Simon the Sorcerer • Early Church
Simon was a Samaritan who practiced sorcery and amazed the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great. After Philip preached the Gospel, Simon believed and was baptized. When he saw the Holy Spirit given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered money for the same authority and was sharply rebuked by Peter.
Related: Philip, Simon Peter, John son of Zebedee
Scripture: Acts 8:9-24