Acts 8:14-24

New International Reader's Version

¹⁴ The apostles in Jerusalem heard that people in Samaria had accepted God’s word. So they sent Peter and John to Samaria. ¹⁵ When they arrived there, they prayed for the new believers. They prayed that they would receive the Holy Spirit. ¹⁶ The Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁷ Then Peter and John placed their hands on them. And they received the Holy Spirit.

¹⁸ Simon watched as the apostles placed their hands on them. He saw that the Spirit was given to them. So he offered money to Peter and John. ¹⁹ He said, “Give me this power too. Then everyone I place my hands on will receive the Holy Spirit.”

²⁰ Peter answered, “May your money be destroyed with you! Do you think you can buy God’s gift with money? ²¹ You have no part or share in this holy work. Your heart is not right with God. ²² Turn away from this evil sin of yours. Pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. ²³ I see that you are very bitter. You are a prisoner of sin.”

²⁴ Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me. Pray that nothing you have said will happen to me.”