As the disciples began their journey outward of Jerusalem and into Judea and Samaria, we started to see more crowds and larger multitudes of people hearing the Gospel of Christ and seeing the Holy Spirit’s signs and wonders, in which they were drawn in by. But in these verses, we can see some impacts of crowd mentality, as well as how events can play into one’s emotions.

In reading this, I can’t help but think that the crowds were already used to being impressed by flashy, powerful acts within their community which brought something new and extraordinary–maybe something that would counteract the mundane motions of life. So of course, when the disciples came into town preaching something new and displaying supernatural acts, the multitudes came flocking. This is something we see all throughout Jesus’ ministry. And we also see throughout Jesus’ ministry what impacts this had on the longevity and sincerity of many people’s walk with Jesus. Oftentimes, it didn’t last because it wasn’t deeply rooted. They were merely just full of emotion, or were simply being swayed by those around them.

I am sure many more in Samaria were in the same shoes as Simon, having the head-knowledge of Christ’s supremacy, having the motions of being a disciple memorized, etc, etc.…but where exactly did he misunderstand? Where was his gap?

[Acts 8.9-25]

8.9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

25Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What shows that there was a chance that some of the Samaritans might have been led by their emotions or by crowd mentality?

+ It is very apparent that the message of Christ that Philip preached was far more appealing and touching to the inner-man than Simon’s magic [vv. 10-13]

+ What do we tend to do with things we purchase? Why is this important to think about?

+ What do we think Simon’s motives are? Where are these revealed?

+ Why is there need to take note of Simon’s motives?

+ Does Simon believe he had a personal relationship with Jesus based off of v. 24? What is the danger of putting our relationship with Jesus fully into the hands of our leaders, and not our own?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?