BEWITCHMENT

---

Galatians 3:1 "  O Foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" KJV

For added clarity here is"The Living Bible" version of Galatians 3:1 "Oh foolish Galatians! What magician has hypnotized you and cast an evil spell upon you? For you used to see the meaning of Jesus Christ`s death as clearly as though I had waved a placard before you with a picture on it of Christ dying on the cross."

In scripture there are two ways the word "bewitched" is translated. Both translations refer to a influential impact upon or within humankind. Moreover, in the bible, bewitchment is often directly linked to the practice of witchcraft. Leviticus 20:6:1, 2 Kings 23:24 records just how strongly God forbids such practices. Let me be clear: God as  our Creator, designed us in such a way, that we are to reflect his image upon the earth. And so, He rightfully despises everything having to do with bewitchment, witchcraft, or sorcery because such practices are not just contrary to how we are designed, but  moreover, because such practices replace the role that is reserved only for the Holy Spirit to fulfill.

In the above passage, Galatians 3:1 Apostle Paul is referring to one of the Greek  translations for the word "bewitched" it means "under an evil influence" or "to be charmed by error".  You see, Paul wanted to knock some sense into the Christians at Galatia because they had been led to adopt the false  doctrine of salvation by works which was  totally contrary to the biblical Doctrine of Grace.  You see, the bewitching occurred AFTER  they had received the true gospel of grace. Subsequently, Apostle Paul, knew that some form of bewitchment had to take place to get the Galatians to change their minds about the gospel truth  they previously received. Oh yes!, they were charmed by error, and under a evil influence even as these words penetrated their spirits; "Who has bewitched you...?"  

 Its important to note that we can  be bewitched by worldliness as recorded in 1 John 2:15-16, or by false doctrines as recorded above, or we can be bewitched directly through witchcraft.  Even though the bible is Gods truth, and because it is clear about the existence and practice and forbidden warnings relative to the reality of bewitchment/witchcraft,  their are those who do not believe in the existence of bewitchment, sorcery, or witchcraft.

 Contemporary ideologies dominate today`s Western cultural realities. Such domination developed from scholars who provided a psychological explanation of what many believe to be a supernatural phenomenon: bewitchment. These scholars, agree with Freud, whereby claiming that all supernatural belief systems unconsciously express and simultaneously defend against worldwide impulses and anxieties. And so, when it comes to "bewitchment" they argue, that bewitchment is a culturally sanctioned belief system used defensively by individuals to protect themselves against admitting and facing a variety of painful and anxiety-provoking feelings. 

They further argue, that since  painful, anxiety-provoking feelings, typically involve loss, hostility, and envy, that what naturally follows is that the individuals must "split off" from the ugly self-aspects which surface internally and project what has surfaced due too the stress in the heat of the moment.  Next, (functionally) the individual must locate (project) these ugly self-aspects in someone they hate or envy.  I will address this  particular subject on another page.

 In Peter Geschiere`s book THE MODERNITY OF WITCHCRAFT, when closing his introduction he writes "Let me end this introduction with three quick remarks that help to define my position in the boggy field of witchcraft and sorcery further. The first concerns the thorny question of truth. A Western anthropologists who ventures into this field can hardly escape the question of whether these representations correspond to "reality." This is certainly the case when the focus is on power and politics. Here, witchcraft beliefs are mainly expressed in rumors and allusions. Direct accusations and public confessions are rare, and it is often difficult to detect concrete actions. Thus it becomes all the more difficult to avoid the question of the "truth" of these rumors: Do people indeed meet at night in the forest in order to hatch a plot? Do these occult means, to which people refer so often, have a "real" effectiveness?

The experienced anthropologist knows the familiar arguments to dodge such awkward questions: sorcery/witchcraft is a "discourse" that is real to the people who use it. Moreover, when is a discourse real? 

