Simon the Sorcerer

Philip was one of the original seven helpers in the church.  When he preached in Samaria, a well-known sorcerer (or magician) named Simon believed and became a Christian. Simon had only ever done clever magic tricks, so he was amazed when he saw real miracles performed. When the apostles came to Samaria, Simon noticed that they laid hands on people to give them the power to do miracles. Simon wanted to have that power. He offered to pay lots of money if the apostles would sell him the same power they had. One of the apostles, Peter, told Simon that no one can buy the power of God. God gives the power.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Acts 8:5-25
• Psalm 77:14

Outline:

1. Philip preaches in Samaria (Acts 8:5-13)
2. The Apostles preach in Samaria (Acts 8:14-25)

Tips for teaching children:

• Draw a line down the centre of a sheet of paper from top to bottom to form two columns.  At the top of one column, write “Philip”, and at the top of the other, write “Simon”. Ask the class to read over the Scripture again and jot down what we learned about each of these men.  Once this has been completed, then go on to compare and contrast their teachings, actions and motivations. How are they similar? How are they different? Who do we want to be like?
• Research to find a simple magic trick.  Perform the trick for the children and then explain how you did it.  Discuss the difference between a trick and a miracle.

 

Tips for teaching adults:

•  As the teacher, here are some questions to ask that will help the class think about and reflect on the text:
  • From this text, what do we learn about Philip? 
  • What is significant about Philip going to Samaria to preach the good news of King Jesus?  Ask the class to think about what they know about Jesus and the Samaritans from the Gospels and how this relates to this story in Acts 8. 
  • Think about ethnically diverse people trying to worship together. What are some challenges these new Samaritan believers may face being embraced by the well-established Jewish believers?
  • What have you done to embrace others who are ethnically different from you?
• In the days before the class, contact a couple of class members and ask them to research the ‘Samaritans’.  They should consider the Samaritans' origin, history, beliefs, symbols, and relationship with Jews.  Ask these members to be prepared to share their findings in the next class time.  To help with the research, provide the following links:
  • International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Online
  • Bible Study Tools

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Simon the Sorcerer 

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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