Simon the Sorcerer

The false teacher Mike Peters has his people confess their sins to him before joining his flock, but if anyone gets people to do that other than Christ, means that person considers himself someone great, not unlike Simon the Sorcerer. Simon had astonished the people of Samaria for a long time claiming that he was someone great (Acts 8:9). “To whom they all gave heed from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God”- Acts 8:10.

How often does any cult start with a beginning like that? It would be fair to say that for a time Mike Peters of Indianapolis, astonished all those that came in contact with him also saying that he had the great power of God. “They heeded Simon because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time“- Acts 8:11.

Simon had taken in what he may have perceived to be another “sorcerer” by the name of Philip as he was also in that area preaching Christ by healing the demon possessed (Acts 8:5-7). Simon joined with others and believed and was baptized. He also was amazed at the power that Philip seemed to have at his disposal (Acts 8:13). Due to the Spirit’s great influence in Samaria word had reached the apostles who sent Peter and John to that area. They prayed for them that they might all receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-15).

Simon, though, saw all this as something that could make him even “greater” with more acts to his parlor show. He offered the apostles money saying, “Give me this power also that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit”- Acts 8:18-19. This should have placed cold shivers up and down the apostles’ spine

Peter said, “Your money perish with you because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money. You have neither part nor portion in this matter for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you”- Acts 8:20-22. “FOR I SEE THAT YOU ARE POISONED BY BITTERNESS AND BOUND BY INIQUITY”- ACTS 8:23.

The poisonious of his heart was that he only wanted to add the parlor trick of the Holy Spirit to his magic show. He could envision his greatness being even greater. His heart was still as cold as ever when he replied, “Pray to the Lord for me”- Acts 8:24 , as his unrepentant heart could not even pray for himself.

Cult leaders get power and glory from those that follow them to the point where they are on the throne of grace rather than Christ. Simon only wanted the power of the Holy Spirit for showmanship not salvation. How much are other cultists just like him?