How does Simon's story connect with Deuteronomy 18:10-12 on sorcery? Setting the Scene in Deuteronomy “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD; and because of these detestable practices, the LORD your God is driving out those nations before you.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) • God names sorcery and every related occult practice as “detestable.” • These activities usurp His exclusive right to reveal truth and exercise power. • The context links sorcery with the practices of pagan nations Israel was commanded to displace. Simon the Sorcerer Steps onto the Stage “Prior to Philip’s arrival, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great. All the people, from the least to the greatest, heeded his words and said, ‘This man is the divine power called the Great Power.’ … They paid close attention to him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery.” (Acts 8:9-11) • Simon’s reputation rests on supernatural displays outside God’s authority. • The crowd’s response—attributing divinity to Simon—mirrors the idolatry Deuteronomy warns against. • His sorcery positions him squarely within the “detestable” category outlined in Deuteronomy 18. Points of Connection • Same offense, new covenant context – Deuteronomy condemns sorcery; Acts shows its ongoing danger after Christ’s resurrection. • Deception of the masses – Both passages highlight how occult power misleads entire communities. • Divine confrontation – In Deuteronomy God promises judgment; in Acts God’s apostles confront Simon, exposing his heart (Acts 8:20-23). • Exclusive divine power – Deuteronomy insists all supernatural authority belongs to God; Acts demonstrates that the Spirit’s gifts cannot be bought or manipulated. The Call to Repentance “When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money … Peter replied, ‘May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! … Repent, therefore, and pray to the Lord so that He may forgive you for the intent of your heart.’” (Acts 8:18-22) • Peter’s rebuke fulfills Deuteronomy’s warning—sorcery invites divine judgment. • Repentance, not ritual, is the remedy. • Simon’s request for intercession (v. 24) shows at least some recognition of his peril. Why Sorcery Is a Direct Assault on God’s Authority • It seeks knowledge or power apart from God (Isaiah 8:19). • It elevates human or demonic forces to a god-like status (1 Samuel 28:7-17). • It rejects dependence on the Holy Spirit, preferring manipulation (Galatians 5:19-21 lists “sorcery” among the works of the flesh). • It invites judgment reserved for the unrepentant (Revelation 21:8). New Testament Echoes of Deuteronomic Warnings • Paul condemns “witchcraft” alongside idolatry and immorality (Galatians 5:20). • Revelation repeatedly lists sorcerers among those excluded from the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:15). • These echoes affirm that God’s standard in Deuteronomy remains unchanged. Living It Out Today • Reject every form of occult practice—horoscopes, séances, crystals, spells, and “harmless” magic alike. • Rely on Scripture and the Holy Spirit for guidance; refuse shortcuts to power or knowledge. • Discern spiritual claims: miracles that glorify Christ align with God; displays that draw attention to the performer mimic Simon’s error. • Cultivate a heart of repentance; when confronted with sin, respond as Peter instructed Simon—turn to the Lord immediately. |
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