<p>8:9 <em>But there was a certain man </em><i>Simon by name, who previously used sorcery in that city</i>- Exactly the same phrase is used in introducing Ananias in Acts 5:1. And the context is identical- after dramatic developments in the Lord's work, there was human failure from an individual. And so things are to this day in His work.</p><p><em>And amazed the people of Samaria</em>- The same word used of how Simon himself was &quot;amazed&quot; (:13). He was made to realize how others had been made to feel by his <em>false</em> claims; just as Paul was made to realize and share the feelings of those whom he had persecuted. This is all part of the Lord's education of those He seeks to save, and He works like that to this day.</p><p><em>Boasting that he himself was somebody great</em>- Here we see the difference between the apostolic style of healing, and that of magicians. He claimed his powers were invested in himself, to the point that he gave the impression that &quot;This man is the great power of God&quot; (:10 AV). The apostles repeatedly claimed that what they were doing was not of themselves, but was the result of the risen Lord working through them. We too must be careful here; whatever truths we share with others, whatever we do for others, is all the Lord working through us; it is not of ourselves. Our aim is to be tools for His working and operation, rather than building up any personal respect or following for ourselves. And so much Christian leadership has miserably failed at this point.</p>