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There was a notorious man who lived in Samaria. He was a pagan priest of his own religion and had a large number of followers. He used to perform signs and wonders to his followers, by secretly using the power of the spirits from the unseen world. 25 This man was known as Simon the magician (magus), the sorcerer.
“Now a certain man named Simon had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he was someone great.”
“All of them, from the least to the greatest, listened to him eagerly, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.”
“And they listened eagerly to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic” Acts 8:9-11
The verses continue saying that Simon saw Jesus disciples performing many miracles whilst preaching Jesus.
Everyone in Samaria knew about Jesus, he was well known for all the miracles he did. The disciples were doing missionary work in the Samaria.
Simon was amazed with the disciples and asked to be baptised. Simon then asked if he could buy the ability of doing their miracles for a price.
Peter the disciple rebuked Simon and said you have no part in this.
Peter said : “For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.” Acts 8:23
Gall of bitterness is someone who is poisonous 26 and ‘Bond of iniquity’ 27 derives from lawlessness, wickedness etc.
Peter was well aware of Simons reputation of being a sorcerer and an unrighteous man.
Simon would have felt insulted by Apostle Peter, and angry that Peter said you would have no part in this.
Simon would lose his reputation of being a god like being.
The Catholic Church claim that Peter the disciple went to Rome to build the Catholic Church. 28 On the contrary historical evidence in the bible proves Peter the disciple never went or died in Rome. 29
But someone else did.
Justin Martyr, Early Christian apologist (writer, defender) stated Simon the Sorcerer also known as Simon Peter went to Rome. 30
In ancient days Pagan gods were called “Peters”. Priests of these Pagan gods were also called “Peters”. The word can be written as “Patre”, “Pator”, or “Peter”, but they all sound exactly the same and have the same meaning. 31
It is now clear that Simon the magician (magus) was called Simon Peter.
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