Even our colleagues from the natural sciences tend more and more to put terms like real between quotation marks. Clearly, the reality of a situation depends on the language and the notions actors use: up to a certain degree each discourse contains its own reality. However, such an academic attitude is difficult to maintain in the face of impatient informants who want to know why anthropologist poses all the questions. Why is he interested if he does not believe in the force of these powers? Or does he believe in it after all? Back in the West, his colleagues want to check if he is not losing his soundness of mind with all these weird stories. 

Such questions should not be discarded too easily. They force us to confront the validity of the conceptual opposition between reality and fantasy-between scientific knowledge and local representations between etic  and emic  explanations. Such oppositions still dominate anthropology`s general discourse on the Other, but they become especially prominent when sorcery and witchcraft are at stake: the idea that these forces do not really exist continues to mark many anthropological studies.

A very different view can be found in a pathbreaking work that is a source of inspiration for the present study. Eric de Rosney is a French priest who was initiated into the world of the nganga  "healers" in Duala. His studies of the fierce struggle of the nganga against occult aggression in this city are fascinating precisely because he takes such witchcraft threats seriously and refuses to treat them as imaginary. He explicitly attacks the tendency in many Western studies to deny the real existence of the sorcerer. For him, they are all too real: 

"Due to my direct and constant involvement in Duala with victims and sometimes also with accusers, I came to see that evil sorcerers do exist in flesh and blood. No doubt they are infinitely less numerous...my panicky spokesmen affirmed, but they are nonetheless all too real. They are either people who manipulate others` credulity for their own profit (sometimes even using poison) ; persons who are not conscious of their perversity...Aren`t there in every society certain perverted persons who-without even knowing it-make their fellow men ill by draining their vital energy from them, thus depersonalizing them- in other words "eating" them". De Rosney is no doubt right to emphasize that the distinction between what is "imaginary" and "real" is not so clear in this domain. If the belief in the effectiveness of witchcraft is widespread in society, it is indeed highly probable that certain individuals will try to use it. In this respect, witches do exist- that is, men and women who according to these beliefs in order to hurt others and acquire additional forms of power." 

Geschiere`s work is profound and has  been very helpful in my research , study and prayers about bewitchment/ sorcery, and the human desire to tap into various forms of power.  When contemplating such belief and none-belief I Corinthians 2:12-16 often comes to mind: 

" Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man`s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them. because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." 

When Apostle Paul writes that the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God is when   positions, like this , (from above) come to mind;   " The experienced anthropologist knows the familiar arguments to dodge such awkward questions; sorcery/witchcraft is a "discourse" that is real to the people who use it. Moreover, when is a discourse real? Even our colleagues from the natural sciences tend more and more to put terms like real between quotation marks."

  Oh yes! that which is spiritual often  seems foolish to those with  academic attitudes and  subsequently are nearly impossible  for them to grasp. Consequently much that is truly real  will remain stuck between quotation marks. 

"If the belief in the effectiveness of witchcraft is widespread in society, their will be a strong probability that certain individuals will try to use it. Observe: Acts 8:9-11 "But there was a certain man, called Simon. which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one; To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries." 

 Here we see a certain individual name Simon who  bewitched the people of Samaria. Based on what`s recorded it`s clear that he had done many things for the people that described the presence of wonder-working power. It is important to note that the manifestation of such wonder-working power is all the more effective when expressed in elusive, intangible, and oh yes!, even invisible forms. You see, everything he did for the Samaritan people was done in such a way that they did not and could not locate  the real source of the power utilized by Simon.  Obviously the results brought  instant gratification to some,  temporary relief for many, and held others in awe.   Consequently,  In error, the whole city believed that such  results solidified Simon`s position as a man  truly impowered by God. Subsequently, Simon had all of them following him, an paying him much homage.

Life Application Bible footnote for Acts 8:9--11 says, "In the days of  the early church sorcerers and magicians were numerous and influential. They worked wonders, performed healing`s and exorcisms and practiced astrology. Their wonders may simply have been magic tricks or the sorcerers may have been empowered by Satan (Matthew 24:24, 2 Thessalonians 2:9) Simon had done so many wonders that some even thought that he was the Messiah: but his powers did not come from God."

