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The concept of Simon Magus in Christianity

Simon Magus is a central figure in Gnosticism, recognized as 'the Great Power of God' who practiced magic and asserted he could deliver salvation through knowledge. He is seen not only as a historical rival to St. Paul but also as an early Gnostic who influenced beliefs in Asia Minor. In the Acts of the Apostles, he is depicted as embodying the 'Great Power' and plays a significant role in the Simonian legend, intertwining themes of magic and Gnosticism.

In German: Simon Magus; In Finnish: Simon Magus; In Swedish: Simon Magus; In Malay: Simon Magus; In Dutch: Simon Magi毛r; In Spanish: Sim贸n el Mago; In French: Simon le Magicien

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Simon Magus'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) This individual's appearance, which had been imposed on another, departed from that person at the same time that the other individual regained his own appearance, and he subsequently attempted to counteract a divine intervention.[1] (2) A figure from the New Testament who attempted to buy spiritual powers, and his story serves as a cautionary tale about corruption.[2] (3) Simon Magus is a figure whose disciples are judged by the spiritual man, and their vain speeches are shown to be the basis of their teachings.[3] (4) This is a person who believed and was baptized, but was also the subject of hypocrisy and reproof, as mentioned in the text.[4] (5) This individual is the subject of discussion, with the text highlighting the severity of his situation and the challenges associated with his persuasion, demonstrating a need for a realization of wrongdoing.[5]

From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary

(1) Simon Magus is referenced as a person who believes that those who are in the well are blessed, want nothing, and have their heart's desire fulfilled.[6] (2) This is the name of a person who is mentioned, and provides an interpretation, relating to the rejection of a gospel and the significance of a cornerstone.[7] (3) This is a reference to a commenter who shares their perspective on the saying, emphasizing the significance of self-knowledge and its relationship to understanding the whole.[8] (4) This refers to a person's comments or interpretations, providing insights into the meaning of the saying.[9] (5) This is the individual who provided a comment about those who are Christians for the wrong reasons, and who will renounce Christ when their error becomes apparent.[10]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) This individual's request and actions shed light on the nature of the endowment received through the laying on of hands, distinguishing it from spiritual life.[11] (2) A figure in early Christian literature identified as a false prophet whose opposition to Christianity contributed to the Antichrist concept.[12] (3) A figure in 2nd and 3rd-century writings who some believed to be a founder of Gnosticism, though such claims are disputed.[13] (4) A figure mentioned in Acts 8:9-24, identified as a sorcerer in Samaria who claimed to be significant, even asserting himself as 'that power of God which is called Great'.[14] (5) Another figure referenced in the text, possibly linked to early Christian beliefs and practices.[15]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) Simon Magus is the person whose offer to purchase the gift of God with money was met with an immediate and awful rebuke from the Apostles.[16] (2) A specific individual mentioned in the text who was baptized, along with the Philippian Jailor, highlighting that even those with questionable knowledge or piety were baptized.[17] (3) A figure in Samaria revered for his wonders, who sought baptism from Philip, mistakenly believing it could confer supernatural powers.[18] (4) A magician who attempted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit from Peter; his story illustrates the conflict between genuine faith and manipulation of spirituality.[19]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) This individual is an example of a magician, as mentioned in the context of the sense of the word 'magician,' found in Samaria, and is associated with magic.[20] (2) A biblical figure known for practicing magic and attempting to buy the power of the Holy Spirit.[21]

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) This is the name of a sorcerer who was established in Samaria and was known for his acts of conjuring and claiming to be a great personality, but was rebuked by Peter.[22]

Significance in Eastern Orthodoxy (or the Eastern Orthodox Church):
Eastern Orthodoxy Books

From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite

(1) The only heresiarch, whom Dionysius mentions by name, is Elymas, the Sorcerer, Simon Magus, a man of great intellectual attainments and a considerable author.[23]

Eastern Orthodoxy, or Byzantine Christianity, is one of the three main branches of Christianity. It consists of independently governed churches with strong cultural ties to Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Eastern Orthodox theology focuses on the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Believers strive for theosis, or becoming closer to God, through grace and spiritual practices.  

Gnostic concept of 'Simon Magus'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: The Gnostics and Their Remains

(1) This name refers to the first apostle of the Gnosis, who passed himself off upon the Samaritans as the third manifestation of the Christ.[24] (2) A native of Gitteh in Samaria who is regarded as a magician and an impostor, attempting to position himself as a god by practicing magic and miracle-working.[25] (3) One of the principal historical figures credited as a parent to various Gnostic systems.[26] (4) A key figure in Gnostic tradition, regarded as 'the Great Power of God,' who practiced magic and claimed to bring salvation through his own knowledge.[27] (5) A historical figure mentioned as a rival of St. Paul, representing an early form of Gnosticism whose beliefs were widespread in Asia Minor.[28]

From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten

(1) Simon Magus is a figure to whom the origin of Gnosticism was vaguely ascribed by early haeresiologists, though the actual origins were far more complex and diverse.[29] (2) A figure mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, regarded as an incarnation of the 'Great Power' and a central character in the Simonian legend, which involves themes of magic and Gnosticism.[30] (3) A historical figure traditionally viewed as a rival to Christianity, claimed to have a higher prophecy than Dositheus.[31]

The concept of Simon Magus in local and regional sources

History Books

Simon Magus is depicted as a heretical figure rejected by the Church, whose undesirable tonsure contrasts sharply with the accepted tonsure of Peter, symbolizing his divergence from orthodox beliefs and practices.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England

(1) A figure rejected by the Church whose tonsure is considered undesirable and emblematic of heresy, contrasting with the tonsure of Peter.[32]