Simon the Sorcerer

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Prominence - giving out that himself was some great one (Acts 8:9)
Power - this man is the great power of God (Acts 8:10)
Ploy - he had bewitched them with sorceries (Acts 8:11)
Profession - Simon himself believed also (Acts 8:13)
Proposal - he offered them money, saying, give me also this power (Acts 8:18-19)
Perdition - thy money perish with thee (Acts 8:20a)
Purchase - thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased (Acts 8:20b)
Portion - thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter (Acts 8:21a)
Perversion - thy heart is not right in the sight of God (Acts 8:21b)
Profanity - repent therefore of this thy wickedness (Acts 8:22)
Poison - thou art in the gall of bitterness (Acts 8:23a)
Prison - and in the bond of iniquity (Acts 8:23b)
Petition - pray ye to the Lord for me (Acts 8:24)

It is very likely that Simon is not a true believer.  The verb "believed" in verse 13 refers more to a mere mental assent that is based on signs and wonders than a genuine saving faith.  Simon's selfish interest in the display of miraculous power is an indication of his unregenerated heart.  His perversion is demonstrated when he offers money in exchange for divine endowment.  Peter points out that Simon has no part or lot with regard to the gift of God.  His heart is not right.  The words "perish" and "repent" are strong words which apply to unbelievers.  The expressions "gall of bitterness" and "bond of iniquity" are better descriptions of a lost man rather than one who is saved.

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