🔥 Act 1
The Encounter with Peter (Acts 8)
Simon Magus was a sorcerer from the Samaritan village of Gitta. He had amazed the people with magic and was called "the Great Power of God." When Philip came preaching the Kingdom of YHWH and immersed many in the name of Yeshua, Simon appeared to join the movement.
But when he saw Peter and John laying hands on believers to receive the Spirit, Simon tried to buy that power with silver. Peter rebuked him, exposing his wicked heart.
Simon's interest was never in truth or repentance — it was about power. And that desire would shape the rest of his life.
🧨 Act 2
Simon's Apostasy and New Religion
After being exposed, Simon left the assembly of the apostles and began preaching his own gospel. He declared himself to be the divine "Father," claiming to appear to different people in different forms — as the Son to the Jews, as the Father to the Samaritans, and as the Spirit to the Gentiles.
The Divine Deception
He traveled with a woman named Helen, whom he claimed was the divine "Thought" (Ennoia) trapped in human form. Simon said he came down to rescue her.
Greek Mythology
He called himself Zeus. He called Helen Athena. This was not Hebrew faith.
This was the birth of a new religion — a mixture of Greek mythology, mysticism, and rebellion against YHWH.

Act 3 — The Rise of Gnostic Scripture (100–300 AD)

Simon's movement gave birth to what we now call Gnosticism — a belief system that rejected YHWH as Creator and replaced Him with mystical ideas. Dozens of scrolls were written in Greek and Coptic between 100 and 300 AD.
The Gospel of Thomas
where Yeshua supposedly gives hidden sayings, not commandments.
The Gospel of Judas
which claimed Judas was the chosen one.
The Apocryphon of John
teaching that YHWH is not the true God, but a lesser evil being.
Pistis Sophia
describing a fallen goddess needing salvation.
The Gospel of Mary
giving mystical teachings through Mary Magdalene.
These were not Hebrew writings. They were Greek heresies.

Who Preserved These Lies?

  • • The Greek libraries of Alexandria.
  • • The Catholic scribes who loved mystery more than truth.
  • • The Roman Church, which adopted and protected many of these writings as background theology.
But the Torah-keeping followers of YHWH — the Nazarenes — rejected all of it. They held to the Hebrew Scriptures, the commandments, and the prophetic voice of YHWH.

Hebrew Truth vs Gnostic Corruption

Hebrew Bible Teaches
  • YHWH is the one true Creator of all.
  • Obedience leads to blessing.
  • Yeshua came in the flesh, walked in Torah, and taught repentance.
  • Salvation comes from returning to YHWH.
Gnosticism Says
  • YHWH is a false god — and that a hidden god exists above Him.
  • Rules are traps — and you must escape them through enlightenment.
  • Yeshua was only a spirit being who taught secrets to a few.
  • Salvation comes from discovering your "true self."

The Danger of Simon Magus

  • •
    Simon Magus became the father of heresy.
  • •
    He had heard the truth — but rejected it.
  • •
    He had seen the Spirit — but tried to buy it.
  • •
    He had met the apostles — but walked away to create his own kingdom.
He blended Hebrew words with Greek myths. He changed the message from covenant to magic. He helped launch the first great counterfeit religion — Gnosticism.
Even today, his influence remains in mysticism, false Christianity, New Age doctrines, and every teaching that says, "You don't need to obey — just awaken."
Simon Magus is not a side note in history. He is the turning point — where rebellion dressed itself in religion and called it truth.