GETTING STARTED
Do you remember being amazed by the smallest of things when you were a child? I remember the first time I went to a Houston Astros game, in the Astrodome, and found myself staring at the ceiling the entire game. I remember my mind being blown the first time I saw a magician cut someone in half and then put them back together again. It took some time for me to realize that it was just an illusion. As we grow older, it seems as though those moments of amazement are few and far between. In today’s passage, we see a man who stands amazed at the power of the gospel.
- When was the last time you were amazed by something?
READ THE WORD: ACTS 8:9-13 (ESV)
9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.
English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
DIGGING DEEPER
- According to verses 9-10, what kind of reputation did Simon have? How do you think he viewed himself?
- What are the similarities between Simon and Philip? What are the differences?
- How did the people respond to Simon? Who received glory?
- How did the people respond to Philip? Who received glory?
- Who do you identify with most in this passage? Who receives glory in your life?
RESPOND TO GOD
Simon had a great reputation among the people but lacked in the area of humility. He lived his life for his own glory and was constantly seeking power, success, and the approval of others. Philip was similar to Simon, in that he performed miracles, but the difference is that his life was a proclamation of the gospel. Philip wasn’t concerned with making himself famous, but rather in making Christ famous.
“The people were amazed by Simon’s magic, but were converted to Christ by Philip’s ministry.”[1] When we live our lives for our own glory, it leads to pride. When we live our lives for God’s glory, it leads to conversion.
- Speak to God about who you are giving glory to in your life.
- Ask for God’s help to live today in a way that proclaims the gospel and gives him the glory.
[1] Stanley D. Toussaint, “Acts,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 373.
