Luke the physician wrote how Philip the apostle of Jesus went to Samaria to share the gospel, and he did so many miracles that there was great joy in the city. However, “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. To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God”, and in chapter eight and verse eleven of the book of Acts Luke shared how the people of Samaria concerning Simon, “had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries” where we read:
And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
The verse begins, “And to him they had regard, ...” Luke began with the words, “and to him” which means “and toward Simon” “they had regard” or “the people in Samaria paid attention to, were devoted and attached themselves”. Luke shared how the people in Samaria “attached” themselves to Simon.
The verse continues, “... because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.”. Luke added the words, “because that of long time” which means “since and on account that for a sufficient and worthy period of time” “he had bewitched them” or “Simon amazed, astonished and astounded the people in Samaria” “with sorceries” or “by using magic”. Luke shared that the reason the people in Samaria gave “Simon” such high respect and attached themselves to him was because he “astounded” them with his “magic”.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the people in Samaria “clung” to “Simon” because he performed “magic” before them. People are generally entertained and amazed by that which they cannot do themselves or cannot explain. This attraction for the people in Samaria was normal, and when Philip came to them performing miracles, they were drawn in by him. We shall see what happens with “Simon” in our next few verses, but for now, let us understand God is in the supernatural business, and His greatest miracle is saving people from their sins when they believe and trust in His Son Jesus. Those who yield to Jesus will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life, and that is a “miracle” that is worthy of great “regard”.
Next time Luke shares how the people of Samaria, “believed Philip” and “were baptized”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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