Read Part One HERE
A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS
PART VIII - IIIA
"I, Philip, am so delighted with the visit of Peter and John.... We have had such sweet fellowship since their arrival a few days ago.... They were so thrilled to learn that so many people in Samaria have become believers... They then laid hands on all the believers for them to become empowered by the Holy Spirit... And we all witnessed that did happen.... However, very sadly, something happened that was extremely upsetting....For Simon, the one who used to be a sorcerer, offered Peter and John money... He thought that by paying them a sum of money he would be able to do what he saw them doing...I was so shocked when I heard what he said to Peter and John... For I know that God's gifts are freely given and cannot be bought.... Thankfully, the Holy Spirit gave Peter wisdom in knowing what to say to Simon in response.... He and John are now returning to Jersusalem."....Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn what Simon offered Peter....
ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS
PART VIII - IIIA
One of the believers, Simon, witnessed Peter and John laying hands on the believers in order for them to receive the empowering of the Holy Spirit. He was so impressed by what he saw that he offered to give them money so he might have the ability as well as you can read in Acts 8:18-19
When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying of of the Apostles' hands, he offered them money and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
Peter's answer shows that he was very upset with Simon's request for Peter knew that gifts from God are freely given as you can read in Acts 8:20-23
Peter answered; "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart."....
All of us, as believers, will have to pass the "money test." Sadly, Ananias and Sapphira did not pass the "money test" as we know from Acts 5 where we learn that both died as a result of lying to the Holy Spirit. It seems, Simon did not pass the "money test" either for we do not read of him repenting. He simply asked Peter to pray for him as you can read in Acts 8:24
Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me."
We do not know if Simon at a later point in his life repented of his sinful activity but at this moment he seems to only be worried about any possible consequences.
Read Part Six HERE
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