After Stephen’s execution, Luke tells us that a great persecution broke out in Jerusalem, led by Saul and other Hellenistic Jews from the synagogue of the Freedmen. Philip, introduced in Acts 6 as a deacon, now functions as an evangelist in Samaria. Like Stephen, Simon the Magician appears to have been a leader among the Hellenists. He goes into the region of Samaria and has great success as an evangelist.
Among those who believe is a man named Simon, who is described as a magician (8:9-13). Justin Martyr describes Simon the Magician as a source of much heresy in the early church. While it is impossible to confirm this claim, Luke described him as a first-century magician who used these skills to draw people to himself. “Simon and his disciple Menander as heresiarchs found in Justin (1 Apol. 26.2, 4; 56.1, 2; Dial. 100.4; 106.3; 120.6) and Irenaeus (Haer. 1.23)—the latter calls him “the father of all kinds of heresies.” Lüdemann similarly notes that we cannot get beyond the knowledge that Justin and Irenaeus have foisted gnostic beliefs on Simon, for which we lack any reliable first-century evidence.” (Steve Walton, Acts 1–9:42, 503, citing Lüdemann, Untersuchungen, 29).
This appears to be what Simon is since he has been an amazing person for a long time in the town of Samaritan. In Simon’s case, he seems to have been able to perform several miracles, which gained him a following among the Samaritans. Luke does not tell us what his motivation might have been, but there is a connection between magic and money in other contexts in Acts (13:6-8, 16:18-19, 19:14-19), so it is possible that Simon was functioning as a miracle worker to make money.
My Favorite Magician
Keener points out several comparisons between Philip and Simon. Both work wonders and draw crowds. Simon is a “great power” (8:10), and Philip performs “great powers” (8:13). Both amaze the Samaritans, Simon with magic (8:9, 11) and Philip with miracles (8:13). Simon, however, attempts to make himself something great. At the same time, Philip acts only “in the name of Jesus” (8:12,16). This is the first of several confrontations with magicians Luke describes in Acts. Paul will be opposed by a magician Elymas (Acts 13), a Philippian slave girl who is possessed by “the spirit of python” (Acts 16), and the Sons of Sceva who attempt to cast out demons and are beaten (acts 10), resulting in the burning of magical scrolls by some Ephesian Christians (Keener 2:1499).
Why is there an interest in magic in the Book of Acts? One reason is the ancient world was obsessed with magic. Magic was an attempt to manipulate spirits and force them to act in ways religion did not (Keener: 2:1500). While moderns think of magic as a “trick” or an “illusion,” the ancients understood magic as a way of dealing with reality. Love potions and curses were available for purchase in places like Ephesus, fortune-tellers were in the marketplace to help you make decisions, and people bought charms and spells to protect them against evil spirits. If Philip the Evangelist did miracles, confusing them with magical practices would be very easy.
What is the point of the Simon narrative? Indeed, the gospel has moved into a new geographical and cultural area, but in doing so, it has encountered new problems that were not anticipated or experienced in Jerusalem. Is it possible for someone to accept Jesus as messiah and savior in Samaria? But in the case of Simon, his lifestyle before coming to Christ hinders his ability to understand and appropriate the blood of Christ. “Hearers of Acts next meet Samaritan believers in the summary in 9:31, which draws this section of Acts to a close. After that, we find Barnabas and Saul encouraging Samaritan believers as they travel to Jerusalem (15:3, the last mention of Samaritans in Acts)” (Walton, Acts 1–9:42, 506).
Does the story of Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8 function as a warning against magic? Or was the story intended to explain to Christians the source of the disciples’ power? Perhaps this is a good passage to think about the application: Luke meant for his readers to understand something about the practice of magic in the first century, but how do we draw application to modern, western cultures where magic is not practiced? Is this a story that would be more quickly applied in an African environment than an American college campus?
