Acts 8:9–25: The Bond of Iniquity
Introduction
As the mission of the gospel into Samaria gains more traction in Acts 8, many believe and are baptized through the preaching of Philip. Yet, one of those who professes faith is not presented in the same way as the others. Formerly, he had been a powerful and influential magician. On the one hand, he is not envious of the Christians, but is, in fact, intrigued by the power of the Christians and the signs that they perform. Yet, when he offers to pay money to gain the ability the apostles had to confer the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands, we learn that his faith was not like the others who had believed. They trusted in the name of the Lord, but he never strayed far from his desire for power. From this story, we see that the gospel of Jesus announces great forgiveness, not great power.
Discussion Questions
1. Who is Simon (v. 9a)? What made him so influential in Samaria? What did he say about himself (v. 9b)? What did others say about him (v. 10)? Why did the people pay attention to him (v. 11)? How did the preaching of Philip disrupt the notoriety that Simon had enjoyed (v. 12a)? What is the significance of stating that both men and women were baptized (v. 12b; cf. Acts 8:3)? What clues does Luke give us in v. 13 about the nature of Simon’s faith?
2. How was the ministry of Philip (an evangelist; Acts 21:8) connected to the apostles (v. 14)? What was Philip’s role in spreading the gospel to Samaria? What was the role of the apostles? Why had the Holy Spirit not fallen on the believers in Samaria (v. 16)? What does it mean that they had only been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus (v. 16)? What is the significance of the Samaritans’ receiving the Holy Spirit here?
3. What does Simon want (vv. 18–19)? What does Peter say Simon deserves for this request (v. 20a)? How does this request convey a false understanding of God (v. 20b)? Why does Simon’s heart “that is not right before God” exclude him from participation in the Holy Spirit (v. 21)? What does Simon need to do (v. 22)? What does Peter identify at the bottom of Simon’s request (v. 23)? How do you evaluate Simon’s response in v. 24?
4. What does this passage teach us about the difference between true, living, saving faith, and false, dead, and hypocritical faith? What outward blessings did Simon seek rather than the blessings promised in the gospel? What outward blessings tempt you away from the gospel of Jesus Christ? How have you sought to use the gospel of Christianity for your own purposes, rather than simply receiving Christ’s forgiveness by faith?
