The physician Luke 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, Luke wrote about, “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”, and in chapter eight and verse ten of the book of Acts Luke shared how the people of Samaria said of Simon, “This man is the great power of God” where we read:
To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying,
This man is the great power of God.
The verse begins, “To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, ...” Luke began with the words, “to whom they all gave heed” which means “to Simon the people in the city of Samaria each, every, the whole and everyone were attentive, devoted and had regard”, “from the least” or “from the smallest in rank of influence” “to the greatest” which means “to the mighty, strong and highly esteemed in importance”, “saying” or “uttering, declaring and proclaiming” the following words. Luke shared how the “people” of “Samaria” whether little or strong in influence were “attentive and devoted” to “Simon”, and they proclaimed the following about him.
The verse goes on to say, “... This man is the great power of God.”. Luke continued with the words, “this man” which means “this certain man named Simon” “is the great power of God” or “exists as the strong, mighty and excellent ability belonging to the Heavenly Father God”. Luke shared how the people in Samaria thought “Simon” was exhibiting the awesome “power” of “Almighty God”.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the people of “Samaria” highly regarded “Simon” as someone important. They believed he demonstrated the “power” of “Almighty God”, and they praised him for it. God alone gives power and ability to mankind, and anyone who shows His power does not necessarily belong to Him. God allowed “Satan” himself to have certain powers, and he gave them to men. “Simon” fooled the people of “Samaria” with his “magic” tricks, and he solicited the glory of people for doing so. God desires to have a personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus, and when they submit their lives to Him, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life. Those who are wise will not follow people who have “power” like “Simon's” but will submit to Jesus Christ to be their powerful and eternal “Savior and Lord”.
Next time Luke shares how the people of Samaria concerning Simon, “had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries”, 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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