  Since Simon`s power did not come from God, its` source  was evil. Get this: Evil was then working, and in working was revealing itself, but its true nature being ENMITY AGAINST GOD was mainly hidden from the Samaritan people. Oh yes! the eyewitnesses were clueless to what was really happening. Consequently  they were being led  astray. Consider these revelations; first, God had nothing to do with the wonder-working, signs, and miraculous displays of power. Second,  they did not know if these same  signs, miracles, and the exertions of power, were performed in appearance only; mere impressions upon there senses, and the third revelation  reveals how  they could not discern if they were real signs and miracles performed by evil spirits in effort to establish error. The second and third revelations  were both diabolical in nature. I cannot overemphasize how evil was then working, and revealing itself, but its evil essence was hidden from the Samaritans.

 It`s a terrible thing when first-hand descriptions from each and every person in a large crowd are all erroneous! Matthew 7:13 "Enter ye in at the straight gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat." For sure, erroneous assumptions, lead to erroneous decisions, and tragically, erroneous decisions lead to erroneous conclusions. When eyewitnesses interpret everything that they`ve actually seen; wrong, then, the evil one has achieved his goal. The person who is deceived does not know he/she is deceived. They were charmed by error. Bewitched, indeed.

 You see, a miracle indicates supernatural power but this does not mean that all miracles come from God. We are warned of this truth in Revelation 13: 13-14, " He did unbelievable miracles such as making fire flame down to earth from the skies while everyone was watching, By doing these miracles, he was deceiving people everywhere..."

Let`s get back to Simon. Keep in mind  that he had already  solidified his position in Samaria  as a  wonder-worker. He achieved this by providing  bewitching signs, miracles and  flaunting  power in the presence of large crowds whereby keeping the people spellbound. And so, while he continuously charmed them by error, in his own mind, Simon probably believed that his  base would remain secure. 

 However, next as  we reach Acts 8:13.  we see Philip arrives in Samaria. It`s important to note that there was a long-standing animosity between the Samaritans and God`s people. And so, despite the animosity, or perhaps because of it,  God sends Philip to this region. His evangelism ministry displayed a anointing accompanied with miraculous signs whereby many of the previously disenfranchised Samaritans  were being converted and baptized. Furthermore,  Acts 8:13 records how Simon himself also heard Philip`s gospel message, and  believed and wondered. Witnessing the manifestation of a power that was obviously superior to his own, observing the miraculous effects of this new form of power upon  many of those who had been following him compelled Simon to believe. The question, then, becomes, what did Simon really believe? Did Simon fully believe in the gospel message that Philip preached, or did he conclude that Jesus was only a really great magician and worker of miracles? We will come back to these questions shortly.

To read that Simon "wondered" is significant, because the Greek translation in this particular context means to be astounded, or amazed, and oh yes! it also expresses what it means to be bewitched.` The tables were turned, and Simon is beside himself utterly amazed. Could it be that Simon was experiencing the same type of amazement and awe which he had impressed upon the Samaritans? Was he merely reaping what he had been sowing? Or, did he stand there excited, eagerly calculating how he might be able to use this new power to advance his own influence and popularity? Furthermore, Simon had a unique point of view, because he could distinguish the difference between the effect his power had upon the people and, in comparison,  he saw the faith inspiring  power of the gospel truth to convert many of those he previously held spellbound. 

Its of further significance to note that after Simon is baptized that Acts 8:13 also tells us that Simon continued with Philip. Although  It was natural and customary for disciples to remain with their teacher, I am strongly convinced that Simon had other motives for attaching himself to Philip. I `m convinced because Simon was no "rookie", he was well  educated, informed about mysteries, and ever-so calculating when it came to making things happen.  Make no mistake,  Simon was determined to stick close to the anointed vessel of God. Know this: Self-absorbed people like Simon see relationships as a tool for getting what they want and making themselves the center of attention. They are never complete, and always have a missing gap in their world. It`s a strong probability that Simon was trying to figure out how he could get Philip to fill that gap. 