I preached through Acts last year and covered this section in two sermons. The titles were “How to Spot a Counterfeit” parts 1 & 2. The main points (which are also my application points) for the first sermon were: 1) To spot a counterfeit, I must first be able to spot what is genuine. Acts 8:4-8. 2) Spotting counterfeits can be difficult because they mimic the genuine. Acts 8:9-13. 3) When genuineness is questionable, confirmation is needed. Acts 8:14-17. For the second sermon, the main points were: 1) Counterfeit belief exists because of misunderstood truth. Acts 8:18-19. 2) Counterfeit belief exists because of misdirected hearts. Acts 8:20-24. 3) Genuine belief seeks to advance the gospel, to expand the kingdom. Acts 8:25.
I wonder what the difference is between magic and spiritual miracles. Based off my limited understanding, a magician is someone who is aware of the intricates of nature and how things happen and uses that for his advantage. Long mentions how generally Simon would preform miracles in order for financial gain. Acts 8:10 shows an interesting relationship between Simon and God, ““This man is the power of God that is called Great.” Maybe this was because those people never witnessed the physical miracles of Jesus Christ. At this point in time, they would have been aware of the experiences of the prophets and leaders in the Torah ( Moses parting the Red Sea, 10 plagues). It is hard to distinguish whether Simon was a miracle worker or a magician before his encounter with Philip.
The fact that ancient magic was viewed as a coping mechanism for reality, is vastly different than our current 21st century idea of illusionist and escapist (Long). After reflecting on this passage, I think the primary difference between magic and miracles is the matter of the heart. Philip was teaching and preforming miracles based off the power of God and according to his commission. Simons actions in verse 19 are hard to label as selfish or thoughtful. He could have desired to have the power of the Holy Spirit in order to serve his brethren, or it could have been another business prospect.
Did this Christian Magician try to use his mystical powers to harm you?
As a believer, I can see the distinctions between Simon’s magic and Philip’s miracles. Long’s blog compares and contrasts the similarities and differences for readers of the Book of Acts. Magic is from the Evil One. Miracles are from the Righteous One. Long explains that Simon exalts himself “while Philip acts only ‘in the name of Jesus’ (Acts 8:12, 16).” A non-believer may be confused and fooled into mistaking magic for miracles. In fact, a believer may also be fooled! Therefore, we must understand what the scriptures teach us about the topic of magic.
In previous years, I studied what the Bible says about magic because I am from Long Island, NY which is a very secular culture that indulges in such evil practices. I have a close relative who believes wholeheartedly in magic, sorcery, and mediums who communicate with the dead. She goes to events and has even invited me to go along with her. Of course, I declined.
In addition, my best friend from childhood “Jane” believes she has powers and has a large following who also believes she has such powers. Although our lives diverged, we have remained friends for 35 years! I became a Christian. “Jane” became The (“Town”) Psychic and has her own business called Readings by “Jane”. (I replaced her name and the name of the town for confidentiality and because I would not want any of you to look her up!) I remain hopeful and prayerful that one day, she will come to faith in Jesus and give up her “gifts” of communicating with the dead, predicting the future, reading tarot cards, and worshiping false gods. Although our lives took very different paths, I have held fast to the following scriptures to protect myself from ever falling prey to believing what she believes or practicing what she practices. She respects my faith and our clear boundaries around the topic of magic have enabled us to remain friends. Here are a few passages that have protected me, and I hope they help you if you are ever tempted to dabble in these evil beliefs and practices:
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 reads, “There shall not be found among you anyone who…practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or who who inquires of the dead for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord…”
Leviticus 19:26 reads, “…You shall not interpret omens or tell fortunes.”
Galatians 5:19-20 reads, “Now the works of the flesh are evident: …idolatry, sorcery…and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Revelation 21:8 reads “But as for the cowardly, the faithless…sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
John 3:19-21 reads, “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
And of course, the final litmus test is Philippians 4:8 which reads, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Magic had no place in the Old Testament, in the New Testament, or in our lives today. Acts 8 is a warning against magic and helps believers to note the differences between Simon’s magic and Philip’s miracles which will help us to avoid such pitfalls that may tempt believers to go astray.
This is an interesting story. Simon the magician already “has powers”. The people refer to him as Simon the great. After reading the ESV study Bible, it was interesting to learn a bit about magicians and their role in the the ancient world. It seems this was more common than not. And the magic that they performed was much closer to magic in Africa than the Americanized Harry Potter magic.
