The revival heralded by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 had a couple of casualties. In Acts 5, a couple by the name of Ananias and Sapphira were clever by half. They sought for praise than what was due. When they sold their property, they kept half of the price but claimed they gave all. They were the first set of casualties. A few chapters later, specifically in Acts 8, the story of one Simon the sorcerer, who bewitched the entire city of Samaria is recorded. The Bible says, to him “they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.”  And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.” (Acts 8:10-11, NKJV). He reigned by falsehood before the gospel train of Philip arrived, followed by the apostolic work of Peter and John.

At that moment, he was not only lying, he was living a lie. He loved the admiration of people and wanted to be revered…If we think more highly of ourselves than is right, we put ourselves in the tempter’s path.

Though he had seen the difference between the power of God and sorcery with which he had beguiled the city, he still wanted to continue to enjoy his larger than life status. At that moment, he was not only lying, he was living a lie. He loved the admiration of people and wanted to be revered. That was why he tipped the apostles with money in exchange for the power of the Holy Spirit. If we think more highly of ourselves than is right, we put ourselves in the tempter’s path.