Topical Bible: Sorcery: Practiced by the Magicians

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Sorcery, as depicted in the Bible, is often associated with the practice of magic and the use of supernatural powers that are not of God. It is frequently condemned in Scripture as an abomination and is linked to idolatry and rebellion against God. The practice of sorcery by magicians is particularly noted in several key biblical narratives, where it serves as a backdrop to the demonstration of God's superior power and authority.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, sorcery is explicitly forbidden and is considered a serious offense against God. The Law of Moses clearly states, "Do not allow a sorceress to live" (Exodus 22:18). This reflects the severity with which God views the practice of sorcery, as it involves invoking powers that are contrary to His will.

One of the most notable instances of sorcery practiced by magicians is found in the account of Moses and Aaron confronting Pharaoh in Egypt. Pharaoh's magicians are described as using their secret arts to replicate some of the miracles performed by Moses and Aaron. For example, when Aaron's staff turned into a serpent, "Pharaoh also summoned the wise men and sorcerers, and they—the magicians of Egypt—also did the same things by their magic arts" (Exodus 7:11). However, the superiority of God's power is demonstrated when Aaron's staff swallows up their staffs, indicating the futility of their sorcery against the divine power of God.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, sorcery continues to be condemned and is associated with falsehood and deception. The Book of Acts provides an account of Simon the Sorcerer, who practiced magic in Samaria and amazed the people, claiming to be someone great. However, upon hearing the gospel preached by Philip, Simon believed and was baptized. Despite this, his heart was not right before God, as evidenced when he offered money to the apostles to receive the power of the Holy Spirit. Peter rebuked him, saying, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!" (Acts 8:20).

Another significant New Testament account is that of Elymas the sorcerer, also known as Bar-Jesus, who opposed Paul and Barnabas on the island of Cyprus. Elymas attempted to turn the proconsul away from the faith, but Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebuked him: "You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery" (Acts 13:10). Elymas was struck with blindness, demonstrating the power of God over the deceptive practices of sorcery.

Theological Implications

Throughout Scripture, sorcery is consistently portrayed as a counterfeit power that stands in opposition to the truth and authority of God. It is often linked with false prophets and those who lead others astray. The practice of sorcery by magicians serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle between the forces of darkness and the kingdom of God. Believers are called to discernment and to rely on the Holy Spirit, rejecting any form of sorcery or magic that seeks to undermine the sovereignty of God.

In summary, the biblical narrative presents sorcery as a practice that is ultimately powerless against the true and living God. The accounts of magicians in both the Old and New Testaments highlight the futility of relying on such practices and underscore the call to worship and serve God alone.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 7:11,22
Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 8:7,18
And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs on the land of Egypt.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Ephesus
... But the word of God and the stern testimony of facts declare that sorcery is practiced
in this age as verily as in the days of the old-time magicians. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 27 ephesus.htm

The Fall of the House of Ahab
... in spiritism may speak with scorn of the magicians of old ... who give themselves up
to the sorcery of Satan ... Idolatrous customs were still practiced by many of the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 16 the fall of.htm

Acts xix. 8, 9
... Ephesus was famous for its sorcerers and magicians. ... were arts connected with this
sorcery and the ... believers (pon pepisteukoton) who still practiced magic come ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xli acts xix 8.htm