If individuals like Simon are common in the ancient world, then the “powers” weren’t necessarily a new phenomenon. It seems like something of a show of powers (akin to Elijah’s Mt. Carmel experience). Here are two people both with power, though of a different sort. Clearly even Simon realizes that this is not the traditional magic or power but something more real and tangible. This is something that he does not have but wants (and asks to buy it with money).
Yet again the gospel triumphs. It is bigger than the known powers of the day. Even the magician is astounded. He believes and is baptized. There is some debate about whether or not Simon was actually a believer. Regardless, this encounter with Simon serves the greater themes and purposes of Acts: the gospel is continuing to spread to all people. And, the power of Jesus is noticeably different from the leading “magical powers” of the day. Even Simon the magician notices the power of Jesus as something different and to be desired. And even he is offered salvation.
Good, I think it is important to understand people in the ancient world did believe in magic (even if we modern people don’t)
I did not really think about how magic is a part of a lot of aspects of our lives today. From the Disney show Wizards of Waverly Place, to Harry Potter, to Horror/Scary movies, to magicians and psychics at Cedar Point on Halloweekends. I have always been taught to not engage in magic or things apart from God. I am pretty sure I was also told not to watch the Wizard Disney show, but continued to watch it instead. I never took anything seriously, but I can see how kids could think or want to learn more about magic. The Bible tells us however to not engage in this type of magic. Deuteronomy talks about not practicing divination fortune telling or interpreting omens and not summoning the dead. (Deuteronomy 18:10-11). Long’s post reminds me of the verse in 1 John where it says “do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). Long talks about both Peter and Simon drawing crowds and performing unnatural events. “Both amaze the Samaritans, Simon with magic (8:9, 11) and Philip with miracles (8:13)” (Long). Just like in Acts 8, we should discern whether things are from God or from this world.
One thing that I think is very interesting to note about this passage is that in chapter 8 verse 13, Simon the magician, was amazed at the work of the Lord, and the work that Philip was doing (Acts 8:13). Simon was a magician from Samaria who Philip met while preaching the good news. Luke feels the need to point out that many thought that Simon’s works were amazing and many marveled at them (Acts 8:11) Simon was obviously a great magician, but the Lord and his miracles astounded even the great Simon.
I have heard this passage used many times in the Christian community as a Biblical command against magic of any kind. This was a popular passage when I was in middle school as to why you should not read Harry Potter or even Lord of the Rings. Looking at the passage we don’t see a command against magic or even that Simon was condemned for doing such magic in his past, what we do see however is the clear power of God once again at work. In verses 10-11 it talks about how all the people were fascinated with Simon, how they flocked to see him. They called him god, and believed that his power must come from another outside source. Then steps in Philip and the power of the Holy Spirit in verse 12. It says the people believed in Jesus. Men, women, and children flocked to be baptized. Simon himself was one of those people, for when he saw for the first time the power of god, he was truly amazed.
Now there are truth dark spiritual forces, and there are many places in the Bible that clearly state the dangers of those. I would be interested to dive deeper into a study on Simon in partially, if he was indeed a true dark magician or more of an illusionist playing with people minds. Regardless It is important to note the Holy Spirits overwhelming power especially in regards to Simon’s wondrous works.
I believe that if you were sort of stretching for further application, you could make a reasonable judgment that Acts 8 warns against being deceived by “magic”. Not a warning against magic, but maybe more of a warning against untruth when it comes to supernatural things. This also lead’s into talking about the disciples and where they get their power from. That’s what I believe is a big part, or the biggest part of this passage. The explanation and the imagery of how the disciples “get their power” and whom they get it from. Acts 8:9-10 “…saying that he himself was somebody great… ‘This man is the power of God that is called Great’”. If you want to focus on the magic section of this passage, you can easily apply this story to how people sometimes take “credit” for things that aren’t of the spirit and would be deceiving to others and lead them astray. Whether that is fake miracles, or even magic, that is what Luke could potentially be drawing out of this passage. The biggest part of this passage, however, is the dialogue we see between Simon and Peter. Simon wishes to access the power that dwells within these men and asks how he could buy it with money. Peter uses this to teach and brings light on the sin of Simon which was that he was in “the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity” (Acts 8:23). We respond like this sometimes whether we know it or not through our pursuit of works in the church. We get caught in the wrong mindset and ask, “what can I do to get more love from God?” which is one horrible question to ask. Because you can’t get more.
