What did Simon, the sorcerer see?

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What’s Your Question? for July 29, 2009

Philip went to Samaria, preached the gospel and confirmed it through miracles. Simon saw the difference between his sorcery and the miracles of Philip. When apostles went and gave miraculous gifts, Simon “saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given” and tried to buy the gift (Acts 8:18). The apostles had power that Philip did not have. They had laid hands on Philip (Acts 6:5,6), and he had miraculous power, but could not transfer it to others. Simon did not try to buy the power of the Spirit from Philip, but when he saw that apostles could bestow it, he offered them money. Apostles had accompanied Jesus since His baptism and been witnesses of His resurrection (Acts 1:21-26). No one today meets those qualifications, therefore no one has miraculous power.