Introduction

Self-exaltation is a theme that recurs throughout the Bible, often serving as a cautionary tale against pride and the desire for personal glory. One of the most illustrative examples of self-exaltation in the New Testament is Simon the Sorcerer, also known as Simon Magus. His account is found in the Book of Acts, where his encounter with the apostles highlights the dangers of seeking power and recognition for selfish purposes.

Biblical Account

The account of Simon the Sorcerer is recorded in Acts 8:9-24. Simon was a man who practiced sorcery in the city of Samaria and had gained a significant following. The people of Samaria were amazed by his magic, and they revered him, saying, "This man is the divine power known as the Great Power" (Acts 8:10). Simon's influence was rooted in his ability to astonish the people with his sorcery, and he relished the attention and adulation he received.

However, the arrival of Philip the evangelist in Samaria marked a turning point. Philip preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, leading many Samaritans to believe and be baptized. Simon himself believed and was baptized, continuing to follow Philip and being amazed by the great signs and miracles he witnessed (Acts 8:12-13).

The Sin of Self-Exaltation

Despite his outward conversion, Simon's heart was not right before God. When the apostles Peter and John arrived in Samaria to lay hands on the new believers so they might receive the Holy Spirit, Simon saw an opportunity to regain his former status and influence. He offered the apostles money, saying, "Give me this power as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit" (Acts 8:19).

Simon's request revealed his true intentions. He desired the power of the Holy Spirit not for the glory of God or the edification of the church, but for his own self-exaltation. He sought to purchase the gift of God, treating it as a commodity to enhance his personal prestige and authority.

Apostolic Rebuke

Peter's response to Simon was swift and severe. He rebuked Simon, saying, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy 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's rebuke underscored the gravity of Simon's sin and the incompatibility of self-exaltation with the humble service required of Christ's followers.

Peter urged Simon to repent of his wickedness and pray to the Lord for forgiveness, hoping that the intent of his heart might be pardoned. He further discerned that Simon was "captive to sin" and "full of bitterness" (Acts 8:22-23). Simon's response was to ask Peter to pray for him, indicating a recognition of his wrongdoing, though the sincerity of his repentance remains a subject of debate among scholars.

Theological Implications

The account of Simon the Sorcerer serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of self-exaltation and the corrupting influence of pride. It illustrates the incompatibility of seeking personal glory with the selfless nature of Christian ministry. The Holy Spirit cannot be manipulated or controlled for personal gain, and the gifts of God are not commodities to be bought or sold.

Simon's attempt to purchase spiritual power highlights the importance of examining one's motives in the pursuit of spiritual gifts and leadership within the church. True service to God requires humility, a pure heart, and a desire to glorify God rather than oneself. The account of Simon the Sorcerer stands as a warning to all believers to guard against the temptation of self-exaltation and to seek the approval of God above all else.Acts 8:9
But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm CXXXI.
... As that Simon the sorcerer wished to ... How deeply this self-exaltation in the abundance
of graces is to be feared, that no man may pride himself in the gift ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxi.htm

part ii
... of buying, the gifts of the Holy Ghost for silver, like Simon the sorcerer. ... inspiration
of the Holy Scriptures, by the spirit of self-exaltation, of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

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