Dictionary Summary:A sorcerer of great repute for his magical arts among the Samaritans ([Acts 8:9-11](/acts#Acts.8.9)). He afterwards became a professed convert to the faith under the preaching of Philip the deacon and evangelist (12, 13). His profession was, however, soon found to be hollow. His conduct called forth from Peter a stern rebuke (8:18-23). From this moment he disappears from the Church’s history. The term “Simony,” as denoting the purchase for money of spiritual offices, is derived from him. ²