CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Hypocrites: Simon</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--simon.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/acts/8-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/h/hypocrites.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Hypocrites</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--shall_not_come_before_god.htm" title="Hypocrites: Shall not Come Before God">◄</a> Hypocrites: Simon <a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--spirit_of,_hinders_growth_in_grace.htm" title="Hypocrites: Spirit of, Hinders Growth in Grace">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#ttt" title="Torrey's Topical Index">Torrey's</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In the New Testament, the term "hypocrite" is often used to describe individuals who outwardly display righteousness but inwardly harbor deceit or insincerity. One notable figure associated with hypocrisy is Simon the Sorcerer, also known as Simon Magus, whose account is recounted in the Book of Acts.<br><br><b>Simon the Sorcerer</b><br><br>Simon the Sorcerer was a magician in the city of Samaria who practiced sorcery and amazed the people with his magical arts. He claimed to be someone great, and the people of Samaria revered him, saying, "This man is the divine power known as the Great Power" (<a href="/acts/8-10.htm">Acts 8:10</a>). However, Simon's encounter with the apostles reveals the duplicity of his character.<br><br>When Philip the evangelist preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, many Samaritans believed and were baptized, including Simon himself (<a href="/acts/8-12.htm">Acts 8:12-13</a>). Despite his outward profession of faith, Simon's true intentions were exposed when Peter and John arrived in Samaria to lay hands on the new believers so they might receive the Holy Spirit.<br><br>Simon observed that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, and he offered them money, saying, "Give me this power as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit" (<a href="/acts/8-19.htm">Acts 8:19</a>). This request revealed Simon's misunderstanding of the nature of God's gifts and his desire to exploit spiritual power for personal gain.<br><br>Peter rebuked Simon sharply, saying, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in our ministry, because your heart is not right before God" (<a href="/acts/8-20.htm">Acts 8:20-21</a>). Peter's words highlight the hypocrisy in Simon's heart, as he sought to manipulate spiritual authority for selfish purposes rather than genuine service to God.<br><br>Peter further admonished Simon to repent of his wickedness and pray for forgiveness, stating, "For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and captive to iniquity" (<a href="/acts/8-23.htm">Acts 8:23</a>). Simon's response was to ask the apostles to pray for him, indicating a superficial acknowledgment of his wrongdoing without a clear indication of true repentance (<a href="/acts/8-24.htm">Acts 8:24</a>).<br><br><b>Lessons from Simon's Hypocrisy</b><br><br>Simon's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of sincerity in one's faith. His actions demonstrate how an outward appearance of belief can mask inner corruption and misguided motives. The account of Simon the Sorcerer underscores the necessity of a heart aligned with God's will, free from the desire for personal gain or recognition.<br><br>The narrative of Simon the Sorcerer also illustrates the early church's commitment to maintaining the purity of the gospel message and the integrity of spiritual leadership. The apostles' firm response to Simon's hypocrisy reflects the seriousness with which they regarded the stewardship of God's gifts and the proclamation of the truth.<br><br>In summary, Simon the Sorcerer is a biblical example of hypocrisy, characterized by a disconnect between outward profession and inward intention. His account is a reminder of the call to genuine faith and the rejection of any attempt to manipulate or commercialize the sacred gifts of God.<a name="ttt" id="ttt"></a><div class="vheading2">Torrey's Topical Textbook</div><span class="rtext"><a href="/context/acts/8-13.htm">Acts 8:13-23</a></span><br>Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.<br><span class="source">Torrey's Topical Textbook</span><p><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/hogg/the_diatessaron_of_tatian/section_xliii_simon_cephas_said.htm"><span class="l"><b>Simon</b> Cephas Said unto Him, Our Lord, is it to us that Thou Hast <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> [1] [2947] <b>Simon</b> Cephas said <b>...</b> the hour that he knoweth not, [2956] and shall [Arabic,<br> p.163] judge him, and appoint his portion with the <b>hypocrites</b>, [2957] and <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xliii simon cephas said.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hogg/the_diatessaron_of_tatian/section_xx_and_jesus_knew.htm"><span class="l">And Jesus Knew Within Himself that his Disciples were Murmuring <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> [1414] He said that because of Judas the son of <b>Simon</b> Iscariot; for he, being of<br> the twelve, was purposed to [1415] betray him. <b>...