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Simon Magus
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Simon Magus

A magician of Samaria who was baptised but rebuked for trying to buy the Spirit's power — the origin of the word 'simony'.

Role: Sorcerer
Lived: 1st century
Born: Samaria

What we know — and how we know it

Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 1 Ancient writers — non-biblical testimony · 1
Life, role & deeds
BibleA Samaritan sorcerer who amazed the people, then tried to buy the Spirit's power from the apostles — giving us the word 'simony'.
Acts 8:9–24
↳ Simon Peter
Justin Martyr, First Apology 26 and 56 (Simon of Gitta honoured at Rome); developed by Irenaeus, Against Heresies 1.23, and Hippolytus, Refutation of All Heresies 6.7–20. André Thévet — Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons) Ancient writersEarly Christian writers from Justin Martyr onward treat him as a father of heresy, active in Rome.
Justin Martyr, First Apology 26 and 56 (Simon of Gitta honoured at Rome); developed by Irenaeus, Against Heresies 1.23, and Hippolytus, Refutation of All Heresies 6.7–20.

Where in scripture

Acts

Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money,

Acts 8:18 — Offers money for the Spirit

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, a public-domain translation.

Acts 8:18

Places in their life

Samaria
Born · Samaria
Photo: Daniel Ventura — CC BY-SA 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

In art