I think Acts 8 highlights the differences between magic and the power of God. Long (2019) states, “If Philip the Evangelist did miracles, it would be very easy to confuse them with magical practices” (para. 6). Miracles done through the apostles may be easily confused with magic done by others, especially since magic was more common in ancient times. I think the main difference between Simon the Magician and the apostles is money. This is clearly highlighted in verses 17-23 (ESV) when the Holy Spirit is received by many and Simon offers money in order to have the ability to give the Holy Spirit to others. Peter responds angrily, “But Peter said to him, ‘May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!’” (Acts 8:20, ESV). Simon was approaching the idea of signs and wonders with greed, almost viewing miracles as procedural or business transactions. It reminds me of Ananias and Sapphira in chapter 5, both struck down by God because of greed.
However, Simon clearly did not have an full understanding of the ministry the apostles were attempting to do through miracles and the spreading of the Holy Spirit. Although Simon may have been seeking money in exchange for the ability to perform a miracle (or a magic-trick), this was common for magicians in that time. They would often exchange secrets for money (Polhill, 2008, p. 2097). Simon may not have been acting in greed, but rather out of what he was familiar with, but this means he likely did not have a full understanding of what the apostles were seeking to do. Clearly, this is a story that highlights the differences between magic and the miracles of God. But, it also demonstrates the power of culture and habits. The things we grow up thinking are normal are hard to shake. For Simon, exchanging money for a trick was common and, when he attempted to do this with the apostles, he received anger and judgement. It was up to Simon to repent and to set aside the habits of his life and step into a new understanding of what miracles were and who God was.
As stated in this post, “Simon…attempts to make himself something great, while Philip acts only “in the name of Jesus” (8:12,16)” (Long). Luke clearly contrasts the motives of the two men; Simon apparently is performing magic for selfish reasons, since “magicians often exchanged secrets for money,” whereas Philip is not concerned with his own greatness but with making the name of Jesus known (Polhill, 2097). In many ways this does serve as a warning, that just because someone appears to do something beneficial for another, it does not mean that there is not an ulterior (and, in some cases, it could be argued, sinister) motive.
In our modern American culture, I think most people view magic as a “sleight of hand”, something fun to laugh about but which has a plausible, scientific explanation. One modern application that did come to mind is regarding some so called “faith healings” we see in some modern “Word of Faith” movements. From Benny Hinn to Kenneth Copeland, there are many preachers who purport to be “making the name of Jesus known,” but through their actions we see the true “condition of [their] heart” (Polhill, 2097). I listened to an interview with Benny Hinn’s nephew, Costi Hinn, in which he very clearly stated that his uncle would promise healings in exchange for money–and then when that healing didn’t happen, claim that the individual either didn’t have enough faith, or hadn’t donated enough money to the church.
I think, therefore, Luke’s story in Acts 8 could be applied not only as a warning against magic, but as a warning against those who would claim to do miraculous works through their own power or (worse) claim to do those works through Jesus’ power, all the while being motivated by selfishness.
In Acts 8 the story of Simon the Sorcerer functions as a warning against magic in a couple of ways. The first way this story serves as a warning is by allowing the readers of The Book of Acts to know that people performing magic can pretend as if they are like God of great power. Portraying themselves as being just as impressive by performing many signs and wonders, as Simon did, and that can lead people astray down the wrong path thinking there is another god than the one true God.
Philip also performed many signs and wonders just as Simon did, however, we see as readers in Acts 8 that Simon was only pretending to be saved because he wanted the “magic” Philip was performing. In The Book of Acts’ study notes, “Peter’s [would have a] strong rebuke to Simon soon after [that] would suggest that Simon did not have genuine faith” (Polhill, 2008, p. 2097). Peter says this because after seeing the apostles give the Holy Spirit to people, Simon also wanted to perform that. In fact, Simon offered money to have that ability. Peter responds to Simon by saying, “May your silver perish with you because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money” (Acts 8:20). With this, it cautions us because people can say they are saved, baptized, or even act like they are Christian, but not all Christians live as if they should which is all of us because we are broken people, but some people may be lying about their faith on purpose for the fame it may bring them or the people it brings them to be friends with.
