Topical Bible: Intercession: Solicited by Simon Magus, of Peter

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In the New Testament, the account of Simon Magus, also known as Simon the Sorcerer, provides a significant example of the solicitation of intercession. This event is recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 8:9-24. Simon Magus was a magician in Samaria who had gained a following by astonishing the people with his sorcery. However, upon hearing the preaching of Philip the Evangelist and witnessing the signs and miracles he performed, Simon himself believed and was baptized (Acts 8:13).

The narrative takes a pivotal turn when the apostles Peter and John are sent to Samaria to pray for the new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. Upon their arrival, they lay hands on the believers, and they receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17). Observing this, Simon Magus offers money to Peter and John, seeking the power to bestow the Holy Spirit on others through the laying on of hands (Acts 8:18-19).

Peter's response to Simon is stern and direct, rebuking him for thinking that the gift of God could be purchased with money. Peter declares, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in our ministry, because your heart is not right before God" (Acts 8:20-21). Peter further admonishes Simon to repent of his wickedness and pray to the Lord for forgiveness, suggesting that Simon's heart is "full of bitterness and captive to sin" (Acts 8:22-23).

In response to Peter's rebuke, Simon Magus does not directly pray for himself but instead solicits intercession from Peter, saying, "Pray to the Lord for me, so that nothing you have said may happen to me" (Acts 8:24). This request for intercession highlights Simon's recognition of his own spiritual peril and his reliance on the apostles' standing with God to avert the consequences of his misguided actions.

From a theological perspective, this incident underscores several key principles regarding intercession and the nature of spiritual gifts. Firstly, it illustrates the gravity of attempting to manipulate or commercialize the work of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that spiritual gifts are sovereignly bestowed by God and cannot be bought or sold. Secondly, it highlights the importance of a sincere heart and genuine repentance in seeking God's forgiveness and favor. Simon's request for intercession, while indicative of his awareness of wrongdoing, also reflects a lack of personal repentance, as he does not directly seek God's mercy himself.

The account of Simon Magus serves as a cautionary tale within the early Church, warning against the dangers of simony—a term derived from Simon's name, referring to the buying or selling of ecclesiastical privileges or offices. It also affirms the role of intercession within the Christian community, where believers may seek the prayers of others, particularly those in spiritual authority, to aid in their reconciliation with God. However, it is ultimately the individual's responsibility to approach God with a contrite heart, seeking His grace and forgiveness.

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Acts 8:24
Then answered Simon, and said, Pray you to the LORD for me, that none of these things which you have spoken come on me.
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