Sorcery and the occult were common in Bible days. Acts 8 tells of Simon the sorcerer, who attracted quiet a following.
He was baptized as a Christian and was impressed that the apostles could, by laying hands on people, give them the Holy Spirit. He offered the apostles money for this ability. Peter was outraged, and told Simon to repent of such wickedness.
Centuries later, when the church became wealthy and church officials were well paid, the word simony was used to describe the practice of buying a church position.
