Who was probably behind Gnosticism?
The context identifies Simon as probably the promoter of what was later called Gnosticism. He is described as a satanically endowed individual whose counterfeit Christianity opposed the Gospel, and there is no scriptural hint that he ever truly changed his mind.
Les explains that Simon did not receive the truth in his heart but only saw what could be gained physically and materially. Peter called him to repent, yet Scripture gives no hint Simon ever changed his mind. Les notes that a book he read recently suggested Simon was probably the promoter of what was later called Gnosticism—a total counterfeit of Christianity. According to some archeological and historical findings, Simon went from Samaria and became an enemy of the Gospel, which Les can believe because Simon was a satanically endowed individual.