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Philip casts out devils and heals the sick. Not all sickness is a result of demons. A distinction is
made between healing and casting out demons (Matthew 10:8; Acts 19:11-12). The same
anointing delivers people from both, but we must depend on the gifts of the Holy Spirit to discern
the difference.

Act 8:8 And there was great joy in that city.

Joy is a fruit of the new birth, a result of salvation.

SIMON: THE SORCERER (9-25)

Simon is a sorcerer who had once practiced sorcery in the city of Jerusalem and is now in Samaria
proclaiming he is someone correct. The people believe him because he astonishes them with
magic. However, when Philip preaches Christ, many of the same people believed Philip’s
message, including Simon. Simon is amazed by the miracles and signs God performs through
Philip and falls him as he preaches.

SIMON HELD IN HIGH ESTEEM

Act 8:9 But there was 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:

But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery
(mageuo), and bewitched (existemi) the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some
great one:

Up until now, Simon has been highly renowned in the city. He uses witchcraft and the powers of
demons to display satanic signs and wonders to the people. Now Philip becomes more esteemed
among the people than Simon as the one true power of God manifests through the ministry of
Phillip. A similar situation will later occur in Paul’s ministry in Ephesus when compared to the
seven sons of Sceva (19:13-14).

According to Justin Martyr, Simon was born in Gitton, a small village in Samaria. He was educated
under Dositheus in Alexandria and became a gnostic. Simon’s mixture of religion, philosophy,
and magic had gained him a reputation in Samaria.

Act 8:10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great
power of God.

Simon has much attention as a sorcerer. When Peter and John arrived, he will feel neglected an
attempt to buy back his reputation among the people.

Act 8:11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with
sorceries.

Satan’s ministry is to imitate the works of God.