New Testament

Acts 8:9

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In the city of Samaria, there was a man named Simon who was known for practicing sorcery.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 62
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
CBTClear Bible Translation

Now a certain man named Simon had previously practiced sorcery in that city and amazed the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great.

KJVKing James Version

But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In the city of Samaria, there was a man named Simon who was known for practicing sorcery. He captivated the people with his magical abilities and claimed to be someone extraordinary. Simon's reputation grew as he amazed the crowd, leading them to believe he had special powers. His influence was significant, and many were drawn to him, eager to witness his feats. However, Simon's magic was not genuine; it was a trick that deceived the people. This story highlights the allure of false greatness and the danger of being misled by appearances. It serves as a reminder that true greatness comes from authenticity and integrity, not from illusions or deception. Simon's story encourages us to seek what is real and to be cautious of those who seek to elevate themselves through trickery. Ultimately, it challenges us to reflect on what we value and who we choose to follow in our lives, urging us to pursue genuine truth over superficial spectacle. Understanding Simon's story can help us navigate our own encounters with deception.

Key themes

Related topics

deception, influence, truth

How to apply Acts 8:9 to your life

Consider the influences in your life. Are they genuine or merely illusions? Seek out people and experiences that promote authenticity and truth. Reflect on your own actions and ensure they align with your values. Choose to follow what is real and meaningful, rather than what merely dazzles the eye. Embrace true greatness in your life and relationships, avoiding the allure of deception.

Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

Who was Simon in Acts 8:9?

Simon was a man from Samaria known for practicing sorcery. He captivated the local people with his magical abilities and claimed to be someone great, which led many to believe in his false powers.

What does sorcery mean in the context of Acts 8:9?

In Acts 8:9, sorcery refers to the practice of magic or witchcraft, often involving deception and manipulation. Simon used these practices to amaze the people of Samaria, creating an illusion of greatness and power.

What lesson can we learn from Simon's story?

Simon's story teaches us to be cautious of those who use deception to gain influence. It reminds us to seek authenticity and truth in our lives and to be wary of superficial appearances that may lead us astray.

How did Simon influence the people of Samaria?

Simon influenced the people of Samaria by performing acts that amazed them, leading them to believe he had special powers. His ability to captivate the crowd demonstrated the power of charisma and deception in gaining followers.

The Book of Acts
Book Summary

The Book of Acts

Acts 1: The Ascension and the Choosing of Matthias

Jesus shows himself alive to the apostles after his suffering, speaking about the kingdom of God. He commands them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the Father, saying they will be baptized with the Holy Ghost soon. They ask if he will restore the kingdom to Israel, and he tells them it is not for them to know the times, but they will receive power when the Holy Ghost comes upon them and will be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. As they watch, he is taken up, and a cloud receives him out of their sight. Two men in white apparel tell them that this same Jesus will return in the same way they have seen him go.

Premium

Unlock the full Acts summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Acts — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Acts summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.