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Simon Magus
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Simon Magus

A magician of Samaria who was baptised but rebuked for trying to buy the Spirit's power — the origin of the word 'simony'.

Role: Sorcerer
Lived: 1st century
Born: Samaria

What we know — and how we know it

Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 1 Ancient writers — non-biblical testimony · 1
Life, role & deeds
BibleA Samaritan sorcerer who amazed the people, then tried to buy the Spirit's power from the apostles — giving us the word 'simony'.
Acts 8:9–24
↳ Simon Peter
Justin Martyr, First Apology 26 and 56 (Simon of Gitta honoured at Rome); developed by Irenaeus, Against Heresies 1.23, and Hippolytus, Refutation of All Heresies 6.7–20. André Thévet — Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons) Ancient writersEarly Christian writers from Justin Martyr onward treat him as a father of heresy, active in Rome.
Justin Martyr, First Apology 26 and 56 (Simon of Gitta honoured at Rome); developed by Irenaeus, Against Heresies 1.23, and Hippolytus, Refutation of All Heresies 6.7–20.

Where in scripture

Acts
Acts 8:18

Places in their life

Samaria
Born · Samaria
Photo: Daniel Ventura — CC BY-SA 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

In art