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The crowds gathered in wonder, eager for Simon's next feat of magic.
With flourish and fanfare, the sorcerer delighted onlookers with illusions of flying men, visions in polished stones, even healing a crippled man with a wave.
But amid the dazzle, an itinerant preacher named Philip performed miracles that gave pause.
-This comes not from trickery, but the power of God, -he said.
Intrigued, Simon offered payment to learn Philip's secrets. But the preacher rebuked,
-Your money perish with you, for thinking God's gift can be bought!
The people murmured at this confrontation.
Simon saw his influence waning and realized these were no parlor tricks - this man spoke with the Spirit's authority.
His magics were exposed; a greater power was at work.