Origins & Early Life

Simon Magus (Greek Σίμων ὁ μάγος, Latin: Simon Magus), also known as Simon the Magician, was a religious figure whose confrontation with Peter is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. The act of simony, or paying for position, is named after Simon, who tried to buy his way into the power of the Apostles. According to Acts, Simon was a Samaritan magus or religious figure of the 1st century AD and a convert to Christianity, baptised by Philip the Evangelist. Simon later clashed with Peter.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Accounts of Simon by writers of the second century exist, but are not considered verifiable. Surviving traditions about Simon appear in traditional texts, such as those of Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, Hippolytus, and Epiphanius, where he is often described as the founder of Gnosticism, which has been accepted by some modern scholars, while others reject claims that he was a Gnostic, maintaining that he was merely considered to be one by the Church Fathers. Justin, who was himself a 2nd-century native of Samaria, wrote that nearly all the Samaritans in his time were adherents of a certain Simon of Gitta, a village not far from Flavia Neapolis. Irenaeus believed him to have been the founder of the sect of...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Seneca the Younger — Contemporary (Died in 65) (65): Stoic philosopher, statesman, and dramatist of Ancient Rome.
• Domitian — Contemporary figure (Born in 51) (51): Flavian Emperor known for authoritarian rule, massive building, and military expansion.
• Cai Lun — Contemporary figure (Born in 48) (48): Pivotal Han Dynasty official credited with revolutionizing paper manufacturing.
• Mary, mother of Jesus — Contemporary figure (Died in 48) (48): A pivotal first-century Jewish woman from Nazareth, revered as the Mother of God.
• Taejo of Goguryeo — Contemporary figure (Born in 47) (47): Sixth King of Goguryeo, who expanded the state and centralized royal rule.
• Trajan — Contemporary figure (Born in 53) (53): Roman Emperor who presided over the Empire's greatest territorial expansion.
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