So, I think this story in Acts 8 was mostly used to caution us as Christians. It makes some great points about all the power God gave the apostles, but as I said, I see this verse pointing more to caution us that not all people are doing things with the right intentions and that there can be people who may appear to be or act like God yet they are not.
The story of Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8 is a cautionary tale that teaches the importance of having genuine faith in God and warns against the temptation to use magic to attain power or influence. Simon, a magician, was drawn to the power that the apostles exhibited through the Holy Spirit and offered them money to acquire that same power. Peter’s rebuke of Simon emphasizes that true faith in Jesus cannot be bought or manipulated, and that the power of the Holy Spirit is superior to any form of magic. The story also highlights the dangers of seeking power or control through deceit or manipulation. Simon’s attempt to use magic to gain influence over the people was ultimately exposed as false and led to his condemnation by Peter. The story serves as a reminder that true power and influence come from living a life of integrity and serving others, rather than using manipulative or deceptive means. The story of Simon the Sorcerer is not limited to a particular cultural context and has universal application. While belief in magic may be more prevalent in some cultures, the lessons of the story apply to any context where people are tempted to seek power or control through dishonest means. In modern western cultures, people may be drawn to the allure of wealth, fame, or technology as a means of gaining power, but the story of Simon the Sorcerer remains relevant in emphasizing the importance of genuine faith, integrity, and service to others as the true sources of power and influence.
Generation to generation, people were making money according to what people were obsessing about. Now Tik Tak is popular, and people have started posting videos more and more. And some people are making a copy for their posts. They learned and shared each other’s skills to make more money.
In the early church, what people obsess about was the miracles, so many people use it as a chance to make money. Simon was one of them (Act 8:9-25). He is so skillful in magic and gets people’s attention and makes money. Everyone knows him, believes in him. Where did he learn the magic skills? From someone with price or none we don’t know. But he knows that his magic skill is just a trick.
After he believed in Christ and saw the Miracles of the Holy Spirit, He might properly think, Trick people to get their attention like he did his. Maybe that’s the reason why he asked Peter to Buy the Holy Spirit with Price. He asked, maybe he doesn’t understand the work of the Holy Spirit yet. But eventually, he asked Peter for the forgiveness of the Lord for what he had done.
When this scene was happening, there may have been a lot of people around who knew him. For this, people may understand the works of the Holy Spirit, the Power of God is not like a magician. And this understanding is to spread the Gospel more farther. And we all know that magic is just performing, but the miracles are life changing.
I find that the story of Simon the magician serves to highlight the nature of the authoritative power through Christ that the disciples performed miracles through. Unlike Simon, whose ability to use magic led to a vainglorious attitude, we see how a man filled with the Holy Spirit, Philip, understands that any glory or credit for the miracles performed through him is not his but of the Lord. Furthermore, Simon’s focus on buying the power of the Holy Spirit, even after his supposed conversion, shows how such a desire for personal recognition and power is incompatible with the works of the Spirit. Polhill (2008) shares that Simon’s desire for buying power from the apostles was in line with the common practice of magicians sharing secrets for money (p.2097). If magic was viewed as “a way to deal with reality” then it is clear that Simon’s intent is to possess the power to alter reality by having the ability to produce the signs the Holy Spirit did in the believers (Long, 2019). However, Peter’s rebuke to him shows that the power of the Holy Spirit and that of magic are not the same here (or ever for that manner). No amount of money or possessions can do what the Holy Spirit does, nor is the Holy Spirit magic or anything unholy that it is to give up its authority to simple man.
