The Misinterpreted In The Book Of Acts
The Book of Acts is thought provoking and yet provides historical insight to the Apostles and the beginning of the early church. The book of Acts was written for believers who were empowered by the Holy Spirit, which spread the good news of Jesus. With much oppression and persecution these followers of Jesus prevailed even with being jailed, stoned to death and imprisoned. Magic is a testimony of both the Old and New Testament with Satan’s interference with progress of the church at every turn. In the very beginning the devil was there trying to trick those into a belief of a false Messiah.
However, it is paramount that the discussion of how the Apostles miracles looked to Pagans and even the Jews could be very misinterpreted. It makes …show more content…
sense that fear and irrationality was very common in these primitive times. However, the similarities between magic and abilities the apostles held were somewhat similar and caused great confusion. One could look at Phillip and see his powers which he received divine praise for and Simons as equal. However, 1“the writer of Acts has casts Phillips role of a legitimate purveyor of divine salvation while Simon was anything but.” Power of the Apostles such as Paul able to make demons disappear might have too seemed like magic.’
1. Lightstone, Jack N. 9g.19
During the New Testament era, Scripture relays many relevant pieces of history that depict certain ethnic group’s dependence on magic and or foretelling. Simon Magus is one of these individuals who practiced this magic, but this is condemned according to the Old Testament, 2“Though the Old Testament condemned the heathen practices of magic and divination this did not prevent some Jews from making illicit use of such measures.” Even though there were many objections from Rabbi’s this still continued. The New Testament is also pivotal, where Peter encounters Simon Magnus in Acts, 8:9-24. Simon is powerful and is envious of the Disciples gifts; he desire is to liken himself with Jesus Christ. There are many miracles to his testament according to the Clementine Homilies”, some examples are that he could make statues walk, and create movements in the dead.” Magic in the early Church history begins with Moses struggling with evil. ’Though condemned the practice continues because of the intellect of man’s mind and supernatural abilities. One has to keep in mind that the disciples work was evidence of the one true God. The periphery of these two principles at times was almost difficult to tell apart. Notably, what we are struggling with is the basic concept of good and evil. Jesus profoundly appears as his miracles are compassionate and not to be misinterpreted. 3“Augustine asserts both that miracles do happen and that the Creator can and does intervene most appropriately”.
2 Yamauchi, Edwin M. 1983
3. Wiles, M.F.,Yarnold, Paul M.
The struggle with magic for the early Christians was difficult, symbols and deities is where their faith was placed. One of the most talented magicians is Simon from Gittha, who is a new and key figure in the writings of the New Testament. . 3Simon Magus was likewise characterized thus: “desirous of glory, and boasting above all the human race, so that he wishes himself to be believed an exalted power, which is above God the creator.”
Simon is very feared by many but poses a threat to the cause of the Creator. 5"Practically all the Samaritans, as well as a few people among other nations, acknowledged and worshiped him as the First God”. Simon did not sell his self-prophecy until John the Baptists death. 6 “He was even referred to as a disciple of John the Baptist for a while.” He was a very charismatic man and his demonic magic made him highly valuable to many, and great wealth was his main objection.
This is problematic for Christians in Samaria where many are turning their lives to the vocation of Jesus. Simons quest for power becomes confrontational when he first meets Peter: “But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched7 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. (Acts 8:9–10.)”
4. Frankfurther,David.
5. Rev. Alfred Marshall’s New International Version
6 Virginia K. Peterson
There are apparent dangers with magic and many sources were used in this era. Luke chooses to show that Simon no matter how powerful he may be, he is stymied by the works of Phillip, showing 7“his primary concern was to improve his magical act specially to learn the trick of causing the effects and spiritual manifestations which results in Peter and Johns ministry”. Peter who is also blessed with gifts by the Holy Spirt is laying and giving the Holy Spirit to all those who want God. Simon offers to pay for his gift and Peter answers him “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!” (Acts 8:20 NIV). These two men have opposing views, Simon takes a young boys life and Peter restores his health. Simon could see a difference after Peter laid hands on those who wanted to worship God. It is plain from Acts 10 45-46 19 and is generally agreed that the recipients began to 8 “prophesy and to speak with tongues”
7. Goss, John, 1962
8 Leiden, E.J. Brill
I feel that the writer is sharing some astounding facts of both Simon and the Disciples.
Understanding the differentiation of these two worlds should be expanded on. According to the Book of Acts, “Even Simon himself believed, and after he was baptized, he stayed close to Philip constantly”, and when he saw the signs and great miracles that were occurring, he was amazed”. (Acts 8: 13NIV) This as it turns out was just an outward display so he would be favored and become one of the Apostles. Some critical thought here remains, as one is perceived to have a legitimate power enhanced by Jesus and the other a false one through worship of evil. It can be argued that Simon is looking for the same spiritual awareness that the apostles were gifted with from the Holy …show more content…
Spirit.
