Simon Magus
Summary
Simon Magus was a religious figure whose confrontation with the Apostle Peter is recorded in Acts. He tried to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit from the Apostles, giving rise to the term "simony." Later apocryphal tradition recounts his attempt to fly before Emperor Nero in Rome, only to be struck down by the prayers of Saints Peter and Paul.
Biblical Reference
Book(s): Acts of the Apostles; apocryphal Acts of Peter
Chapters/Verses: Acts 8:9-24
Artworks Depicting This Story
Fall of Simon Magus Self-researched
A monumental late Baroque painting originally intended as the basis for a mosaic altarpiece in St. Peter's Basilica. The work depicts the dramatic fall of the magician Simon Magus as he attempts to fly before the Roman Emperor Nero, struck down by the prayers of Saints Peter and Paul. It was removed from St. Peter's in 1757 and transferred to Santa Maria degli Angeli.