Acts 8:9-13: a reflection

9But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practice sorcery in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some great one, 10to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is that great power of God.” 11They listened to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries. 12But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning God’s Kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed.

In Samaria there was a man named Simon who had long amazed the people with his sorcery, making himself out to be someone great. The people were dazzled by him, calling him the great power of God, and they hung on his every word. But then Philip came preaching the good news of God's kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ, and many believed and were baptized. Even Simon himself professed belief and was baptized, and he followed Philip around, amazed by the signs and miracles he saw.

Notice what Simon was drawn to. The text repeats that he was amazed, by the miracles, by the power on display. He had spent his life amazing others and seeking greatness for himself, and now he was amazed by a greater power. But as the story continues just beyond this passage, it becomes clear that Simon's interest was in the power itself, not in Christ; he even tried to buy the ability to give the Spirit. His fascination with the spectacular was not the same as genuine faith.

There is a caution here worth heeding. It is possible to be amazed by the impressive and spectacular, drawn to displays of power, and yet miss true faith in Christ himself. Simon wanted the power without surrendering his heart to the Lord. Ask whether your interest in God is really an interest in what excites or benefits you, or a genuine trust in and love for Christ. Do not confuse being impressed with being converted. Seek not spiritual power or spectacle for yourself, but Christ, and let go of the craving to be someone great.

Lord, Simon was amazed by power and sought greatness for himself, but his fascination with the spectacular was not true faith in you. Guard my heart from the same mistake. Let my interest in you be genuine trust and love, not a craving for what excites or benefits me. Free me from the desire to be someone great, and let me seek you yourself, surrendering my heart wholly to you. Amen.