He encounters a man in the city by the name of Simon. Simon had "previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the nation of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great." After hearing the preaching of Philip, Simon is baptized and begins to follow the way of Jesus.
The distinction between the works done by the Apostles and that of someone who "practiced magic" needs to be made. We need to be clear that the deeds done in the name of Jesus are not some trick or some expression of the greatness of the person performing the act.
I wonder if we prefer magic to acts wrought of God because magic would be so much easier and involve so much less of us. If we could wave a magic wand and feed the hungry we would have no need for organizing the CROP Walk for world hunger. If we could say the secret words all of God's children would have good, decent houses and we would not have to bruise our fingers as we drive nails in a Habitat for Humanity house.
Magic would be easier than the acts which reveal the trans-formative power of Christ, unleashed and active in the world.
Simon saw the difference. He changed the way he spoke of himself and he gave up his addition to personal importance. He found in Jesus the way he had been seeking.
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