He describes Simon as the founder of a heretical Christian sect.
Irenaeus, writing sometime later, ties together Simon from Acts with Justin Martyr’s deceitful teacher Simon. He speaks of Simon teaching “wicked and deceitful doctrine.” ( Second Apology XV) Justin Martyr does not seem to be aware of the story in Acts. Justin Martyr ( First Apology I.26) wrote of a Samaritan named Simon who was venerated by some as a god in Rome and elsewhere because of his magic. He converts to Christianity at the preaching of the evangelist Philip, but is rebuked by Peter for trying to purchase Peter and John’s spiritual abilities with money. In Acts 8, there is a character named Simon who has bewitched the people of Samaria with his magic. Acting on behalf of his friend, Simon persuaded the beautiful Drusilla, the sister of king Agrippa II, to leave her husband and marry Felix. According to Josephus ( Antiquities XX.7 §2), there was a Cypriot named Simon who pretended to be a magician, and he was a personal friend of Felix, the procurator of Judea (52–58). In case you’re not familiar with him, here’s a brief run-down on what various texts say about him: 
One of the most notorious arch-heretics of early Christianity was an enigmatic figure known as Simon Magus (Simon the Magician) or Simon of Samaria.
0 kommentar(er)
