Simon Magus (first century) Gnostic wonder-worker and sorcerer. Simon Magus’ Christian opponents said that he was a Demon or had obtained his powers from the Devil. Simon Magus became the prototypical heretic and black magician. Simon came from Samaria. He was attracted to Christianity and the miracles associated with it, and he was converted to the faith by Philip the Deacon, whose magic impressed Simon. According to Acts 8:9–24, the apostles’ Peter and John were sent to Samaria to deliver the Holy Spirit into the population by a laying on of hands. When Simon witnessed their supernatural work, he offered … Continue reading Simon Magus