Simon the Magician

Simon the Magician, also called Simon the Sorcerer and Simon Magus, heard the apostle Philip speak the Gospel in Samaria (see Acts 8:9-25). As a result, he was baptized and began to follow Philip (Acts 8:13).
The apostles Peter and John were in Jerusalem and, after receiving news that the Samaritans accepted the Word of God, joined Philip in Samaria. When Simon the Magician observed Peter and John laying hands upon other believers, Simon offered money in exchange for the supernatural ability of transmitting the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-19). Peter then condemned Simon and rebuked him so that he might repent (Acts 8:20-24).
==External links==
*Encyclopedia Britannica entry on Simon Magnus
Simon