The story of Simon the Magician in Acts 8 teaches the difference between true faith and selfishness. Simon was famous for his magic and did amazing things. But when he tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit from Peter, he was shown that he didn’t understand God’s power (Acts 8:18-20). Faith is about following Jesus, not using God’s gifts for personal gain. This happens all of the time and can happen even when we do not know when we are doing it. This is a good reminder for myself to know that Faith is only about following Jesus. Sometimes we can be just like Luke and put things we like or “gifts” before Jesus. Luke includes this story to show the challenges the Gospel faced as it spread beyond Jerusalem. People in the ancient world believed in magic and supernatural forces. Simon struggled to leave his old ways behind and fully accept the Gospel. His story warns that God’s power cannot be bought or controlled. Today, this lesson applies in different ways. In some cultures, where magic and superstition are still common, this story is a clear warning. In places where magic is just entertainment, it reminds us not to treat faith as a way to gain influence or success. Simon’s story makes us reflect on our own faith. True faith means trusting God and seeking Him, not using religion for personal benefit. The Gospel and the Holy Spirit are gifts from God, not things we can buy or control.
I think that “magic” in accordance with the Bible should be separated in two ways based on what the source of it is. The first one is easy, with people like Phillip and the disciples performing miracles in the name of Jesus, God is the source of this kind of “magic.” It’s also important to say that the people “performing” these miracles aren’t actually doing them at all, it is the power of God working through them to do the miracles. (In the case of Jesus, yes Jesus Himself can perform miracles because He is the Son of God. One can also make a case that God works through Jesus to perform miracles as well). In the case of Simon the Magician, I am unsure if he was a follower of Christ. If he was, then he is abusing the miracles that God is allowing him to perform, as Simon used it to draw attention to himself. If Simon was no follower of Christ, then he must get his magic from the other source of magic.
Speaking of that, the other source of magic that doesn’t come from God I’m not one hundred percent sure of. Keep in mind that Pharaoh’s magicians were able to replicate a few of the Ten Plagues in Exodus (Exodus 7:11-12, 8:19). While Pharaoh’s sorcerers were able to copy some of the plagues, God’s miracles proved their might over the magic of Pharaoh’s sorcerers. This would lead me to believe that if someone is able to utilize actual magic and they do not worship God, then the source of that magic might be demonic in nature. I do not know if that’s right, that’s just my guess. This passage is to tell us that we are not to take credit for God’s miracles. Anyone who claims credit for a miracle instead of owing it to God is lying and being selfish.
I think that when you take this text into a cultural perspective that it may be a warning against magic. Long states that the ancient world was obsessed with magic. So, if someone is reading the texts and recognizes that Simon was using magic in order to gain fame or money then it would be a warning. However, it does give a perspective that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not for sale. The power of Jesus is given to the ones who have the right heart. They are chosen because Jesus can see their heart. In verse 20 Peter calls him out for his wrong intentions. I wonder if with the Holy Spirit the disciples are able to see the hearts of people like Jesus did. Jesus knew the heart of the woman at the well. He was able to see past the sin and mistakes of people. Is Peter able to the heart of this man or does he just assume because of the question posed by Simon?
So how do we understand this in our modern society? I think that we need to listen to what is being said. The power of Jesus is not for sale and there is no point if you are doing it for reasons such as a gain for yourself. The American culture is not as connected to the magic that is talked about in scripture. However, there are things that are presented as “all knowing” and “all powerful”. I believe that we are to run a diagnosis on our heart to see where they are at. Is our heart really following after Jesus or are we in it for the gains?
I’m sure Simon had some level of pull maybe just as an entertainer and not so much as like a wizard or something, the way he is spoken about made it seem like the people were putting him on such a high pedestal not him raising himself making claims he was god or some higher power. Not liking someone who claims they are something more then they are not but it’s not completely their own fault for the words that others would use to classify them as. It also seemed like Simon was doing what he was for good, trying to help others and be kind, yes at a monetary value but he still wanted to do good things, and he wasn’t atrociously evil. I think the story was intended to not trust everyone who claims to be magical as their intention may not always be completely pure. Or it was against magic, or anything called the sort as it could be seen as a gift from the devil perhaps, which would make that magic evil. I think it would be better applied in an African type of environment as the use of “voodoo” would be seen as evil possibly and that the one true time of magics existence is when its given to someone only through the power of God.