In this sense 9 “the gift of the spirit (Act 2 38) or the power to induce it in others was free, as Jesus emphasizes (Mt 10 8, cf. Eph 4 7-8.11). Still, there is much speculation of whether Simon was actually involved in a cult. Many scholars argue that he just made mistakes. 10“Some grief, has been caused by Peter’s violent attack on Simon. If Simon’s mistakes was not one others could have made why was the story preserved for us? The question remains, was money truly Simon’s misunderstanding. The majority of scholars say no, 11“The healing performed by Elisha was free and The salivation promised by Yahweh was free (Jes 55 1-2), it had not been earned by performance of any contract, and was bestowed at Yahweh’s option, through his ‘mercy”. By contrast it is clear that Simon did not have mercy or salvation in mind.
9.
Zeitschrift fur die neutestametiche pg. 52
10. I.bid
11. I. Bid
Simon the Father of Gnosticism is a title bestowed upon him by many Scholars. 12“The language of heresy was developed in order to exclude troublesome philosophies like Simons. “There is a passage that warrants further study, it relates to how Simon was able to continue to minister with Phillip until Peter and Simon have their confrontation. There is little doubt that Simon was very gifted at deceit, hence from this we know that truly he was never converted. The written material on Simon is very sparse and Luke may have had his reasons aforementioned.
There is also a matter of whether Luke is minimizing Simon’s character and his abilities, 13“Luke was himself aware of the true significance of such episodes as those described in chapters 8 and 17 of Acts, but chose to disguise their real importance for other reasons: 14“it was probably in order to suggest the apostolic age was in complete unity within the churches”. This is reasonable considering the church was gathering in strength and in numbers and was beginning to spread to the ends of the earth and this is where Luke kept his focus.
12. Drane, John. W.1975
13. Grant, Robert M. 1953
14. I.
Bid
There is very little doubt that Luke wrote about Simon to warn Christians about cults, these are real and significant, just from history we can how many succumb to these false prophets. There is no biblical reference as to whether Simon was even a Christian, even though Luke make reference to his conversion. But the interactions with Peter show Simon to be a false prophet. Unfortunately misrepresenting himself as a Great Power he was likening himself to God. When Phillip came on the scene Simon’s magic seem to diminish, the reason is the power of God, and the final Authority cannot be deceived.
15“The Book of Acts, “which is the handbook on salvation, contains no greater token of God’s saving grace and power than of Saul of Tarsus, the persecutor of the Church who became it most illustrious apostle. ’’
However, it is paramount that the discussion of how the Apostles miracles looked to Pagans and even the Jews could be very misinterpreted. It makes …show more content…
sense that fear and irrationality was very common in these primitive times. However, the similarities between magic and abilities the apostles held were somewhat similar and caused great confusion. One could look at Phillip and see his powers which he received divine praise for and Simons as equal. However, 1“the writer of Acts has casts Phillips role of a legitimate purveyor of divine salvation while Simon was anything but.” Power of the Apostles such as Paul able to make demons disappear might have too seemed like magic.’
1. Lightstone, Jack N. 9g.19
During the New Testament era, Scripture relays many relevant pieces of history that depict certain ethnic group’s dependence on magic and or foretelling. Simon Magus is one of these individuals who practiced this magic, but this is condemned according to the Old Testament, 2“Though the Old Testament condemned the heathen practices of magic and divination this did not prevent some Jews from making illicit use of such measures.” Even though there were many objections from Rabbi’s this still continued. The New Testament is also pivotal, where Peter encounters Simon Magnus in Acts, 8:9-24. Simon is powerful and is envious of the Disciples gifts; he desire is to liken himself with Jesus Christ. There are many miracles to his testament according to the Clementine Homilies”, some examples are that he could make statues walk, and create movements in the dead.” Magic in the early Church history begins with Moses struggling with evil. ’Though condemned the practice continues because of the intellect of man’s mind and supernatural abilities. One has to keep in mind that the disciples work was evidence of the one true God. The periphery of these two principles at times was almost difficult to tell apart. Notably, what we are struggling with is the basic concept of good and evil. Jesus profoundly appears as his miracles are compassionate and not to be misinterpreted. 3“Augustine asserts both that miracles do happen and that the Creator can and does intervene most appropriately”.
2 Yamauchi, Edwin M. 1983
3. Wiles, M.F.,Yarnold, Paul M.
The struggle with magic for the early Christians was difficult, symbols and deities is where their faith was placed. One of the most talented magicians is Simon from Gittha, who is a new and key figure in the writings of the New Testament. . 3Simon Magus was likewise characterized thus: “desirous of glory, and boasting above all the human race, so that he wishes himself to be believed an exalted power, which is above God the creator.”
