-
Saint Peter Preaching in Samaria and Denouncing Simon the Sorcerer
unknown - Enlarge image
Saint Peter Preaching in Samaria and Denouncing Simon the Sorcerer
- Object:
Roundel
- Place of origin:
Flanders, Belgium (made)
- Date:
ca. 1520 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
unknown (production)
- Materials and Techniques:
Stained glass with painted details
- Credit Line:
Soulages Collection
- Museum number:
5639-1855
- Gallery location:
Sacred Silver & Stained Glass, room 83, case S2
The Acts of the Apostles is the fifth book in the New Testament. It records some of the activities of the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ after his Resurrection. Christ had instructed his Apostles to travel and preach his teachings.
Simon is described in Acts as a sorcerer. Many people at this time practised magic, which was denounced by the civil authorities as well as by the followers of Jesus. Earlier, the Apostle Philip had been preaching in Samaria (in Jordan) and had converted Simon to the new faith, with many others. The Apostles Peter and John heard of this success and travelled to Samaria to continue the work that Philip started.
The roundel depicts Peter preaching to a crowd in the city of Samaria. In spite of his conversion to Christianity, Simon was still interested in magic. Here we see him offering money to Peter to learn the secret of the miracles he had been performing.