</b> [1443] Ye <b>hypocrites</b>, well did <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xx and jesus knew.htm</font><p><a href="/library/pamphilus/the_writings_of_pamphilus/an_exposition_of_the_chapters.htm"><span class="l">An Exposition of the Chapters of the Acts of the Apostles.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> of the Holy Ghost was not given [1368] for money, [1369] nor to <b>hypocrites</b>, but<br> to saints by faith; also * of the hypocrisy and the reproof of <b>Simon</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../pamphilus/the writings of pamphilus/an exposition of the chapters.htm</font><p><a href="/library/flavel/on_keeping_the_heart/secondly_to_assign_some_reasons.htm"><span class="l">Secondly, to Assign Some Reasons Why Christians must Make this the <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> And though <b>Simon</b> Magus appeared such a person that the apostle could not regularly <b>...</b><br> goeth after their covetous." Here was a company of formal <b>hypocrites</b>, as is <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../flavel/on keeping the heart/secondly to assign some reasons.htm</font><p><a href="/library/rhees/the_life_of_jesus_of_nazareth/i_the_friend_of_men.htm"><span class="l">The Friend of Men 223 in Nothing Does the Contrast Between Jesus <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> class only in the community failed of his sympathy,"the self-righteous <b>hypocrites</b>,<br> who thought <b>...</b> Mary, out of whom he had cast seven devils, and <b>Simon</b> the leper <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/i the friend of men.htm</font><p><a href="/library/booth/godliness/chapter_ii_saving_faith.htm"><span class="l">Saving Faith.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> of the heart: it was the faith of the head"like that of <b>Simon's</b>"and it <b>...</b> desire to<br> do them, and, perhaps, those who did, were a pack of <b>hypocrites</b>, in your <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter ii saving faith.htm</font><p><a href="/library/ryle/the_upper_room_being_a_few_truths_for_the_times/chapter_xii_heb_4_14_our.htm"><span class="l">Heb. 4:14 Our Profession</span></a> <br><b>...</b> People like Ananias and Sapphira, and <b>Simon</b> Magus, and Demas, crept in and joined <b>...</b><br> those who make a profession, and to regard them as <b>hypocrites</b> and impostors <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xii heb 4 14 our.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chapman/and_judas_iscariot/and_judas_iscariot.htm"><span class="l">And Judas Iscariot</span></a> <br><b>...</b> when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of <b>Simon</b>. <b>...</b> with<br> stones, nor with the thief on the Cross, but when he faces <b>hypocrites</b>; he can <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/and judas iscariot.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_st_john_chaps_xv_to_xxi/jesus_before_caiaphas.htm"><span class="l">Jesus Before Caiaphas</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And <b>Simon</b> Peter stood and warmed himself <b>...</b> and perhaps the couple of priests did not<br> know that they were <b>hypocrites</b>, but really thought that they were 'doing God <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/jesus before caiaphas.htm</font><p><a href="/library/newcomb/a_practical_directory_for_young_christian_females/letter_vi_temptation.htm"><span class="l">Letter vi. Temptation.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, <b>Simon's</b> son, to <b>...</b> devil<br> is permitted to exercise his power, for the discovery of <b>hypocrites</b> and for <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter vi temptation.htm</font><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Christians-hypocrites.html">Why are all Christians hypocrites? Are all Christians hypocrites? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/child-of-hell.html">Why did Jesus refer to the Pharisees as a “child of hell” in Matthew 23:15? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/left-hand-know-right-hand-doing.html">What does it mean that we should not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3 4)? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/h/hypocrites.htm">Hypocrites</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites_in_power,_are_a_snare.htm">Hypocrites in Power, are a Snare</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--absalom.htm">Hypocrites: Absalom</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--ananias.htm">Hypocrites: Ananias</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--apparently_zealous_in_the_things_of_god.htm">Hypocrites: Apparently Zealous in the Things of God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--beware_the_principles_of.htm">Hypocrites: Beware the Principles of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--cain.htm">Hypocrites: Cain</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--censorious.htm">Hypocrites: Censorious</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--christ_knew_and_detected.htm">Hypocrites: Christ Knew and Detected</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--covetous.htm">Hypocrites: Covetous</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--destroy_others_by_slander.htm">Hypocrites: Destroy Others by Slander</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--devouring_widows'_houses.htm">Hypocrites: Devouring Widows' Houses</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--exact_in_minor,_but_neglecting_important_duties.htm">Hypocrites: Exact in Minor, But Neglecting Important Duties</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--fearfulness_shall_surprise.htm">Hypocrites: Fearfulness Shall Surprise</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--glorying_in_appearance_only.htm">Hypocrites: Glorying in Appearance Only</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--god_has_no_pleasure_in.htm">Hypocrites: God Has No Pleasure In</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--god_knows_and_detects.htm">Hypocrites: God Knows and Detects</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--having_but_a_form_of_godliness.htm">Hypocrites: Having But a Form of Godliness</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--heap_up_wrath.htm">Hypocrites: Heap up Wrath</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--herodians.htm">Hypocrites: Herodians</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--hope_of_perishes.htm">Hypocrites: Hope of Perishes</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--illustrated.htm">Hypocrites: Illustrated</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--joy_of,_but_for_a_moment.htm">Hypocrites: Joy of, But for a Moment</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--judas.htm">Hypocrites: Judas</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--loving_pre-eminence.htm">Hypocrites: Loving Pre-Eminence</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--ostentatious.htm">Hypocrites: Ostentatious</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--pharisees.htm">Hypocrites: Pharisees</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--professing_but_not_practising.htm">Hypocrites: Professing But not Practising</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--punishment_of.htm">Hypocrites: Punishment of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--regarding_tradition_more_than_the_word_of_god.htm">Hypocrites: Regarding Tradition More than the Word of God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--seeking_only_outward_purity.htm">Hypocrites: Seeking Only Outward Purity</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--self-righteous.htm">Hypocrites: Self-Righteous</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--shall_not_come_before_god.htm">Hypocrites: Shall not Come Before God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--simon.htm">Hypocrites: Simon</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--spirit_of,_hinders_growth_in_grace.htm">Hypocrites: Spirit of, Hinders Growth in Grace</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--the_apostasy_to_abound_with.htm">Hypocrites: The Apostasy to Abound With</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--the_jews.htm">Hypocrites: The Jews</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--trusting_in_privileges.htm">Hypocrites: Trusting in Privileges</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--using_but_lip-worship.htm">Hypocrites: Using But Lip-Worship</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--vile.htm">Hypocrites: Vile</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--wilfully_blind.htm">Hypocrites: Wilfully Blind</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--woe_to.htm">Hypocrites: Woe To</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--worship_of,_not_acceptable_to_god.htm">Hypocrites: Worship of, not Acceptable to God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--zealous_in_making_proselytes.htm">Hypocrites: Zealous in Making Proselytes</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/satire_of_jesus_against_hypocrites.htm">Satire of Jesus Against Hypocrites</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hypocrites.htm">Hypocrites (22 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hyprocrite.htm">Hyprocrite</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hypocritical.htm">Hypocritical (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hypocrite.htm">Hypocrite (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hypocrisy.htm">Hypocrisy (11 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--shall_not_come_before_god.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hypocrites: Shall not Come Before God"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hypocrites: Shall not Come Before God" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hypocrites--spirit_of,_hinders_growth_in_grace.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hypocrites: Spirit of, Hinders Growth in Grace"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hypocrites: Spirit of, Hinders Growth in Grace" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>