Simon is very feared by many but poses a threat to the cause of the Creator. 5"Practically all the Samaritans, as well as a few people among other nations, acknowledged and worshiped him as the First God”. Simon did not sell his self-prophecy until John the Baptists death. 6 “He was even referred to as a disciple of John the Baptist for a while.” He was a very charismatic man and his demonic magic made him highly valuable to many, and great wealth was his main objection.
This is problematic for Christians in Samaria where many are turning their lives to the vocation of Jesus. Simons quest for power becomes confrontational when he first meets Peter: “But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched7 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. (Acts 8:9–10.)”
4. Frankfurther,David.
5. Rev. Alfred Marshall’s New International Version
6 Virginia K. Peterson
There are apparent dangers with magic and many sources were used in this era. Luke chooses to show that Simon no matter how powerful he may be, he is stymied by the works of Phillip, showing 7“his primary concern was to improve his magical act specially to learn the trick of causing the effects and spiritual manifestations which results in Peter and Johns ministry”. Peter who is also blessed with gifts by the Holy Spirt is laying and giving the Holy Spirit to all those who want God. Simon offers to pay for his gift and Peter answers him “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!” (Acts 8:20 NIV). These two men have opposing views, Simon takes a young boys life and Peter restores his health. Simon could see a difference after Peter laid hands on those who wanted to worship God. It is plain from Acts 10 45-46 19 and is generally agreed that the recipients began to 8 “prophesy and to speak with tongues”
7. Goss, John, 1962
8 Leiden, E.J. Brill
I feel that the writer is sharing some astounding facts of both Simon and the Disciples.
Understanding the differentiation of these two worlds should be expanded on. According to the Book of Acts, “Even Simon himself believed, and after he was baptized, he stayed close to Philip constantly”, and when he saw the signs and great miracles that were occurring, he was amazed”. (Acts 8: 13NIV) This as it turns out was just an outward display so he would be favored and become one of the Apostles. Some critical thought here remains, as one is perceived to have a legitimate power enhanced by Jesus and the other a false one through worship of evil. It can be argued that Simon is looking for the same spiritual awareness that the apostles were gifted with from the Holy …show more content…
Spirit.
In this sense 9 “the gift of the spirit (Act 2 38) or the power to induce it in others was free, as Jesus emphasizes (Mt 10 8, cf. Eph 4 7-8.11). Still, there is much speculation of whether Simon was actually involved in a cult. Many scholars argue that he just made mistakes. 10“Some grief, has been caused by Peter’s violent attack on Simon. If Simon’s mistakes was not one others could have made why was the story preserved for us? The question remains, was money truly Simon’s misunderstanding. The majority of scholars say no, 11“The healing performed by Elisha was free and The salivation promised by Yahweh was free (Jes 55 1-2), it had not been earned by performance of any contract, and was bestowed at Yahweh’s option, through his ‘mercy”. By contrast it is clear that Simon did not have mercy or salvation in mind.
9.
Zeitschrift fur die neutestametiche pg. 52
10. I.bid
11. I. Bid
Simon the Father of Gnosticism is a title bestowed upon him by many Scholars. 12“The language of heresy was developed in order to exclude troublesome philosophies like Simons. “There is a passage that warrants further study, it relates to how Simon was able to continue to minister with Phillip until Peter and Simon have their confrontation. There is little doubt that Simon was very gifted at deceit, hence from this we know that truly he was never converted. The written material on Simon is very sparse and Luke may have had his reasons aforementioned.
There is also a matter of whether Luke is minimizing Simon’s character and his abilities, 13“Luke was himself aware of the true significance of such episodes as those described in chapters 8 and 17 of Acts, but chose to disguise their real importance for other reasons: 14“it was probably in order to suggest the apostolic age was in complete unity within the churches”. This is reasonable considering the church was gathering in strength and in numbers and was beginning to spread to the ends of the earth and this is where Luke kept his focus.
12. Drane, John. W.1975
13. Grant, Robert M. 1953
14. I.
Bid
There is very little doubt that Luke wrote about Simon to warn Christians about cults, these are real and significant, just from history we can how many succumb to these false prophets. There is no biblical reference as to whether Simon was even a Christian, even though Luke make reference to his conversion. But the interactions with Peter show Simon to be a false prophet. Unfortunately misrepresenting himself as a Great Power he was likening himself to God. When Phillip came on the scene Simon’s magic seem to diminish, the reason is the power of God, and the final Authority cannot be deceived.
15“The Book of Acts, “which is the handbook on salvation, contains no greater token of God’s saving grace and power than of Saul of Tarsus, the persecutor of the Church who became it most illustrious apostle. ’’