Magic in the Old Testament
Within the Bible, the concept of magic is discussed at lengths, and it also discusses sorcerers. God tells us not to participate in magic, divination, or forms of witchcraft (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). In the Old Testament, God makes several mentions of not participating in magic nor seeking out magic.
In Leviticus 19:31, God warns the Israelites, “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.” Magic is directly related to the occult and demons. All Christians need to stay away from participating in magic, witchcraft, and all forms of the occult.
During the time of Moses and Joseph, the Egyptians practiced magic. While God was working through Moses and Aaron to perform the miracles, Pharaoh had his own wise men and sorcerers to try to duplicate the miracles (Exodus 7:8-8:32).
This shows us that during the early days of Moses, magic was already being practiced. Pharaoh, his wise men, and his sorcerers were directly opposed to God. These individuals were not followers of Yahweh, but rather followers of their own evil desires.
Within the Book of Exodus, God makes the command that sorcerers, sorceresses, and anyone who participates in magical arts should not live (Exodus 22:18). This is because magic is directly related to Satan and his demons. Magic is not what Hollywood makes it out to be. It is not full of magical sparkles, happiness, and goodness.
Magic in the New Testament
In addition to the Old Testament condemning magical art, the New Testament also condemns practicing magic. During one of Paul’s journeys, he comes across a man named Elymas, who is a sorcerer (Acts 13:8). Elymas was trying to convince the proconsul to not become a believer of Christ.
Paul strongly opposes and says, “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?” (Acts 13:10). As a result of Elymas’ sorcery, he is struck blind by the Lord (Acts 13:11).
After the proconsul sees how Elymas was struck blind, he believes in the Lord (Acts 13:12). What can we learn about magic from Paul’s remark to Elymas? We can learn that practicing magic makes you an enemy of God and that the individual practicing magic is full of deceit, trickery, and perversions.
There is no place for magic in the life of the believer. Earlier in Acts, Philip went down to Samaria where he encountered a sorcerer named Simon (Acts 8:9-25). Before Philip had come to Samaria, the people had believed Simon was the “Great Power of God” because of the sorcery he performed.