No Word on the Outcome

Scripture: “Pray to the Lord for me,” Simon replied, “so that nothing you have said may happen to me.” So, after they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they traveled back to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. Acts 8:24-25

Observation: The incident in the Samaritan village involving Simon the Sorcerer is complex. Simon was a trickster, however when Philip arrives with the ability to do miracles Simon becomes a believer in Jesus, but also loses his influence in the village. Then when Peter and John come next with the ability to lay hands on others to receive the Holy Spirit, Simon attempts to buy that power, and Peter aggressively chastises him for this sin.

However, Simon seemingly responds to that correction, asking Peter to pray for him. And with that ... the entire scene ends. Peter, John, and Philip will move on, and there is no word at all about Simon. His outcome is left unknown. Did Simon truly repent and simply live the life of a 'Christian' in Samaria? In his repentance, did he eventually receive the ability to lead others to Christ? Or was even his repentance selfish and false, and not only did he not receive forgiveness, but he regressed in his faith? I mean ... did Peter and John even say 'okay' and pray for Simon?

Application: As a former English Lit major, I understand certain literary structures, like the "hero's journey". In that, we expect to see a protagonist who strives, struggles, even fails, then overcomes and produces a happy-ending outcome. Meanwhile, we see antagonists who emerge, fight, temporarily succeed, but are eventually defeated. These are the simplistic overviews of traditional narrative.

Simon appears to be an antagonist. He emerged as a sorcerer, misleading the people, was defeated by our heroes (who themselves are striving to overcome violent oppression), and his last-ditch attempt to recover his fame is smacked down. The end, roll credits. It is because his 'journey' mirrors the model of the 'bad guy' that we are tempted to believe he was not redeemed by his error.

However ... I hope he was redeemed. Verse 8:13 is clear that Simon became a Christian. It says he believed, was baptized, followed Philip everywhere, and was amazed by the miracle power of Jesus' name. Yes, then he screwed up. And maybe he screwed up for bad reasons ... maybe he wasn't just trying to become a 'leader' out of misplaced enthusiasm or overzealous belief, but rather out of a selfish heart to return to fame in the eyes of others. That's bad, but he was a believer.

I have done bad things even in my Christian life. Pride is at the heart of many of my wrong acts. I know in my heart I have been rightly chastised as directly as Simon was for the wrongness in my heart and my thoughts and my words and my deeds. If Simon couldn't be redeemed, then there is no hope for me. Yet I believe he could be redeemed ... yes, corrected, but also forgiven ... as I believe I am.

Prayer: Lord, I do pray for my redemption from the pride and resulting sins I fall into from time to time. I hear the correction, and respond with humble repentance. Amen.