What does Acts 8:10 mean?
Simon is a miracle-worker in the city of Samaria. The Samaritan people haven't had opportunity to truly worship God since the time of Solomon's son (1 Kings 12), so it might be understandable they don't recognize Simon has received his power from demons.Despite what naturalists may want us to believe, supernatural powers do exist. Such power can only come from a supernatural source: God or demons. Jesus warned that as the end times approach, "false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders" (Matthew 24:24). Paul will warn the Thessalonians that "the coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders" (2 Thessalonians 2:9). Moses dealt with demon-powered magicians in Egypt (Exodus 7:22). The witch at En-dor, despite being surprised that Samuel actually showed up, must have had a reputation for divination if King Saul's servants knew of her (1 Samuel 28).
The Bible gives us ideas as to how to tell if someone is performing a miracle through demons or the Holy Spirit. The first is, which kingdom does the miracle serve? Demons will not expel demons, and Jesus-followers filled with the Holy Spirit will not serve Satan (Mark 3:23–27). Another way is by what the person says. Paul will write the Corinthians, "Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says 'Jesus is accursed!' and no one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except in the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:3). This means more than just the words, however. The sons of Sceva try to expel a demon "by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims" (Acts 19:13). The demon responds, "Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?" (Acts 19:15). The possessed man then beats up the so-called exorcists and throws them out of the house (Acts 19:13–16). The Holy Spirit goes to whom He will, not those who just want to use Him.
Acts 8:9–25 further describes the apostles' pursuit of Jesus' plan to bring salvation to those He chooses. Simon, a popular and presumably wealthy sorcerer, sees Philip's miracles. He especially notices the way the Holy Spirit comes on people when Peter and John lay their hands on them. Simon offers to buy their power. Meanwhile, Peter and John are in Samaria. The thought of Samaritans following Jesus goes against longstanding Jewish traditions. Yet the Samaritans are accepting Christ, and these messengers of the church are there to see the Holy Spirit come on them. God is not impressed by worldly popularity or wealth but on repentant, submissive hearts.
Jesus told the apostles they would spread the gospel (Acts 1:8) and persecution makes that happen. Upon the death of the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:54–60), a young Pharisee named Saul builds on the momentum to arrest and, if possible, execute Jesus followers (Acts 8:1–3; 26:10). The apostles mostly stay in Jerusalem, but the church members flee, spreading the gospel to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. Important encounters in this passage include a magician named Simon and the conversion of an Ethiopian court official.
