Second century Church father St. Irenaeus of Lyons wrote of many errors that attacked the early Church. In his book “Against the Heresies” he writes about the Gnostic teachings and ministry of Simon Magus that you might find interesting. Through Simon Magus, writes Irenaeus, “all heresies got their start.” This is the same Simon the sorcerer that Peter rebuked who wanted to purchase the Holy Ghost that he saw poured out on the believers in Philip’s meetings in Samaria. Scripture says, “And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money” (Acts 8:18). Peter rebuked him and told him he needed to repent of such wickedness.

After this Irenaeus wrote that Simon “set himself eagerly to contend against the apostles in order that he himself might seem to be a wonderful being and applied himself with still greater zeal to the study of the whole magic art that he might the better bewilder and overpower multitudes of men.” Simon did this by forming a religious sect and introducing strange fire among the people. He taught that angels and archangels created the world and that “prophets uttered their predictions under the inspiration of those angels.” Irenaeus further wrote that Simon had a deliverance ministry, sold prophesies, potions and charms, tapped into familiar spirits (Paredri) and used occult powers (Oniropompi) to send out prophetic dreams to his followers and those he would merchandise. Simon wowed the crowds and became so popular among the people that Claudius Cesar even honored him with a statue.

Today we can look back into history and know certainly that Simon Magus was deceived. But what would have happened if Peter had not brought attention to this man’s error? Philip didn’t discern it and others remained quiet. This makes it clear that all spiritual experiences need to be judged by the written Word of God. Irenaeus said Simon’s activities brought much confusion and damaged the early Church because “they mislead the minds of the more ignorant and ensnare them by falsifying the Lord’s words. Thus they become wicked interpreters of genuine words. They bring many to ruin by leading them, under the pretense of knowledge away from Him who established and adorned this universe, as if they had something more sublime and excellent to manifest than the God who made heaven and all things in them. By cleverness with words they persuasively allure the simple folk to this style of searching, but then, absurdly, bring them to perdition by trumping up their blasphemous and impious opinion against the Creator. In this matter they just cannot distinguish what is false from what is true.”

Learn More in the summer edition of The Voice magazine as we examine strange fires and the purpose of signs and the supernatural. We believe, the Spirit of God will open your eyes so you’ll be able to steer clear from spiritual deception. Be sure to share this issue with a friend.

Contact The Voice magazine editor at editor@thevoicemagazine.com
FREE download of The Voice magazine