Was Simon a true believer? Was His baptism valid?

But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great…
Acts 8:9

Let’s consider another question from Simon’s story in Acts 8.

This verse is the first of sixteen verses about a man in Samaria named Simon. His story is a sober warning to those who would seek spiritual gifts and prominence with the wrong motives. Simon saw God doing great things through the hands of the Apostles, and wanted to be able to do great things himself. His desire was not for the glory of God, but for self promotion. In the end (v.20-23), Peter sharply rebuked Simon.

In verse 13 we read that,  “Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized…” Was Simon a true believer? Was his baptism valid?

We must be careful about absolute judgments because (a) we cannot see a person’s heart, and (b) no believer is sinless—even when baptized! However, when we see not only Simon’s desire for greatness in the eyes of people, and the sharp words of rebuke he received from Peter, we have some clear indicators. While Simon may have gotten saved later, it is doubtful that he was at this time.

Here are three lessons from this:

First, a person can “believe” and not be saved. A superficial belief is not a saving belief. Consider three sub-points: (a) When one is truly born again, one wants to see Christ exalted, not oneself. (b) Believers should understand that the power of God cannot be bought with money (v.19-20). (c) Peter’s words to Simon do not sound like words one would address to a true child of God: Peter told Simon that he had “neither part nor portion in this matter,” that his “heart is not right in the sight of God,” and Peter spoke of Simon “perishing.”

Second, the good news (v.22 & 24) is that Peter called Simon to repent. As long as we are alive, we can trust Christ and repent. I hope Simon did.

Third, the entire “health, wealth, and prosperity” doctrine is being peddled in the name of Christ by people who love fame and fortune, yet “have neither part nor portion” in Christ and the gospel. Their hearts are “not right in the sight of God.”  Unless they “repent therefore of this wickedness,” and “pray to God” that He might forgive them, they will likely perish, being “poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity." 

Simon’s story remains important to this day.