One thing is sure,  at this point in the text, Simon found himself in the presence of a power that was much more greater than the power he had been flaunting. Moreover,  Philip`s  assignment went beyond evangelism because he operated in deliverance ministry.  (rituals to cleanse people of demons and evil spirits).  Recall where the Lord Jesus promised the following:

Acts 1:8 " But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." It`s significant to note that this promise points to the real nature of humankind. This means that it is when  recipients truly receive  the Holy Spirit, and "dunamis" (his power),  and authority  that the new convert is able to return to God. We live in a fallen world, which necessitates redemption. Without redemption,  it`s impossible for humans to function the way God intended us to function. However, thanks to God`s grace and mercy he has provided a way for  humans to  establish a authentic personal relationship with Him. The Lord Jesus is the way. John 14:6 Jesus said unto him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Thank you Lord Jesus!

 In essence, in context, the Samaritans needed to establish a genuine relationship with our heavenly Father in effort for them  to do and be what God wanted each of them to do. No one can be their "Authentic Self" until they are operating as the Creator predetermined. The gospel message reveals the way for humans to return to God and conform to his divine plan. Make no mistake, as stated above,  the Lord Jesus Christ is our redeemer. Through his birth, sinless life,  death, and resurrection he provided the way for humankind to return to God. This was the gospel message that Philip was sent to convey.  2 Corinth. 5:17 tells us that faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. When Philip approached the people, each and every individual, (after hearing the gospel preached to them), each one had to ask earnestly by faith, and wait patiently for God to move on their behalf.  

Let me be clear, as it was for them, so God`s promise remains today for all true believers.  Know this: From the very beginning of our Christian journey until we leave the earth, we are to ask, seek, and knock, and then wait. if need be, we`re  to repeat this process of "asking and waiting" for God. For those of you who have been asking and waiting, God is faithful, and so, hold on to his unchanging hand. Amen. 

As stated above many Samaritans  were being converted. The success of Philip`s powerful ministry is heard far and wide, so much so, that it reaches Jerusalem. Therefore Peter and John are sent to Samaria to confirm the uniqueness of God`s movement in the region. Observe;

 Acts 8:14-19  " Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." 

The plot thickens here, you see, Simon watched ever so intently as  Peter and John began praying and laying hands on those who had been converted. Scripture then records Simon`s response to what he observed. Acts 8:18-19 " And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles` hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money. Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost."

Earlier I asked, "Could it be that Simon was experiencing the same type of amazement and awe which  he had been impressing upon the Samaritans? Here I say that the plot thickens because the amazement and awe that he`d experienced watching Philip`s evangelism  ministry has been magnified as Simon observed Peter and John exercise yet another aspect of the apostolic ministry.  I ask again, was he merely reaping what he had been sowing? Or, did he stand there excited eagerly calculating how he might be able to use this new power to  advance his own influence and popularity?

I further noted, that Simon had a unique point of view because he could distinguish the difference between the effect his power had upon the people, and, in comparison, too seeing what transpired as Peter and John prayed and proceeded to lay hands upon those Simon previously held spellbound. To answer the above questions, let`s turn to a excellent biblical resource; the Believer`s Bible Commentary.  Expounding on Acts 8:18-21 the Believer`s Commentary records the following. " Simon the sorcerer was deeply impressed by the fact that the Holy Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on the Samaritans. He had no deep sense of the spiritual implications of this, but rather looked on it as a supernatural power which would serve him well in his trade. So he offered money to the apostles in an effort to buy the power."  

Getting back to the passage, we find Peter responding to Simon`s monetary offer in Acts 8: 20. " But Peter said unto him. Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God."

