Philip the evangelist was one of the disciples who "went everywhere preaching the word" (Acts 8:4 NKJV). Luke recorded that he went down to the city of Samaria and "preached Christ to them" (Acts 8:5). When the people of Samaria "believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized" (Acts 8:12). Later, apostles Peter and John also came from Jerusalem and "preached the word of the Lord." Afterwards, they returned to Jerusalem, "preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans" (Acts 8:25).
In the city of Samaria, there was a certain man named Simon. He "practiced sorcery" (Acts 8:9). For a long time, he astonished the people of Samaria with his sorceries (Acts 8:11). However, when Philip came to Samaria preaching Christ, performing genuine miracles to confirm the gospel, the people believed Philip (Acts 8:6-7). Then, something wonderful happened. "Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip" (Acts 8:13). "Samaria had received the word of God" (Acts 8:14). Simon and the others had been "baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 8:16). Philip, who previously practiced sorcery, became a Christian!
Some might have looked at the life of Simon as hopeless. First, Simon was a Samaritan. There was great animosity between the Jews and Samaritans. As the woman of Samaria said to Jesus, the "Jews have no dealings with Samaritans" (John 4:9). Yet the gospel is for all: Jew, Gentile, and Samaritan! Second, Simon was a sorcerer. This was a transgression of the Law of Moses (Deut. 18:10). The Samaritans also possessed the Pentateuch, which prohibited witchcraft and sorcery. Under the Law of Christ, sorcery is forbidden as a work of the flesh (Gal. 5:20). Third, Simon deceived the people. Both "sorcerers" and "liars" are condemned (Rev. 21:8; 22:15). Luke recorded that he "astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great" (Acts 8:9). All the people fell for his deception, from "the least to the greatest" (Acts 8:10). However, despite the wicked life which he previously lived, Simon began a new life in Christ.
As a recent convert, Simon faced the temptation of greed. He attempted to purchase the miraculous gift of the Holy Spirit from the apostles Peter and John (Acts 8:18-19). Peter rebuked Simon, saying, "Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you" (Acts 8:22). As an erring Christian, Simon was instructed to repent of his sin and pray for forgiveness. If Simon did not repent and pray, he would "perish" in his sin (Acts 8:20).
Was Simon genuinely converted? Yes! Some argue incorrectly that he was not truly converted because of his transgression after his baptism. If that were the case, where would any of us be today? Simon believed and was baptized just as the Samaritans. He did exactly what the other Samaritans did. Note the word "also" (Acts 8:13). To question his conversion is to doubt the conversion of the Samaritans (c.f. Acts 8:14).
Jesus taught that "repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke 24:47). All nations included Samaria! The same gospel message given by Peter on the Day of Pentecost to the Jews of Jerusalem also applied to the Samaritans. "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). Will you become a Christian today? If you are an erring Christian, repent and pray for forgiveness.