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Episode 4 – Simon the Magician – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina
Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor explore the figure of Simon Magus, the sorcerer who appears in the Acts of the Apostles. Simon admired the dramatic manifestations of the Holy Spirit in Samaria and tried to purchase this divine power, an act that gave rise to the term simony. Though he briefly repented after Peter rebuked him, traditions recount that Simon later traveled to Rome, crafted a counterfeit version of Christian teaching, and attached himself to wealthy believers for status and profit. His blend of spectacle, flattery, and religious language made him dangerous, and the Fathers portray him as someone driven by vanity rather than authentic conversion.
Simon the Magician is a cautionary example for the Church today. Spiritual showmanship can mask corruption, whether through money, popularity, or public influence. Instead of seeking attention—whether on a grand stage or through modern media—the Christian pattern is shown in Peter, who went to Rome to counter Simon and remained faithful without concern for numbers or acclaim. God allowed Simon’s schemes to draw Peter to Rome, turning disorder into a path for the Church’s future. In contrast to Simon, whose story ends in failure and obscurity, Peter’s fidelity endures, underscoring the call to trust God, remain steady in one’s vocation, and resist the temptations of self-promotion.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
- How does Simon Magus’ attempt to buy spiritual power challenge my own attitude toward God’s gifts and the motives behind my discipleship?
- In what ways do I risk trading authenticity for attention, praise, or comfort in my spiritual life or ministry?
- Where might I be drawn toward “spiritual showmanship” rather than quiet fidelity like St. Peter?
- How do I respond when confronted with teachings or personalities that appear dazzling but lack true apostolic grounding?
- What fears—such as fear of losing influence, relevance, or approval—tempt me to compromise my witness to Christ?
- How can I deepen my trust in God’s ability to bring good even from confusion, conflict, or spiritual counterfeits?
- Where is my heart most vulnerable to pride, and how is God inviting me to humility today?
- How do I discern whether my spiritual practices lead me closer to God or subtly feed self-focus?
- When have I seen God use a difficult or deceptive situation to strengthen my faith or clarify my mission?
- What concrete step can I take this week to imitate Peter’s steady, faithful service rather than Simon’s hunger for attention?
An excerpt from Villains of the Early Church
“If there had been supermarket tabloids in Rome of the first century, Simon Magus, or Simon the Magician, would have been on the front pages every week. His story gives us zombies, levitation, a talking dog, a jewel heist, and a prophesying baby, just to name a few of the highlights. But it all begins with a true story in the Acts of the Apostles.”
Aquilina, Mike. Villains of the Early Church: And How They Made Us Better Christians (Kindle Locations 528). Emmaus Road Publishing. Kindle Edition.
You can find the book on which this series is based here.
For more episodes in the Villians of the Early Church podcast visit here – Villains of the Early Church – Discerning Hearts Podcast
Mike Aquilina is a popular author working in the area of Church history, especially patristics, the study of the early Church Fathers.[1] He is the executive vice-president and trustee of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a Roman Catholic research center based in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a contributing editor of Angelus (magazine) and general editor of the Reclaiming Catholic History Series from Ave Maria Press. He is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including The Fathers of the Church (2006); The Mass of the Early Christians (2007); Living the Mysteries (2003); and What Catholics Believe(1999). He has hosted eleven television series on the Eternal Word Television Network and is a frequent guest commentator on Catholic radio.
