability (2 Cor. 12:12).
Simon was wrong and was commanded to repent of his wickedness and to pray to God that he might be forgiven for his heart was not right (Acts 8:22). This reveals two things:
(1) Simon was a child of God. If he were not, why would he be told to repent and pray to God? One who is not a child of God is not authorized to pray for the forgiveness of his sins (Prov. 15:8; 28:9).
(2) Though Simon, as a Christian, sinned, he was not beyond the scope of redemption and pardon. While the blood of Jesus, which is applied at baptism, washes away all past sins (Acts 22:16; Rev. 1:5), the same blood continually cleanses those who continually walk in the light:
“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:7-9).
This is known as God’s “second law of pardon.”
There are conditions with this “second law” just as there are conditions with the first. Simon, a baptized believer (Christian), was instructed to “repent and pray.” By confessing his sin to God and repenting (changing his mind and changing his course of action), he could have confidence in being restored and pardoned for his wickedness.
How comforting is it to know that while we will not be sinlessly perfect, the blood of Jesus will continually wash away sins as the Christian keeps walking in the light, which includes confessing and repenting of sins when they are committed.
Simon, in harmony with others in Samaria and the 3,000 in Jerusalem, became a Christian by hearing and believing the Gospel, repenting of sins, and being baptized into Christ for the remission of sins.
Dear reader, please continue to pay close attention to the pattern revealed!
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.
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