18 When Simon saw that the Spirit[a] was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also so that anyone I lay hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.”

20 But Peter told him, “May your silver be destroyed with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!(A) 21 You have no part or share in this matter, because your heart is not right before God.(B) 22 Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, your heart’s intent may be forgiven. 23 For I see you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by wickedness.”(C)

24 “Pray to the Lord for me,” Simon replied, “so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”(D)

25 So, after they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they traveled back to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 8:18 Other mss add Holy

18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!(A) 21 You have no part or share(B) in this ministry, because your heart is not right(C) before God. 22 Repent(D) of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

24 Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me(E) so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”

25 After they had further proclaimed the word of the Lord(F) and testified about Jesus, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.(G)

Read full chapter