Acts 8:9-13 - The Power of the Word

As Philip was on his evangelistic campaign in Samaria, he encountered a popular magician by the name of Simon. He was probably a known expert in the occult.

For a long while, people in  Samaria were impressed by what he was able to do with his magical performance. People of all ages in that city were giving him their attention.

This Simon held tremendous sway over the city with his magical art, to a point where he was proclaimed by the people as great, for he was seen to have the power of God.

But Philip came preaching the good news about God's kingdom and Jesus Christ. And the people, men and women alike, believed in him and his message and came forward to be baptised. Even Simon himself also believed and was baptised.

Luke tells us that Simon was impressed by the great miracles that were taking place and he was constantly amazed. He must have known the difference between what he was doing and wha was taking place inbPhilip's ministry. He couldn't get over what he saw. This is the power of the genuine Gospel and the truth.

This Gospel broke the spell that sorcery had over the people. People inadvertantly find new life in Christ, as did those audience of Simon, who now turned to Philip.

This record about Simon's conversion leaves us with no doubt about the power of the Gospel and God's Word. It also tells us that demons could also masquerade themselves as angels of light.

We need to be discerning as we hear about great miracles in the preaching of the Word. Believe genuine miracles by all means but let us place our trust in Jesus Christ. Don't just go for the phenomenal, press in to know Jesus!