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Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city.

But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, to whom 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. But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. (Acts 8:4-13)

In this story, a curse breaker (Philip) walked into a city and brought great change to the people. He loved Jesus. He lived out of Jesus’ power. He let Jesus work through him. He was a man of the Spirit shining the light of Jesus into a region controlled by a different, powerful spirit. A sorcerer, operating in a spirit of witchcraft, had the entire city in his grip. He controlled through intimidation, domination, and manipulation. He used magic to spell bind them. But he and the spirit he operated in were no match for the Holy Spirit. Philip walked onto the scene and flipped the city on its head. Philip demonstrated the power of God which is displayed in love, joy and peace. He brought miracles and wonders. He showed them the difference that the power of God makes and even Simon could not deny what was happening. He saw Jesus in action and fell on his face before the one true God.