Simon Magus, also known as Simon the Sorcerer or Simon the Magician, is a figure mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 8:9-24). He was a Samaritan sorcerer who practiced magic and claimed to have great power from God. According to the biblical account, he amazed people with his sorcery in the city of Samaria, where he was highly regarded as "the Great Power of God." However, when the apostles Philip and Peter came to Samaria preaching the gospel and performing miracles, Simon was impressed by their abilities and believed in Jesus Christ.
Simon even asked to buy the ability to bestow the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands, offering money to the apostles. Peter rebuked him harshly, condemning his desire for spiritual power and urging him to repent. The term "simony" originated from this incident, referring to the act of buying or selling spiritual powers or offices, which is considered a serious sin in Christianity.
Outside of the biblical accounts, Simon Magus became a significant figure in early Christian writings and Gnostic traditions, where he is often portrayed as a rival to the apostles and as a symbol of heresy and false teachings.