Let`s return to the Believer`s Bible Commentary for further clarity. I appreciate how this commentary breaks down numerous explanations relative to Simon`s position and behavior in Acts 8:18-21. Observe: " Peter`s answer indicates that Simon was not a truly converted man. 

1. "Your money perish with you," No believer will will ever perish (John 3:16)
2. "You have neither part nor portion in this matter: ; in other words, he was not in the fellowship.
3. "Your heart is not right in the sight of God," This is a fitting description of an unsaved person.

" You are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity," Could these words be true of a regenerate person?

Believer`s Commentary records, Acts 8:22-24  "Peter urged Simon to repent of his great sin, and pray that his wicked plan might be forgiven. Simon`s reply was to ask Peter to serve as a mediator between God and himself. He was the forerunner of those who would rather go to a human mediator than to the Lord Himself. That their was no true repentance on Simon` part is indicated by the words, " Pray to the Lord for me, that none of these things which you have spoken may come upon me," He was not sorry for his sin, but only for the consequences which it might bring on him." 

 I believe that Scripture compels  us` to confront the validity of supernatural powers.

(Good & Evil) Since our subject has been on "bewitchment" it`s important to understand that the word "sorcery" in the bible is always used in reference to an evil or deceptive practice.  Relative to evil and/or deceptive practices  I`m led to consider how Satan  identified with Simon. Certainly, evil spirits observed Simons behavioral patterns, social interactions, work ethic, and were also familiar with the type of mind-set that Simon  developed over time.  Yes! they had all this information before they employed him.

Subsequently, it`s within reason to suggest that evil spirits had been nurturing, Simons mindset, and grooming him for some time.  And so, don`t just  envision Simon excited, and standing there in the physical realm  eagerly calculating how he might be able to use this new power to advance his own influence and popularity.  You see, simultaneously in the realm of the spirit,   evil spiritual cunning trap-setters, with great subtly were injecting multiple kinds of ideas into Simon`s head that reinforced what Simon, in error assumed. which, in turn intensified his unquenchable thirst for power.   Oh yes! the evil one knows how to bait his hook, and the diabolical bait will always be tailor-made and succulent! Could it be that in this case, the bewitcher was himself bewitched? 

For me, it is Scripture that best defines my position in the field of witchcraft, sorcery, and bewitchment. For sure, it can be difficult for some who study the Word of God, to come to terms with influential forces what can`t be verified through scientific knowledge. And as stated above, academic attitudes often lead many not to believe in the force of these powers.   This is one reason why Proverbs 3:5-6  tells us " Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." God is not merely  full of truth He is truth and He is so merciful. When sending Philip and later Peter and John to Samaria, the intent was to bring the people out of darkness and welcome them into His marvelous light! 

When Simon witnessed the manifestation of a power that was much greater than the one he was accustomed too, he hungered much more for the honor that was bestowed upon the apostles, instead of desiring to do great things for others. When opportunities were graciously provided for Simon to embrace the manifestations of  TRUTH  which displayed the validity and superiority of  "good" supernatural influential powers over "evil" supernatural influential powers  his response revealed what was in him.

2 Thessalonians 2:10  "And  with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved."  

In conclusion,  you and I can develop our ability to discern good and evil by understanding the role  the moral dimension plays in linking the physical world and the unseen but just as real spiritual world. You see, it was impossible for Simon to embrace the manifestation of truth because he did not love truth. 2 Corinthians 6:14 explains it another way. "And what fellowship does light have with darkness? Matthew 7:15-20 Jesus said "Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their by their fruits you will know them." good will always prevail over evil.  After the Samaritans were converted and set free, no longer bewitched, their spiritual eyes were opened. 

2 Kings 6:17 The prophet told him. that their are more of them with us, than their are with them (angels of light v dark angels) "Then Elisha prayed "0 LORD, please Open his eyes , so that he may see, " Then the LORD opened the young mans eyes and he could see what Elisha saw happening in the spirit realm.  My brother, my sister, Good will always prevail over evil. God is good. Amen