Simon, there with Philip, is one who longs for power. The gospel draws such people who have not yet entered fully the space of redemption. They live in the space just outside redeemed space where their energy and time are caught up in chasing the crowd’s attention and seeking power. Simon mistakes God for power, and many who will come after him will make this same mistake. But this is an easy one to make because having some measure of control over people and being able to draw a crowd is the closest thing to being with God without God’s help.
