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The church, after early successes in Jerusalem, fell under great persecution with the faithful being attacked by the religious. It is interesting to me that then, as now, those who attend to the instruction of God, are too often forced to bear undue burdens because of those who have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof. Engaging in religion may not be indicative of a salvific faith. Offered as an illustration to us is the murder of Stephen for preaching Jesus. But don't forget that Jesus was crucified after being tried & condemned by priests & clerics. People not in the church are aware of these who were martyred and expects that believers - particularly preachers & other servants - are easy marks, always accomodating, ready to do anything to get them on our sides - especially when the church has been scattered. But of particular concern in the text is how one who should have known better very obviously did not.
With Stephen's murder and church persecution led by Saul of Tarsus, the church save its leadership of Apostle-Prophets was scattered from Jerusalem. Phillip the Deacon was dispatched to Samaria. He encountered and impressed a man, Simon Magus, who was highly regarded by the people, holding himself up as the great power of God. He was not. But after seeing the people believe the Christ through Phillip's preaching, he himself decided that he, of himself, would believe also and followed Phillip as Phillip served.
The church leadership group of Apostle-Prophets sent Peter & John to verify the faith of the Samaritans. Confirmation of their true faith in Christ brought about their reception of the Holy Ghost, demonstrating that Christ had sent the Word not only to Jerusalem & Judea, but also to Samaria and soon to the Gentiles in the uttermost parts of the earth. Simon wanted to do what Peter & John had done, laying hands on people who would then receive the Holy Ghost. And so he offered them money for the gift they possessed. To him it made sense. But very clearly, it was an unreasonable request.
Has anyone ever made of you an unreasonable request? Something they had no right to ask for, something you should not do, something that would only benefit them while they pretend to be something they're not? Violators who are used to being on pedestals and have no idea how it is that humility shapes a servant? Those who will hang out & just wait for their chance to con you and everybody else just so they can look good? Unreasonable. Implacable. Obdurate and recalcitrant, they only think of themselves and think it to be your job & priority to satisfy them. And yeah, there's always one who is trying to bypass God to get where you are.
1. Tell It Like It Is vv20-21 - I understand that some people are unlearned. I understand that some don't understand. But I also understand that some people just want to play you! Peter saw through Simon and he told it like it was. "Your money perish with you! You have no part of this! You can't buy this! This is God's gift! You don't have a power problem, you have a heart problem!" I always find it interesting when selfish folk say, "God knows my heart." God ain't the only one! And when people clearly demonstrate who and what they are, tell it like it is!
2. Tell It Like Is Isn't vv22-23 - Simon. Was. Not. Saved! There is a clue for us. Peter told him to repent of his wickedness. Repenting - rethinking - is highly recommended for everyone because we need to straighten out our own heads. But Peter also said to pray for forgiveness. Now Jesus took the sins of believers to Calvary. Peter telling Simon to pray for forgiveness meant Simon's sins were retained & not redeemed. I love people, saints & aints. Folk don't have to believe like you. But don't tell people they're saved when they don't believe! When people are trying to use you, use God, and elevate themselves, don't tell them they have a salvation that they may not have! Everybody who mentions God isn't saved!
3. Testify For The Increase vv24-25 - Lips can be a liability. The word can show the Way. And since Simon just wanted power and didn't want the word, nothing more could have helped him. Simon asked for prayer. But Peter's had told him, "Pray for yourself." Then Peter went to testify to those who might hear. You won't get them all. But if you tell somebody about the goodness of Jesus, the church will see increase!