Our Bible Study this week reviewed the story of Simon the Magician’s encounter with the Holy Spirit. We started our session by asking, “Why is magic so fascinating to so many?” For some, it is curiosity: “How did he make those tiny sponge animals appear from his empty hand?” For others, there is the appeal of immediate surprise or solution.

Simon was a professional magician. He was so good at his illusions that people called him “The Great Power of God.” But then he met the apostle Philip.

Philip was empowered by the Holy Spirit. He was performing signs and miracles with the power of God, bringing many people to believe in Jesus Christ. Simon was so taken by this real power that he, too, made a profession of faith and began following Philip closely. The Bible doesn’t record for us why Simon stayed at Philip’s side. Perhaps it was professional curiosity: “How did he do that?” Perhaps he really did believe and was taken by being so close to the power of God. One thing we do know - he wanted that power. He wanted that truly divine ability to perform signs and miracles. Whether out of ignorance or arrogance, Simon the Magician asked the apostle Peter how much money he would want in order to empower him with the Holy Spirit.

Peter is appalled! The Message translates his response as “To hell with your money! And you along with it. Why, that's unthinkable — trying to buy God's gift!” Simon is duly humbled. He begs Peter, “Pray for me! Pray to the Master that nothing like that will ever happen to me!”